Does Homeowners Insurance Cover College Students Living in a Dorm or Apartment?

By Brad Davis, CIC (August 18, 2025)

When a child heads off to college, parents usually worry about tuition, textbooks, or whether their student will ever learn to do laundry. Insurance often isn’t top of mind, but it should be. Laptops, smartphones, bicycles, and other belongings are high-value targets for theft on or off campus.

So, does your South Carolina homeowners insurance cover a college student’s stuff when they’re away at school? The answer depends on the living situation and your policy’s details. Let’s break it down.

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Coverage for Students in a Dorm Room

If your child is living in a college-owned dormitory, most homeowners insurance policies automatically extend personal property coverage to them. In fact, many policies specifically state that coverage applies to family members who are “students away at school” under the age of 24 (or 26 in some cases if they’re still considered a dependent).

This means if your student’s laptop gets stolen from the dorm or their clothes are damaged in a fire, your home insurance may help cover the loss. The coverage is typically capped at a percentage of your personal property limit – commonly 10% of the limit listed on your policy.

For example:

• If your policy has $100,000 in personal property coverage, your student may have up to $10,000 of coverage while away in a dorm.

That might sound like plenty, but with today’s electronics, bikes, and furniture, it’s easy to hit that limit quickly.

The Insurance Information Institute notes that while dorm residents are usually covered under a parent’s policy, the rules change off-campus—making it important to know the difference between dorm and apartment living when it comes to insurance. (Insurance Information Institute)

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What If They Rent an Apartment?

Here’s where things get tricky. If your college student moves off-campus into an apartment or rental house, your homeowners policy may not extend coverage the same way it does for dorm residents.

In most cases, insurers require the student to have a separate renters insurance policy. Renters insurance is affordable—often $15 to $25 per month—and provides three critical protections:

1. Personal Property Coverage – protects belongings against theft, fire, and more.

2. Liability Coverage – covers accidents like if a guest trips in the apartment.

3. Loss of Use Coverage – helps with extra living expenses if the apartment becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss.

This can be a lifesaver, especially in college towns where student housing often comes with shared walls, faulty smoke alarms, or roommates who forget to turn off the stove.

👉 Do you need a Renters Insurance Quote? Get started here.

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Common Misunderstandings About Student Coverage

Many parents assume:

• “My homeowners policy covers everything no matter what.” Not true – coverage depends on the living situation and policy wording.

• “The landlord’s insurance covers my child’s stuff.” Almost always false – landlord insurance only covers the building, not tenant belongings.

• “A dorm room is just like an apartment.” Insurers treat them differently; dorms often fall under your policy, but off-campus housing usually does not.

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Real-World Example

Imagine your student is living in a dorm at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. Over spring break, someone breaks in and steals their laptop, gaming console, and bicycle. Because they’re in a dorm, your homeowners insurance likely kicks in – up to the 10% limit we mentioned earlier.

Now let’s say the same student rents an apartment near campus the following year, and the same theft happens. Without a renters policy, those belongings may not be covered, leaving you (and your student) to pay out of pocket.

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Tips for Parents Sending a Child to College

• Check your current policy. Ask your agent how your homeowners insurance applies to students away from home.

• Know the limits. That 10% rule might not go far if your student has a lot of valuables and it could erode the coverage you are left with.

• Consider scheduling items. For expensive jewelry, laptops, or instruments, you may want a special rider for broader protection.

• Renters insurance is worth it. For off-campus living, it’s cheap peace of mind.

• Remind your student about security. Insurance is great, but locking doors and using campus security resources helps prevent claims in the first place.

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Why This Matters in South Carolina

In Myrtle Beach and across South Carolina, many families send students to Coastal Carolina University, the University of South Carolina, Clemson, and local technical colleges. Each situation is different – and a quick review with your insurance agent can save you from surprises.

At Davis Insurance Associates, we’ve helped plenty of families prepare for this transition. Whether it’s adjusting your homeowners policy or setting up an affordable renters plan, we’ll make sure your student, and their stuff, are protected.

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Final Thoughts

So, does homeowners insurance cover college students in dorms and apartments?

• Dorms: Usually yes, with limits.

• Apartments: Usually no, renters insurance is needed.

• Many Colleges/Universities Offer Renters Insurance themselves or through an insurance partner. It may be limited coverage, but a good option in some cases.

💡Read your Home Insurance and/or Renters Insurance Policy. There are many policy forms (different policy wording), and your policy overrides anything said in this blog.

If you have a child heading off to college, now’s the perfect time to double-check your coverage.

👉 Call Davis Insurance Associates in Myrtle Beach, SC today to review your policy before move-in day.