AAA encourages college-bound students to protect property

Aug. 5--AAA Oklahoma is encouraging new college students and their parents to prepare for the move to campus by reviewing insurance policies and making plans for vehicle maintenance.

According to Consumer Reports, dorm rooms can be a hot spot for thieves. Two roommates could have $6,000 or more worth of electronics alone, including laptops, tablets, smartphones and gaming systems.

According to U.S. Department of Education data of crimes reported on college campuses, theft of personal property is the most common crime, followed by motor vehicle theft.

"College students living away from home should know they may have limited coverage under their parents' insurance policies," said Vice President of AAA Oklahoma Insurance Russ Iden. "Before leaving for college, students should check to see what risks and liabilities are covered."

Homeowners and renters insurance tips for students:

--If you live in a dorm, some personal possessions may be covered under your parents' homeowners or renters insurance policies. Expensive items, such as computers and other electronics, may be subject to coverage limits under a standard homeowners policy, and some states require a special student endorsement.

--If you live off-campus, purchase renters insurance. Renters insurance is necessary to protect you and your belongings, and can protect you from liability in the event that someone is accidentally injured on the property.

--Leave valuables at home. While some valuable items, such as laptops, may be needed on campus, items such as expensive jewelry may be best left at home.

--Create a "dorm inventory." Create a detailed inventory of all items you'll be taking with you, including photos and receipts. In the event that you need to file a claim, an up-to-date inventory will help make the process easier.

--Safeguard your items from theft. Always lock your dorm room door and never leave belongings unattended on campus. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the library, dining hall and other public places are the primary areas where property theft occurs on campus.

Auto insurance tips for students:

--Coverage may depend on whether you leave home or stay in the area. If you bring a car to campus and remain on your parents' policy, coverage likely still applies.

If you attend an out-of-state school, make sure your insurance coverage follows you. It gets a little tricky if the student takes classes year round and does not plan to return home during the summers. Technically, they have relocated to their college location. It gets a little more complex if they have on campus or off campus housing. To ensure you have adequate coverage while away at school, contact your insurance agent.

--Parking lots are another target for thieves at college campuses. AAA warns students to take all valuables out of your car at college (wallet, purse, laptops, iPads, etc.) Commuter parking lots are typically further out than the main campus parking, and security may not be as visible, making those parking in these lots even more apt to be targeted.

--If you have questions about any or are concerned about gaps in your existing coverage, contact a local insurance agent at 866-AAA-4YOU, or aaa.com/insurance.

Lessons on car maintenance for college students:

In addition to reviewing insurance coverage, students heading to college should also address the important subject of vehicle maintenance and repair.

"Frequently, a teenager's vehicle is maintained by parents while living at home, and lessons on proper car care are only briefly discussed and seldom used," said AAA's Northwest Oklahoma City Car Care manager Kevin Lynch. "Before hitting the road, it is vital that your college student fully understands how to independently take care of their vehicle."

Prepare for roadside emergencies

--Parents and students should discuss how to handle a breakdown or other roadside emergency -- especially if they are attending college too far away to call home for help.

--Make sure the teen's vehicle has a well-stocked roadside emergency kit with contents suitable for local weather conditions during the school year.

A basic kit should include a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, first-aid kit, bottled water, rags or paper towels, a tire pressure gauge, a blanket, granola or energy bars, and a selection of basic hand tools. In areas with winter ice and snow, add an ice scraper, snow brush and kitty litter or other material to increase traction if stuck in snow.

Check and maintain tires

--Tires are one of the easiest components of a vehicle to maintain, but they are frequently overlooked until something goes wrong. Every student should have a tire pressure gauge in their vehicle, know where it is located and understand how to use it properly. While there are a variety of tire pressure gauges, those with electronic readouts might be the easiest for the teen to use. Explain that tires should be checked at least once a month when the tires are cold.

--Show your young adult where to find the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure -- typically on a label located on the driver's door jamb or in the vehicle owner's manual. It is important to let them know they should not use the inflation pressure found on the tire sidewall. That is the tire's maximum pressure level, but it might not be the correct pressure for the tire when used on their particular vehicle.

Know the vehicle's maintenance schedule

--Performing the manufacturer's regularly scheduled maintenance on a vehicle will greatly extend its life and help ward off more costly repairs down the road. While it's a good idea to make sure your student's car is current with all maintenance items prior to sending them off to college, it's possible some items will be due while they are away.

--Sit down and go over the owner's manual with your son or daughter. Explain the recommended maintenance schedule and remind them that in addition to basic oil changes other important items such as filters, batteries and brakes must also be regularly checked and maintained. AAA recommends that parents and teens create a shared calendar with reminders so both are aware of any upcoming required maintenance or services.

--The school year spans the winter months when inclement weather can place added demands on vehicle electrical systems.

The average lifespan of a car battery is three to five years, so AAA recommends that any battery in this age range be checked before the student leaves for school. In many areas, the AAA Mobile Battery Service will come to a member's home and provide this service at no charge.

--Find a repair shop near the college. It is important for parents to help teens identify an auto repair shop they can trust near their school in case routine servicing or unexpected repairs become necessary.

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