If your student is living off-campus in College Station or beyond, you've probably wondered: "Do they really need renter's insurance?" The short answer is yes – and it's more affordable and important than you might think.
Breaking Down Common Misconceptions
Many families believe their student's belongings are covered by their homeowner’s insurance or by the rental property’s insurance. Unfortunately, that's not typically the case. Your policy might provide minimal coverage, but it likely won't protect against theft, fire damage or liability issues in your student's rental. And the property owner’s insurance usually only covers damage to the home itself. That means if your student’s belongings are stolen or destroyed in a fire or flood, you and your student would be left to cover the cost of replacement.
Another myth? That renter's insurance is expensive. In reality, basic coverage often costs less than $20 per month.
Why Your Student Needs Protection
Renter's insurance protects your Aggie's belongings – from laptops and textbooks to furniture and clothing. But it also typically provides personal liability coverage in case someone gets injured in their apartment, plus it can help cover additional living expenses if they're temporarily displaced due to covered damage.
Think about it: replacing a laptop, textbooks, clothes and other essentials after a break-in or fire could easily cost thousands of dollars. That's money better spent on education.
Making an Informed Decision
Understanding renter's insurance helps your student make practical decisions about their off-campus living situation. Some landlords require it, while others simply recommend it. Either way, knowing the options empowers your Aggie to protect their investment in their education and belongings.
Ready to learn more? Visit our Leasing 101 resources or contact our Off Campus Student Services team at ocss@tamu.edu if you have questions. We are here to help your Aggie navigate off-campus living successfully – because when our students thrive, our entire Aggie Family grows stronger.
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