FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2008
Contact: Jason Moon  517-335-1700

LANSING – As students from Michigan prepare to head off to college, the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) strongly urged these young adults – and their parents – to review their family’s insurance policies. Parents need make certain that their children living away from home are properly covered by their property, auto and health insurance. Parents may also be able to lower insurance premiums if they modify and update their existing policies.

“We strongly recommend that parents carefully review their homeowners, auto and health insurance policies to determine exactly what is – and is not – covered for their children living away from home. Parents may need to purchase additional coverage through existing policies and may also qualify for discounts to their premiums if their policies are modified,” said Ross. “College expenses are high enough and Michigan parents don’t need the unpleasant financial surprise of an insurance claim that is denied because their child isn’t properly covered.”

The following are some considerations and tips from OFIR for parents and college students:

 College Students and Renter’s Insurance

Whether students live in college housing or rent apartments, they will likely have valuables — such as a computer, TV, stereo and/or video game system — that could be stolen or destroyed in a fire or natural disaster. Parents should check their homeowners policy to see whether it will cover a college student’s possessions. Furthermore, if students live in an off-campus apartment, parents should consider purchasing renter’s insurance through their existing homeowners insurance provider.  

College Students and Auto Insurance

Parents and college students should do some homework regarding auto insurance. If a college student is going to be using the family vehicle when visiting home, parents should make sure the child is listed by name on the family’s auto insurance policy. If the student will be taking a car with them to school, parents should check the specific rates for the college’s city and state before deciding whether to keep their child on the family’s auto policy. In addition, the insurance company should be notified each semester if the student maintains good grades, as that accomplishment might lower premiums. 

To control costs, parents should also ask about an “accident forgiveness” clause that promises not to raise premiums if a student gets into one minor accident. They should also consider raising the policy’s deductible and only allowing their child to drive the family’s oldest, least expensive car. In addition, parents might consider purchasing an older car for their child and foregoing comprehensive and collision insurance on that vehicle.  

College Students and Health Insurance

Full-time college students are often covered under their parents’ health insurance plans until they graduate or reach 23 years of age. While students are away at college, it is important to check whether the campus health facility, local physicians and hospitals accept the family’s insurance coverage. If not, it might be advisable to purchase a student insurance plan through the college. Be sure the student has a copy of the relevant insurance cards and knows about obtaining referrals and approvals before seeking treatment.

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