Renters insurance for students
What college renters should know about coverage on and off campus.
Students living in a dorm may have some coverage under a parent's homeowners policy, often at a reduced limit. Students renting off campus usually need their own renters policy.
Laptops, bikes, and phones are the most commonly stolen student belongings. Check theft coverage away from home and any special limits for electronics.
Roommate situations are common in student housing. Separate policies keep each person's belongings and claims independent.
Many off-campus leases require liability coverage. A student renters policy can satisfy that requirement at a modest cost.
Coverage lines on a renters quote
| Coverage | What it pays for | Typical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Belongings (personal property) | Your furniture, clothes, electronics, and gear after a covered loss | Match your inventory total; prefer replacement cost |
| Liability | Damages and defense if you injure someone or damage their property | $300,000 is a popular choice |
| Additional living expenses | Hotel, meals, and extra costs while your rental is repaired | Shown as a dollar amount or percentage |
| Guest medical | Small medical bills for visitors, no fault needed | Usually $1,000–$5,000 |
| Optional add-ons | Water/sewer backup, scheduled valuables, identity restoration | Compare across quotes |
Commonly covered causes of loss
- Fire, smoke, and lightning
- Wind and hail
- Theft and burglary
- Vandalism
- Burst or overflowing plumbing and appliances
- Frozen pipes
- Ice, snow, and sleet weight
- Explosion
- Vehicle or aircraft impact
- Falling objects
Commonly not covered
- Flooding
- Earthquakes
- Pest infestations
- Mold from long-term leaks
- Damage your pet does to the rental
- The building structure
More guides
- How to compare renters quotes side by side
- Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
- Renters home inventory checklist
- Pets and renters liability
- Moving with renters insurance
- Water damage and sewer backup for renters
- Bundling renters with auto
- Renters insurance discounts to ask about
- First apartment insurance checklist