Back-to-School Insurance Checklist

College move-in day comes with a long list of tasks, and insurance is often overlooked. The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) encourages students and families to take a few minutes before the school year begins to review their insurance coverage, understand what protection they have, and identify any questions for their insurance company or agent.

1. Review Your Health Insurance Coverage

Before heading to campus, take a moment to review how your health care will be covered.

• Will you remain covered under a parent's health insurance plan?
• Are nearby doctors, hospitals, urgent care centers and pharmacies in your plan's network?
• How does coverage work if you're attending college outside Connecticut?
• What costs may apply, such as deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses?

Many colleges and universities have their own health insurance requirements. Check with your school to understand any enrollment requirements or deadlines.

2. Understand Coverage for Your Belongings

College students often bring valuable items to campus, including laptops, phones, tablets, textbooks, clothing, and other personal belongings. Before moving in, find out whether your belongings are covered under a parent's homeowners or renters insurance policy, or whether you may need your own coverage. Coverage can vary depending on whether you live in a residence hall, an off-campus apartment, or your family home.

Contact your insurance company or agent if you have questions about:

• Whether your belongings are covered while you're away at school.
• Whether deductibles or coverage limits apply.
• Whether expensive items, such as electronics or jewelry, are fully covered.
• Whether renters insurance may provide additional protection.

Students living off campus may want to consider renters insurance, which may help cover personal belongings and certain liability situations after a covered loss.

3. Create a Home Inventory

A home inventory can make the claims process easier if your belongings are damaged, stolen, or lost.

• Take photos or videos of valuable belongings.
• Save receipts for major purchases.
• Record serial numbers for electronics.
• Store this information in a secure location, such as cloud storage or a password-protected folder.

CID’s Home Inventory Checklist can help you organize this information before the school year begins.

4. Review Auto Insurance Coverage

If you're taking a vehicle to campus, ask your insurance agent:

• Am I covered while attending college?
• Does where my vehicle is kept affect my coverage or premium?
• Are good student or other discounts available?

If you are not taking a vehicle to school, ask whether any changes to your policy may be appropriate.

Need Help?

CID’s Consumer Information Center offers consumer guides, insurance information, and educational resources to help you better understand your coverage and make informed insurance decisions.

If you have questions about your insurance coverage or need help resolving an insurance issue, CID’s Consumer Affairs Division is here to help.

Consumer Affairs Division:
Phone: 860-297-3900
Email: insurance@ct.gov