<p>So, we purchased ‘dorm’ insurance for years that son was student in dorms and grad apts on campus.</p>
<p>Now, he’s in a small off campus studio in a lovely Victorian house that has 4 units in it.
None of us remembered that he should have a policy to protect his stuff there.</p>
<p>Not interested in a rider on our homeowner’s policy.</p>
<p>Any recomendations on company to buy a stand alone policy for a year?</p>
<p>Did you ask your homeowner’s company about a rental insurance policy for your son? That’s what we did. It is a policy separate from our homeowner’s. I think it was $106/yr. for $15,000 worth of coverage.</p>
<p>If not from your homeowner’s company, as your auto insurance company. I have been pricing car insurance for my daughter’s car and have gotten renter’s insurance from each company.</p>
<p>You should not have to pay more than $200 per year and might be as low as $80/year depending on your coverage. My daughter’s is going to be higher this go round as we are adding a jewlery rider on the policy that quit frankly, I forgot on the last one.</p>
<p>I just renewed my D’s CSI policy for the third time. As I’ve written here before, it has been very worthwhile for her as she made claims two of the three years she had the policy and they paid out generously and with no hassle. The rate has gone up a bit over the years. I just paid $216 for $8000 worth of coverage with a $25 deductible. I debated whether to do it this year but finally did it just so I wouldn’t be so mad if something got lost, damaged or stolen.</p>
<p>Both our home and auto are with same company, they only write policies for our state.
Son is at college in another state.</p>
<p>Puzzled- do you know if CSI does policys for renters in apt off campus?
Or just in dorms on campus?</p>
<p>Thank you for all suggestions!</p>
<p>CSI covers off campus too. The main thing it doesn’t cover is liability insurance for any damages he might be held responsible, such as a fire caused by him in his room.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>I will advise son not to start any fires!
:)</p>
<p>CSI also covers them when they study abroad. The thing I find amazing is that they cover things that simply get broken. In my D’s case, both her camera and laptop were damaged and they paid to replace the camera and to repair the computer (this alone was well over $1000). She did need to provide receipts but we were able to access the camera receipt through Amazon and the computer receipt through Apple. In both cases, she handled the paperwork herself and the process was very straightforward and simple. As I’ve said on another thread, this insurance might not make sense for everyone but for my somewhat disheveled D, it’s been a very good value.</p>
<p>Interesting…
I was checking out CSI online. They ask for state of kid’s school then actual school.
Insurance rates must be based on claims experiences.
When I first put in “university of Hartford” it offered me a chart for various coverage limits and deductibles.<br>
When I realized there was a separate listing for “The Hartt School” it offered the same choices BUT premiums about 20% less for each choice!
Glad I caught that…son will have to supply me with instruments in his possession and cost of each…instruments are one of the few items they require to be listed at application.</p>
<p>Very inexpensive and comprehensive coverage, good deal I think.</p>
<p>I have a theory about the CSI rates and that is that they count on the fact that most college kids won’t get around to filing claims for most items. In my D’s case, she was highly motivated by the lack of a camera and her inability to use her computer, coupled with a mother who was totally unwilling to replace either item or file the claims for her. As I said, it has worked well for us but for an extremely organized and careful student, it might not be as good a deal.</p>
<p>musicmom, read the fine print on the instrument portions of the policy. Many homeowners policies and riders have exclusions for instruments used professionally (IE to derive income). It would not surprise me if CSI operates similarly. Knowing your son’s situation in all probability when he files taxes he also declares some self-employment and 1099 income as a musician, so thread carefully in evaluating instrument insurance.</p>
<p>Are you positive he doesn’t have instrument insurance through one of the specialty companies serving the trade? I’m surprised he’s come this far without it. If you need specifics, there are a number of companies dealing with professional level instrument insurance. I’d be happy to point you to information.</p>
<p>From the CSI FAQ page:
</p>
<p>Tread carefully and ask the appropriate questions. I’m not advocating against using CSI, but as the parent of one musician to another, it may not be the best option for instrument coverage. From the general consensus, it appears a great option for the other needs of students.</p>
<p>Puzzled-
My son is a lovely young man (proud mom here) but no one would accuse him of being “extremely organized and careful”! :).</p>
<p>violadad-
You’re right, son does have a specific instrument policy…through the local of the AFM, I believe.<br>
Since I was surfing for a policy for his other ‘stuff’ and CSI seems a viable option, they are requiring a listing of instruments so we will supply it. It’s no big deal to supply info and doesn’t seemingly up the premium. Whether they ultimately would pay is certainly in question. Good point for others reading here…</p>
<p>And we’re only buying a few thousand in coverage to cover laptop/tV/etc.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>When insuring individual items like computers, televisions, jewelry, etc. be sure to compare policies like CSI to Personal Articles Policies through the homeowner’s carrier. This is not considered writing a policy outside the state and is a separate policy, not a rider, so claims do not affect the homeowner’s policy. Of course, different companies offer different coverages so you always have to check with your particular company.</p>
<p>musicmom, my D is also a lovely person and in the past two days she had locked herself out of her apartment and then her car. She is the opposite of organized and careful. But lovely still!</p>
<p>Oh my, Puzzled!
I surely didn’t mean to imply any criticism of your D, hope you didn’t read my post that way.</p>
<p>Just sharing that we have a somewhat disorganized young person in our family also.</p>
<p>Actually musicmom, I was thinking that I wish my D could meet your son. He sounds wonderful and they have something in common! It is endlessly interesting to me that a person can be so bright and capable in some ways and yet so disheveled in others. She drives me mad and I love her.</p>
<p>That’s exactly it, puzzled.</p>
<p>Our DS is talented and very capable academically but disorganized and forgetful.
He does manage to pull it together when necessary, as in school.
Rest of life, not so much.</p>
<p>Our DD has cognitive disabilities. Yet she NEVER loses anything, reminds ME of my appointments, etc, etc. A slight OCD bent but it is just enough to be useful in the ‘real world’ arena of life.</p>
<p>Well the good news then is that you won’t need to buy the stuff insurance for your D. And I think you may find that your son will get more organized in the next few years. My eldest was like her sister but now has a job and apartment and keeps that all together very well. Her place is a bit messy but she pays her rent on time and is never late to work. She’s turned out to be a very responsible young adult; I’m so pleased and relieved.</p>
<p>Good to hear…hope it works out that way for us as well.</p>
<p>What is the best company to buy dorm insurance from?</p>