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Do I need renters insurance for a dorm?

I’m getting ready for my first semester of college, and I’ll be living in the dorms on campus. One thing I’m getting anxious about is my stuff getting stolen from my room. Do I need renters insurance for a dorm?

avatar
Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
With so many people coming in and out of a dormitory, worrying about your possessions is a valid concern. Insurance companies offer renters and dorm insurance policies, although college students may also be covered by their family’s home or renters insurance policy.
If you’re staying in a dorm on campus during the academic year but still legally a resident of your family’s household, your
property
is likely covered by your family’s homeowners or renters insurance policy.
Of course, you’ll want to check to make sure that’s the case and that it offers you the protection you need for your belongings.
Depending on the terms of that policy, you may want to opt to buy your own insurance anyway. Renters insurance has lower deductibles than home insurance, so you wouldn’t have to pay as much out of pocket if you did experience damage or loss.
For college students, many insurance companies also specifically offer dorm insurance. Typically, dorm insurance offers protection of personal property but not personal liability or loss of use coverage.
If you were renting an off-campus apartment, getting renters insurance to protect your belongings and
personal liability
would be a good idea.
There’s a lot that can be anxiety-inducing about heading off to college for the first time, but worrying about replacing your personal belongings shouldn’t be one of them. If you’re looking for a
renters insurance policy
,
Jerry
can help you compare quotes from top insurance companies to more easily find a policy that’s right for you. Jerry can even help you bundle your rental and car insurance policies for extra savings.
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