As the mom of a son in college 9 hours away, there are a lot of logistics around getting your kid packed up and off to college safely.
I am obsessed with checklists on my phone. I keep lists of groceries, Netflix shows I need to watch and everything else under the sun. So, of course, I use my handy checklist for what to pack. But what else should I consider before he leaves?
Cut the Clutter
Work with your young adult to clean their closets every year. Make piles for things they want to take with them, but also what can be sold online, what can be trashed, what can be donated and what can be left at home. Take only what you need. It’ll make move-in day much easier. I wish I would’ve done this the first year, but instead he ended up with about 65 black Nike socks of various lengths and styles!
Shop Later
Rather than bringing all the toiletries, snacks and school supplies with you, consider making a big shopping trip once you get to school so there’s less you have to pack. (Make your checklist ahead of time!) And remember it’s easy to order things online and have them shipped directly to school. Plus, if there’s less stuff to squeeze in the car, you won’t obstruct your view on the way there. And if you do have a long college trek like I do, make sure you are driving safe and not driving while distracted.
Talk Safety With Your Student
Remind them to always lock the doors. Kids can be carefree—and trusting—but theft is a real thing in colleges. In 2019, there were over 9,000 burglaries and 3,100 auto thefts reported on U.S. campuses.
Does your student have expensive electronic equipment, a bike or scooter? If so, it’s good to know that your student’s personal possessions are typically protected under a parent's homeowners policy. At Erie Insurance, full-time students under the age of 24 are automatically covered under their parents’ policy. However, it’s important to keep in mind that most insurers limit how much they will pay for theft of any one item (the limit is $3,000 at ERIE).[1] If a prized possession is worth more, you may want to add additional coverage.
If your student is living off campus in an apartment, you may want to consider purchasing a separate renters insurance policy. Talk to an insurance professional like an Erie Insurance agent to learn more about your options.
Get Your Auto Insurance Situated
Is your child taking a car to school? Or are they leaving it at home? If it’s the latter, reach out to your insurance agent—you can probably save some money. Erie Insurance has a college student auto discount that applies to young, unmarried, full-time college students who spend most of the year away from home without the use of a vehicle.
And if the car IS going to college, review coverage with your insurance agent.
You may want to remind your young driver that auto insurance follows the car, not the driver. But there are two common exceptions. The first is when the damage and/or injuries exceed the available limits on your policy. In this instance, it’s possible that the friend’s insurance would kick in to cover the outstanding balance. Another exception can occur when someone drives your car without your permission. Bottom line: don’t let just anyone borrow your car.
A Great Combination
If you have an auto and renters policy from ERIE, you may be eligible for a multi-policy discount.[2] Talk with a local Erie Insurance agent to get a quote and learn more about having the right coverage that fits your life.
[1]Theft limit applies to certain property classes. Talk to your agent for more coverage information.
[2]Discounts subject to eligibility and applicable rates and rules. Not available in all states.
