An increasing number of college students are falling victim to theft and burglary; however, there is something that can be done to cover the potential loss of belongings.
Insurance is something that comes to mind when thinking about purchasing a home, but college students are now being advised to consider it as well.
According to the FBI’s Crime in the United States 2009 report, there were an estimated 9,320,971 property crime offenses that took place in the nation. The rate of property crime was estimated at 3,036.1 per 100,000 inhabitants of the U.S.
Although this was a 5.5 decrease in comparison to 2008, property crime in 2009 resulted in losses estimated at 15.2 billion.
The report also included a listing of offenses known to law enforcement that took place at each university or college in its respective state.
At EMU, there were 219 instances of property crime, 40 burglaries, 175 larceny thefts and 4 motor vehicle thefts, according to the report.
Renter’s insurance provides coverage to individuals who stay in an apartment or dormitory and it protects and ensures their belongings in case any type of theft, burglary or damage occurs.
Rebecca Figura, director of housing at Eastern Michigan University, said students should consider looking into insurance.
“Insurance is important because the university does not cover a student’s personal belongings in the event of fire, flood or theft,” she said.
Figura said EMU does not have any renter’s insurance to offer students and they do not recommend any particular outside company, but it is familiar with some if students need a referral.
“Many times a family’s home owners insurance may cover a student’s belongings on campus and so we always suggest students start with their own agent and family policy,” she said.
David Spencers, a father of a student at Ypsilanti High School, will be sending his daughter off to college at EMU next year. Spencers and his wife have already looked into insurance for their daughter.
“We have insurance through State Farm right now, so that’s probably who hers will be through,” Spencers said. “I feel that EMU is pretty safe, but just to make sure, we’re getting her insurance.”
Spencers said his first child was a victim of property theft when he attended school in Florida.
“He had his laptop stolen, and at the time we didn’t think about getting any insurance for him,” he said. “It was a rather expensive laptop, too. He was into design, so he had special programs on it that we also had to replace. We definitely learned from that situation.”
Figura said aside from insurance, students could take simple measures to protect themselves against theft.
“Many times the student leaves a door unlocked, a back pack unattended, etc.,” she said. “Always lock your doors, do not leave things unattended.”
There are a number of insurance companies that cater specifically to students such as National Student Services, Inc. and College Student Insurance.
NSSI covers items such as laptops, cameras, Mp3 players, cell phones and furniture. It also provides worldwide coverage to its policy holders. Theft, fires, floods and hurricanes are a few things covered by the insurance.
Students studying abroad can be covered as well and coverage is available to students for up to three years after graduation
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CSI’s insurance even covers thefts that occur from vehicles, unless the vehicle wasn’t locked during the time of crime.
Adrienne Schroeder said she plans to check out renter’s insurance for the apartment she’s moving to in the fall.
“You always hear about people’s dorms or apartments getting broken into, but I never thought to get insurance on my stuff,” she said. “I don’t have that much money to spare, but even if it’s pricey, I’m going to get it somehow.”
