Kids Heading Off to College? Amica Insurance Reminds Parents to Make Sure They’re Covered

Lincoln, RI (PRWEB) August 31, 2011

Students across the country are heading to college, so Amica Insurance reminds parents to review their auto and homeowners insurance policies to make sure their children are covered when they’re away from home – and maybe save some money, too.

“College students often take expensive electronics and other valuable items to school,” said Lisa Melton, an assistant vice president in sales and client services for Amica Insurance. “Your homeowners insurance should protect them, if these items are lost or stolen.”

If your child is a full-time student, most homeowners insurance policies should provide coverage for possessions taken to school, Melton said. Typically, protection of property away from home is limited to 10 percent of the personal property limits on the family’s homeowners insurance policy.

However, you can also buy additional insurance to specifically cover expensive items, such as jewelry and computers, Melton said.

If your child is taking a vehicle to college, your auto insurance policy will most likely cover it as long as the vehicle is registered to you, the parent, as owner, Melton said. And if your student is not taking a vehicle, you may be eligible for a reduction in auto insurance premiums. Contact your insurance company to ask.

Here are a few other reminders:

   •      Make an inventory of the items your child is bringing to school.
   •     Keep copies of all receipts.
   •     Record serial and model numbers on electronics, bicycles, jewelry, etc.
   •     Engrave valuable items such as computers and stereo equipment with your child’s drivers license number and state.

You can also use the home inventory feature on Amica’s mobile app to keep track of your student’s belongings, Melton said.

“Good luck to students – and parents – as they’re heading off to school,” Melton said. “And call your insurance company if you have any questions about coverage while they’re away.”

About Amica Mutual Insurance
Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation’s oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, with corporate headquarters in Lincoln, RI, is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,200 people in 40 offices across the country.

CONTACT: Vince Burks, Corporate Communications, 50 Amica Way,
Lincoln, RI 02865-1155, 1-800-652-6422, ext. 24563.
Website: Amica.com
Twitter: Amica Insurance
Facebook: Amica Mutual Insurance Co.

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