To ensure you receive the best service possible,
please enter your zip code below:
before college drop-off
College can create new coverage questions for families. AAA Insurance agents can help review auto, renters and homeowners coverage, identify potential gaps and explore available discounts before move-in day.
College drop-off day comes with plenty of emotions, checklists and last-minute packing. Families think about dorm supplies, meal plans, class schedules and safety, but insurance deserves a place on the move-in checklist, too.
Before your student heads to campus, take time to review how auto insurance, renters insurance, homeowners insurance and roadside assistance may apply while they are away at school. A quick policy review can help parents understand what is protected, where limits may apply and whether updates or discounts are available.
Many parents assume existing policies automatically cover every college situation. That may not always be the case. Coverage can depend on whether the student takes a vehicle to school, lives in a dorm or apartment, borrows a friend's car, keeps valuables on campus or needs help after a breakdown far from home.
Parents should review auto insurance, renters insurance, homeowners insurance and roadside assistance before a student leaves for college. Families should also ask about good student discounts, student-away-at-school discounts, dorm-room belongings coverage, renters insurance options and what happens if a student borrows another person's vehicle.
If your student is taking a vehicle to school, contact your insurance agent before move-in day. The vehicle may be kept in a different location than your home address, and insurance requirements can vary by state. Your agent can confirm whether your policy should be updated for the vehicle's new location and how coverage applies while your student is away at school.
This is also a good time to ask whether your family qualifies for available savings opportunities, such as:
Even if your student does not bring a vehicle to campus, auto insurance questions may still come up. College students may borrow a roommate's car, drive a friend's vehicle, share driving on a road trip or rent a vehicle while traveling.
If your student remains on your policy but will be away at school without a car, ask your agent whether a student-away-at-school discount may apply. Families should also understand what coverage may apply if the student occasionally drives someone else's car.
In addition to the away at school discount, parents may also consider checking with their insurer about lower rates if the number of miles driven is reduced during the student's school term for additional savings.
| Question parents should ask | What to review before move-in |
|---|---|
| Is my student’s car covered at school? | Confirm vehicle location, state requirements and policy details with your insurer. |
| Can we save money while my student is away? | Ask about good student, student-away-at-school and other available discounts. |
| What if my student borrows a friend’s car? | Ask how coverage may apply when your student occasionally drives another person’s vehicle. |
| Are dorm-room belongings protected? | Review homeowners off-premises limits and high-value item coverage. |
| Does my student need renters insurance? | Compare renters insurance options for dorm, apartment or off-campus housing. |
| Who helps if the car breaks down? | Review AAA Membership and Roadside Assistance benefits. |
| How can valuables be documented? | Create a digital inventory with photos, receipts and serial numbers. |
Swipe horizontally to view the full chart.
Borrowed cars are one of the most overlooked insurance questions for college families. If a student drives a roommate's or friend's vehicle and is involved in a crash, coverage may depend on the vehicle owner's policy, the student's household policy, available limits, state rules and the circumstances of the accident.
Before your student leaves for campus, ask your AAA Insurance agent:
A flat tire, dead battery, lockout or breakdown can be especially stressful when a student is hundreds of miles from home. Families should review roadside assistance options like AAA Roadside Assistance, before the semester begins so students know who to call if they need help.
AAA Membership can be especially useful for students because membership follows the member. That means eligible students may be able to request roadside assistance whether they are driving their own vehicle, borrowing a vehicle or riding with friends. Parents can easily add their family members like a college student as an Associate Member online, at a local AAA branch or over the phone.
Roadside Assistance may help with common situations such as:
AAA Membership can help students access roadside assistance and member benefits while they are away at school.
Learn More
Some homeowners policies may extend limited coverage to dependents living in campus housing, but coverage for belongings away from home may be lower than parents expect. Before move-in day, review your policy's off-premises coverage limits and ask how much protection applies to items kept in a dorm room.
Consider the replacement cost of common college belongings, including:
If a dorm-room theft, fire or other covered loss occurred, would your current coverage be enough to replace everything? That answer may determine whether additional coverage is worth considering.
Renters insurance may offer broader protection for student belongings, especially for students living in apartments, rental homes or off-campus housing. Depending on the policy, renters insurance may help protect personal property from covered losses and may provide liability protection for certain situations.
Parents should compare options before the semester begins, especially if the student lives off campus or if the value of electronics and personal belongings exceeds the limits available under a homeowners policy.
Laptops, tablets, gaming systems and other electronics are common targets for theft and can be expensive to replace. Insurance coverage is important, but prevention and a documented inventory matter too.
College drop-off is a milestone for students and parents. It is also the right time to confirm your family is not overlooking coverage gaps that could become expensive later.
A short conversation with an insurance professional before move-in day can help families understand auto insurance, renters insurance, dorm-room belongings coverage, roadside assistance and potential savings opportunities. It can also help parents feel more confident that their student is better prepared for the unexpected while away from home.
before college drop-off
College can create new coverage questions for families. AAA Insurance agents can help review auto, renters and homeowners coverage, identify potential gaps and explore available discounts before move-in day.
A: It may, but families should notify their insurer if a vehicle will be kept at school and confirm how coverage applies in the vehicle's new location.
A: Some homeowners policies may provide limited off-premises coverage for dependents in dorms, but limits can vary. Review your policy before move-in day.
A: Renters insurance may help protect personal belongings for students living in dorms, apartments or rental homes, depending on the policy and living situation.
A: Coverage may depend on the vehicle owner's policy, available limits, state requirements and your household policy. Ask your insurance agent before your student leaves for campus.
A: Some students may qualify for student-away-at-school discounts if they attend school away from home without a vehicle. Eligibility varies by insurer and policy.
A: Many insurers offer good student discounts when eligible. Ask your AAA Insurance agent what documentation is required.
A: AAA Membership follows the member, which may help eligible students request roadside assistance whether they are driving their own car, borrowing a vehicle or riding with friends. Parents can easily add their family members like a college student as an Associate Member online, at a local AAA branch or over the phone.
A: Create a digital inventory, save receipts, record serial numbers, lock dorm rooms and apartments, and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
