Why Texas College Students Need Renters Insurance

As move-in day approaches and your college student gets ready to head back to campus—or starts their college journey for the first time—there’s more on the to-do list than just buying dorm supplies and textbooks. One thing that often gets overlooked? Renters insurance.

Whether your student is moving into a dorm at Texas State, renting an apartment in San Marcos, or sharing a house near UT Austin, renters insurance is a smart and affordable way to protect their belongings and their peace of mind.

So, what is renters insurance—and why does your student need it?

Renters insurance is a policy designed to protect tenants from financial losses due to theft, damage, or liability. For college students who are often living on their own for the first time, it can be a safety net that saves thousands of dollars in the event of the unexpected.

Here are a few real-life college scenarios where renters insurance comes in clutch:

🔒 Scenario 1: Theft Happens

Your student’s laptop and smartphone are stolen from their dorm or apartment. That’s hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars lost in a moment. With renters insurance, personal property coverage can help reimburse the cost to replace these items.

🧑‍⚕️ Scenario 2: Someone Gets Hurt at a Party

Let’s say your student hosts a small get-together and a guest slips, trips, or falls. Suddenly, your child could be held legally liable for medical bills. Fortunately, renters insurance typically includes personal liability coverage—which helps cover those costs.

🔥 Scenario 3: Cooking Gone Wrong

An enthusiastic (but inexperienced) cook accidentally starts a kitchen fire in their apartment, causing damage to the unit. Without insurance, they could be responsible for out-of-pocket repair costs—including damages to the building. Renters insurance can help cover liability and property damage expenses.

💧 Scenario 4: Water Damage Disaster

A pipe bursts in your student’s off-campus apartment, soaking their belongings and making it unlivable. Renters insurance often includes loss-of-use coverage, which helps pay for temporary housing while repairs are made.

Don’t Count on Your Homeowners Policy

While some homeowners insurance policies offer limited coverage for a dependent living away from home, there are often strict limits and exclusions—especially once a student moves off campus. If your child is renting their own apartment or house, many landlords even require renters insurance as part of the lease.

The bottom line? Renters insurance is low-cost, high-impact protection. For just a few dollars a month, it can cover thousands in personal property, liability, and loss-of-use expenses.

Coverage for Students in Central Texas and the Hill Country

At Dowd Insurance Agency, we know how important it is to protect your family—no matter where life takes them. We work with families across Central Texas, from New Braunfels and San Marcos to Dripping Springs and the greater Austin area, to find affordable renters insurance that fits their student’s living situation.

🎓 Ready to set your student up for a safe semester?

Contact Dowd Insurance Agency today for a personalized renters insurance quote or to learn more about your options. Let us help your student focus on their future, while we help protect their present.