Under Erie Insurance’s Pennsylvania ErieSecure Home policy, if your student is full-time, a resident of the policyholder’s household, related or a ward of the court and under the age of 24, then they are covered.
The personal property that they have with them at college falls under the policy’s personal property limit while at a residence away from home without limitation.
Under the standard Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) homeowners form, if your student is under the age of 24, is a full-time student and related to you (the policyholder), then they are covered by the homeowners. If your student is under age 21, full-time and in your care (example: ward of the court), then they are covered by the homeowners.
The standard ISO form also limits coverage usually located at other residences to 10% of your personal property limit. So, if you have a $100,000 personal property limit, then only $10,000 applies at the student’s residence.
Different policy forms treat property away from the residence premises differently, so it is important to review your coverage to see if there are limitations.
And if your student is changing their address and setting up permanent residence, then a renter’s policy may be in order for them as they would no longer be considered a relative because they are not a resident of the policyholder’s home.
Scott A. Surra, CIC – Insurance Producer/Insurance Educator, St Mary’s Insurance Agency & Affiliates, Inc.
