(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) AAA is currently letting college students and their parents know that they need to review both their coverage for insurance and policies for insurance before they move to their respective college campuses. According to a release from AAA East Central, some tips that AAA provides regarding both homeowners and renters insurance for college students and their families and things to keep in mind for college students as they go to their respective campuses can be found below:

Homeowners’ and Renters’ Insurance Tips

• If living in a dorm, some personal possessions may be covered under parents’ insurance policies. Expensive items such as computers and other electronics may be subject to coverage limits under a standard homeowner’s policy, and some states require a special student endorsement.
• If living off-campus, purchase renters’ insurance. Renters’ insurance is necessary to protect belongings and can offer protection from liability in the event that someone is accidently injured on the property.
• Leave valuables at home. While some valuable items, such as laptops, may be needed on campus, items such as expensive jewelry may be best left at home.
• Create a “dorm inventory.” Keep a detailed inventory of all items moved to the dorm and include photos and receipts. If it’s necessary to file a claim, an up-to-date inventory will help make the process easier.
• Safeguard items from theft. Always lock dorm-room doors and never leave belongings unattended on campus. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the library, dining hall and other public places are common areas where property theft occurs on campus.

More to Consider Before the Move to Campus

• Every two seconds, someone is a victim of identity theft. While away from home, students often live in dorms or other shared spaces, and they may be connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. This can make it easier for their identity to be stolen. Parents should encourage their students to secure personal documents, use strong passwords for all electronics and keep social media profiles private. AAA members can help protect family members’ identities by enrolling in ProtectMyID. More information can be found at AAA.com/IDTheft.

• Plan ahead for moving essentials like boxes, pads and transportation. In some cases, moving to campus may be as simple as packing up the family car and heading to campus. But if moving many boxes or items like furniture, it may be necessary to rent a truck. AAA members can take advantage of discounts on truck rentals and moving supplies through exclusive truck-rental partner Penske. For more information, go to AAA.com/Penske