Why your college student needs renter’s insurance

Hello college! With summer coming to an end, it means a new beginning for many college
bound students. I remember those days…the anticipation of a new school, new friends, new
dorm room. I could only think of how best to decorate my new room, mulling over color palettes
for bedding and curtains and shopping for items to bring liveliness to the dark space.

I had one bed and one desk and had saved enough money to have my own laptop and printer,
which was a big deal for me. I was careless with the items I had and I really should have taken
more effort to protect my belongings. You see, I didn’t have renter insurance to cover those
valuable items, and while my electronics were never stolen, I do remember having friends fall
victim to theft and break-ins. They didn’t have renter insurance either and lost coverage for
everything that was taken, having to replace the items themselves.

Looking back, I see now why I should have had renter insurance. College kids have so many
valuable items these days: electronics, furniture, gaming consoles and more that amount to so
much money that you may never see reimbursed from a landlord or property owner.

And it’s not just valuables, but also property damage too that your child could be liable for if
damage is caused to their dorm or apartment.

So, is your college bound student prepared and covered?

Armed Forces Insurance wants to make sure your college-bound student heads off to school
completely prepared for every situation!

One BIG tip for parents from AFI is that if YOU as the parent are not named on the lease
agreement for your student’s apartment, then the CHILD needs renter insurance.

If your child lives in a college apartment or rental home and accidentally causes damage, the
landlord may come to them to cover the expense of the damage. A renter policy can help to
replace personal items damaged and help to cover the cost to fix the damage done. Costs
otherwise that would have to come from your own pocket.

You can find out how much your possessions are worth by checking with AFI’s Inventory
Booklet found here.

Knowing what I know now, I plan to make sure my kids are covered when college time comes,
which as parents we know will be here before we know it.

Check out more tips on Giving College Students the Financial Tools they Need here.

As a military family, you need insurance that matches your needs and protects what you value
most. You deserve an insurance company that is committed to serving you. MilHousing Network
is proud to partner with Armed Forces Insurance to bring military families reliable homeowner’s
insurance options when buying a home. Contact them today at 800-313-1936 or visit
www.afi.org/milhousing to learn how they can support your unique military lifestyle.