<p>Parents of freshmen will be offered many opportunities to buy insurance for their child's possessions. I am delighted to say that we received full compensation for S's stolen bike from CSI Insurance Agency, which is part of Fireman's Fund. I have no experience about other companies, so I'm not trying to denigrate them. Its just nice to have something positive to say about one company.</p>
<p>We had a good experience with State Farm.</p>
<p>Also, check your homeowner's insurance. It may cover losses at college as well as at home.</p>
<p>Same here -- daughter's stuff at college is covered under our homeowners policy.</p>
<p>We have laptops, cameras/lenses, and musical instruments that kids took to colleges insured as "personal items" with State Farm (we use them for homeowners and car insurance as well).</p>
<p>i just spoke with my State farm, and while my son's stuff would be covered, I have a 1000 $ deductible so that is higher than the laptop anyway.</p>
<p>I'm going to definately check out <a href="http://www.collegestudentinsurance.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.collegestudentinsurance.com/</a></p>
<p>that is the CSI mentioned above. thanks for the heads up on that!</p>
<p>For any of you who have students in apartments--I just found out that my homeowners (State Farm) covers belongings in a rented apt. if my/our name is also on lease. As many of the landlords require a co-signer, this is covering our kids' places for next year.</p>
<p>While in dorms, the homeowners covered and we had separate computer coverage.</p>
<p>sueinphilly,
We have no deductible. I think it is supposed to be up to you to decide on that.</p>
<p>Our Homeowners actually covers D's belongings while in an apt on a lease she's signed (without our signatures) as long as she's a fulltime student and still our dependent.</p>
<p>I was really surprised that this was the case. The company is USAA.</p>
<p>No deductible on my homeowners would be insanely expensive. the agency mentioned in the first post on this thread has a good deal, about $4K in coverage for $100 and there is no way my son would have that much value of stuff. I don't think anyone is going into his dorm to steal his glasses that cost $250. you have to file a police report to make a claim. Not sure how that works with the dorm and security. I'll be calling the school to find that out next week.</p>
<p>the CSI company gives you a download of a pc tracking software. That alone is work at least $30.</p>
<p>I bought the insurance via CSI and quite frankly it's worth it to me for peace of mind.</p>
<p>I'm glad i posted. I think I paid $100-150 for the CSI insurance, with $50 deductible. I would NEVER contact my homeowner's insurance for items under $1000. They are there for major disasters, like hurricane damage, floods. Its far too easy to be cancelled for making claims.</p>
<p>Son was just in first apt in DC. Day five both laptops stolen, along with 250 dollar glasses. Police think it is an inside job as TVs and watches left behind. Workers in the building were either involved or left his apt door unlocked allowing a stranger to go in. At this point, we are asking the management to cover due to the negligence of their staff. (Apt was locked when son came home..whoever was in there also had keys.) So glad my spouse put the college laptop on our homeowners but who wants to make claims if you don't have to do it. Only up side..son not hurt and perhaps will be much more vigilant on the streets of a major city and even more careful.</p>
<p>Our computers, including both kids' laptops, are covered under a separate rider that has very low deductible within our homeowners' insurance policy. Since these laptops were initially over a $2k investment, these are by far the most valuable property they own.</p>
<p>However, I do think valid points are being made about using homeowners insurance since generally one tries to avoid filing claims against it, unless for something major.</p>
<p>I think looking into a student having his won might be worth it, just for that reason.</p>
<p>I think that I am going to take out a small policy. Thank you for posting about CSI!</p>