Insurance Needs for College Students

Over 1.8 million students will graduate from college in 2013. Many of our local students will be heading off to the University of Oregon, WSU, Clark College to name a few. It is important to understand how a student moving off to college may impact your insurance needs. If you have a college student, it will be important for you to review this, and talk to me about any changes you may need to make to your insurance program.

For the most part, college students, even while living away from home, are still considered under the authority of their parents, unless they permanently move from home which would include changing their driver's license address.

• Personal property- Items like clothes and computers should be covered under your homeowner's policy depending on the value. If you have a high deductible on your homeowners policy you may
  want to consider purchasing a renters policy for your college student to cover his/her belongings at a lower deductible. Check with our

  office for any limitations.
• Personal Liability - This coverage is provided anywhere the student goes, unless it is outside of the US, and then the policy may have some limited coverage.
• Auto - If your child is living in a different city or state without a vehicle, please notify us as there may be an additional discount since they are not a full time driver.
• Health - Children can remain on your health policy until the age of 26.  

Once your child graduates and moves out of your home, you and your child will need to make different decisions.

I Drive My Car For Company Business...Now What?

There are many situations and reasons why employees in Washington/Oregon drive his or her personal auto to perform business related tasks including: travel between work sites, client visits, and transportation of colleagues.  It is important to consider the risk you assume when you drive your car on company business.

There are two different kinds of risks and we will address each. The first risk is what we might call incidental use. The second risk is when a person drives his/her own car every day as part of their job, like a sales person. This person's job description actually includes using their own car as part of the day to day job functions. Remember your Washington/Oregon Auto Insurance policy may not cover this risk, call Columbia River Insurance today.

Situation One-Incidental Use

Generally in these situations you would be covered under your personal auto policy. If you find you are driving more than 30-40% of the time on company business, it would be best to contact Columbia Rivers Insurance Services for a review of your coverage. Examples of incidental use would be:

• Going to a company event
• Taking the mail to the post office
• Picking up supplies at the store
• Going to see a client - occasionally

Situation Two- Drive as Part of the Job

Many personal auto policies have drive-for-business exclusions, requiring individuals to inform their agents that they drive for work and to acquire an endorsement. Without the endorsement, insurers may refuse to cover a claim. Here are some examples of work related situations where you might need to make adjustments to your insurance:

• Outside sales professionals
• Real-estate agents
• Driving more than 50% of the time for the company
• You receive an auto allowance
• You take a tax deduction for work related driving

If you use your vehicle for delivery or landscaping you might need to consider a commercial policy, especially if the vehicle is used 100% for business use.