Updated: November 13, 2025
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Homeowners insurance may cover college students living in on-campus housing, depending on age, full-time status and residence.
Off-campus students usually aren’t covered and should consider renters insurance to protect their belongings and liability.
Students' coverage is often limited to 10% of personal property coverage, so high-value items may require additional insurance.
If your college student lives in a dorm, your homeowners insurance policy may cover some costs through personal property and liability coverage. These coverages apply under specific conditions only.
Age, enrollment status and housing type vary by carrier; consulting the best homeowners insurance options can confirm eligibility and sub-limits.
Your home insurance policy covers college students through:
Personal property coverage pays to replace your student's belongings, including clothing, textbooks, furniture and electronics, if they're damaged or stolen. For dorm residents, your homeowners policy covers items away from home at reduced limits, usually 10% of your total personal property coverage.
Personal liability coverage pays for legal costs and damages if your student accidentally injures someone or damages their property. Coverage applies only if your student qualifies as an insured person under your homeowners policy.
Off-premises coverage pays to replace belongings stored outside your primary home, including dorm rooms. Most policies cover up to 10% of your total personal property limit for items away from home. You can increase this limit through optional coverage upgrades if needed.
Most homeowners insurance policies have sub-limits on valuables like jewelry, electronics and collectibles, often capping theft coverage at $1,500 or less. If your student is bringing a laptop, tablet or other expensive gear to college, consider asking your insurer about scheduled personal property coverage, which lets you increase protection for specific items.
Your homeowners insurance doesn't automatically cover every college scenario. Most insurers require students to be under 24, enrolled full-time and living on campus. If any of those conditions aren’t met, your policy likely won’t apply.
Coverage depends on your insurer, but here are common situations where it usually applies:
If your student’s dorm belongings are damaged by a covered peril, like fire, smoke, windstorms or a burst pipe, your homeowners insurance may cover the loss through personal property protection. Since the items are stored outside your main home, they fall under off-premises coverage and are capped at 10% of your policy’s personal property limit.
Stolen items, like laptops, phones and backpacks, are usually covered under personal property protection if they are stolen in a dorm. A police report and proof of ownership may be required. Deductibles and policy limits still apply.
If a guest is injured in your student’s dorm room, liability coverage may help cover medical costs or legal expenses. This only applies if your student qualifies as an insured dependent. Coverage doesn’t usually extend to roommates or shared spaces.
Always check your specific policy, as eligibility and limits vary by provider.
Your homeowners policy likely won’t cover your college student if:
If your student lives in an off-campus apartment or rental home, your homeowners policy usually won’t apply. These living arrangements often fall outside the coverage boundaries.
Most policies only extend coverage to students who are enrolled full-time. If your child is attending part-time, they may not qualify as an insured dependent under your policy.
Homeowners insurance often limits coverage to students under a certain age, usually 24. Older students may no longer meet eligibility criteria.
Some policies strictly limit coverage to your primary residence. If the insurer excludes protection for dependents living away from home, your student may not be covered at all.
Yes, especially if they live off-campus. Renters insurance is often inexpensive and covers personal property coverage, liability insurance and loss-of-use benefits if the unit becomes uninhabitable. It helps fill the gap when a homeowners policy no longer applies, ensuring students are financially protected while living independently.
Choosing between home and renters insurance for your college student depends on where they live. Here's a clear side-by-side look at how homeowners insurance and renters insurance compare for college students:
Who’s Covered | Full-time students under a certain age (specified by your policy) | Any student renting an off-campus apartment, house, or dorm-style unit |
Coverage Limits | Capped at 10% of your personal property coverage limit, but varies by provider | Limits depend on personal property value (from $10,000 and up) |
Personal Property | Covers belongings in dorms, but with reduced limits | Covers all personal belongings inside the rental unit, often with replacement cost options |
Liability Protection | May cover your student if they cause accidental injury or damage in a dorm | Covers your student for liability in their apartment or rental unit |
Loss of Use (Additional Living Expenses) | Sometimes applies if dorm is uninhabitable, but not always guaranteed | Usually included; helps pay for temporary housing if the rental becomes unlivable |
Best For | Students who meet age/enrollment requirements and live in on-campus housing | Students living off-campus who need broader, independent protection |
You can file a claim for your student's damaged or stolen belongings if the loss is covered under your homeowners policy. Follow these steps:
Confirm your student qualifies for coverage under your homeowners policy. Most insurers require full-time enrollment, on-campus housing and age under 24. Your claim may be denied if your student doesn't meet these requirements.
