It may not seem true, but your baby is now an adult. As your child flies away to college and all it brings, be sure a wide, strong safety net is at the ready. And as you traverse new pathways, trust that you can lean on our experience. Here are a couple of questions that will likely surface:
Since my child is now an “adult” and will be away from home most of the year, should I still list him or her on my auto policy?
Most providers allow children to remain on their parents’ policy till the age of 25, and with good reason. Seeing as they’re relatively young, college-aged kids sit squarely in the middle of the highest risk zone. It’s a given that if they were to take out their own policy, premiums would climb. So if they’re planning to use a family vehicle, it would be vital to keep them on the family’s policy.
Since your child still technically lives at your residence and would list that as their permanent address, including them on your policy will protect everyone all the more. When they’re home on break and want to take one of the family’s vehicles for a spin, you can confidently hand over the keys. And were something to happen on campus, you can rest assured that your child, the vehicle, and anyone else involved will be well taken care of.
My child will be attending college out of state. How can I be sure our policy will cover any accidents that occur while my child is away at school?
First off, that’s pretty forward-thinking of you to ask, Mom and Dad. Make sure, of course, that your insurance agent is licensed to provide insurance in the state in question. Then ask for the details of your policy—learn whether the state your student will be traveling to has certain requirements or restrictions that may affect coverage. Since your child will be away from home, make sure that policy ID cards are up-to-date and your agent’s number is on speed dial.
Aid the transition by including your college-bound son or daughter in chats with your family’s agent. Your child will feel part of the team, and knowledge will lay some responsibility on their shoulders. Better still, you can help to forge a relationship that can last far into the future.
