It may seem like yesterday when you put your child on the bus for the first time, or held their hand as you walked them to their first class, but here you are waving good-bye to your child as you leave them on the campus for higher education.

Empty-nester feeling, maybe not so when it comes to insurance; before something happens consider the following:

Is your child living in a dorm?

If so, and you claim your child as a dependent, your home policy should cover their personal liability and some of their personal belongings, check with your agent to be sure.

What about all those great new electronics you sent them off with?

Most home policies will cover computers and electronic equipment, but there may be a deductible and a limit when the property is not at the home. Review the cost to replace the items and your coverage's to ensure you won’t have to foot a big bill to replace everything.

Do you need a renters policy for your student?

If your student is living off campus in an apartment (with or without roommates), yes especially if they are living there for an extended period of time thus the residence would not be considered temporary. Different insurers have different criteria for “temporary residence” so check with your carrier. Remember the landlord’s policy only covers the building not any personal belongings that may be damaged by fire or theft, or liability if your child or a visitor damages something or if someone is injured.

What about auto insurance? Do you need to keep your child on your policy if they are not home?

Before you take your child off your policy to reduce your costs consider that they might borrow a car from a friend at the campus. If the friend does not have insurance or enough coverage your child may be liable and/or have to pay for any injuries if in an accident. And don’t forget when they come to visit you they will most likely want to borrow the car, if you have signed an exclusion they will not be covered. Contact your agent to get all the details before making this important decision.

Your child has their own car and they took it to school with them, now what?

If the car is covered on your policy, be sure to go over everything with your agent. You may need to update the garage location, and even the coverage's now that the vehicle will be stored elsewhere, perhaps even out of state with different insurance regulations.

All of the above should be considered, as should perhaps other questions. Contact your agent to be sure that you and your student are properly insured.