Three questions that can lead to college student insurance discounts

Most parents spend months preparing for college move-in day. Insurance rarely makes the list, but it probably should. Be sure to connect with your agent before the semester starts so you can uncover discounts you didn't know you qualified for, and address gaps you'll want to close before something goes wrong.

Here's three things your agent will want to know.

1. Is a car going to school with your student?

Whether a household vehicle goes to campus or stays in the driveway, both situations can affect your auto policy (and both may qualify for a discount depending on your carrier). Many families don't think to mention this, but it's one of the most common updates agents wish they'd been told about sooner.

If the car is going with your student, your agent will want to know where it will be located and how it will primarily be used. If it's staying home, some carriers will adjust your premium to reflect that a driver in the household is no longer using it regularly.

2. What are the student's grades?

This one surprises a lot of parents. Students who maintain a B average or higher — at both the high school and college level — may qualify for a good student discount with many carriers. All it typically takes is a copy of a current transcript.

It's a small step that can lead to savings over the course of a policy year. If you haven't sent a transcript recently, it's worth checking whether you're potentially leaving a discount on the table.

3. Are they moving off campus?

A student living in a dorm may have some personal property coverage extended through a parent's homeowners policy. A student moving into an apartment or rental house is a different story. Coverage typically doesn't follow them off campus the same way.

Renters' insurance can help fill that gap, and it's often more cost-effective than most people expect. Your agent can help you figure out what's already covered and whether a separate policy makes sense for your student's situation.

Don't wait until after move-in day

A lot changes when a student heads off to college, and most of it happens fast. Letting your agent know before the semester starts (and not after something happens) gives you the best chance to make sure your coverage reflects your family's real situation and that you're not missing out on savings you've already earned.

Have a student heading off this fall? Reach out to your account manager to walk through next steps together.