Have your student photograph or video the damaged area and missing items. If items were stolen, file a police report immediately and request a copy for your records. Strong documentation speeds up the claims process.
Call your insurer or log in online to start your claim. Provide details about what was lost, how it happened and when. Submit receipts, serial numbers or purchase dates if available.
You'll pay your deductible, often $500 to $2,000, before receiving reimbursement. If your loss totals less than your deductible, you won't receive a payout. For smaller losses, paying out of pocket makes more sense than filing a claim.
Track your claim online or through your insurance agent after submission. Respond quickly to requests for additional information to avoid delays. After approval, reimbursement takes a few days to several weeks, depending on your insurer.
While homeowners insurance helps replace stolen or damaged items, preventing losses is better. Students should consider leaving their valuables at home and take safety precautions like locking their dorm room doors. If high-value electronics are a concern, you can still get cheap homeowners insurance and schedule select items as needed.
Electronics like laptops and tablets are necessary for college, but valuable jewelry and luxury watches are better left at home.
Don't leave personal belongings unattended in a classroom, library or dining hall.
Lock the door every time you leave and make sure roommates do the same.
Understand how microwave ovens and hot plates work and take safety precautions to prevent fires when cooking.
If your child is in college, choosing the right homeowners insurance or adding renters insurance can save you money and stress. Providers like State Farm, Hippo, Lemonade and Toggle offer affordable policies that extend limited coverage to college students in dorms.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best fit for your family. The average homeowners insurance policy costs around $175 per month, but your rate depends on your location, coverage level and property value.
Use MoneyGeek's personal property calculator to estimate your coverage needs and protect both your home and your student's belongings.
When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.
Clothes, shoes, bags, belts, hats, gloves, etc.
Homeowners insurance covers some belongings for college students in dorms, but limits are lower than for items at your primary residence. Renters insurance provides better financial protection if your student lives off-campus, owns expensive electronics or doesn't meet your homeowners policy's eligibility requirements.
Compare homeowners and renters insurance quotes from multiple insurers to find coverage that fits your needs.
Have questions about what’s covered when your child heads to college? We explain how homeowners insurance applies and when renters insurance is the better choice.
Yes, if they meet age and full-time enrollment requirements and live on campus.
Yes, about 10% of your personal property limit. If you have $100,000 of coverage at home, only $10,000 would apply to your child’s belongings at college.
It may, but only if the student qualifies as an insured under the policy. For example, they must live on campus, be under 24 and be enrolled full time. Always check with your provider to confirm.
No, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover vehicles. Your student will need auto insurance for their car.
Some policies extend limited coverage overseas, but benefits vary, so it’s best to confirm with your insurer.
Usually not, since most policies only cover full-time students under age 24.
Most homeowners policies exclude off-campus housing. Instead, purchase renters insurance for your student to cover their belongings and liability.
Parents shopping for college student coverage face a confusing question: Does your existing homeowners policy cover dorm belongings, or do you need separate renters insurance? We designed this analysis to show how homeowners insurance extends to college students and when additional coverage makes sense.
We gathered quotes from multiple insurers using a profile that mirrors typical homeowners sending kids to college. This approach reveals how standard policies handle off-premises coverage and helps you understand whether your current limits protect your student's belongings adequately.
Sample Homeowner Profile
Our quotes used a homeowner with:
This profile represents the average parent with college-age children who owns a home and maintains good credit.
Coverage Limits We Compared
We gathered quotes using standard coverage limits:
We also analyzed policies with higher limits for expensive homes: $1 million dwelling coverage, $500,000 personal property coverage and $1 million liability coverage.
Why these limits matter for college students: Your personal property coverage extends to your student's dorm belongings at roughly 10% of your total limit. With $125,000 in personal property coverage, your student's belongings are covered up to about $12,500 at college. If your student owns electronics, furniture or other valuables exceeding this amount, you may need to increase your coverage or purchase separate renters insurance.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
