Campus Confidential: Protecting your student and your wallet

Back-to-school season is an exciting time for college students and parents. It’s a familiar routine of stocking up on new school supplies, checking off to-do lists, moving into a dorm or off-campus housing, and feeling the thrills—and worries—of getting closer to earning a degree.

As you anticipate how the school year will go and prepare to say goodbyes, it’s also good to think about new responsibilities that could affect your student and your family. Before the final send-off, it’s helpful to review common issues that can happen while your student is away. From social media mistakes to identity theft, understanding these risks and having the right coverage can help protect your family’s finances.

Post at your own risk: social media liability 101

College is full of new experiences. First roommate, first midterm, and maybe, first viral post. Social media helps students connect, share, and express themselves. But it can also lead to legal and reputation issues—like inappropriate posts, defamatory comments, or sharing private info—that can cause serious problems on campus or even lawsuits.

Defamation and libel

Defamation is damaging someone’s reputation with false statements, and libel is when those statements are made in writing. Remind your student that once something is online, it’s there forever. Asking, “What would my parents say if I posted this?” or “What would a future employer think if they saw this?” can help prevent posting things that are hard to erase.  Students should think carefully before sharing comments, images, or videos that might be false or considered libelous—since that could lead to legal action. 

Cyberbullying

Americans spend about seven hours a day online—almost a third of their day—and for young adults in their late teens, more than half of that time is on social media. Being online so much can increase the risk of harmful behaviors like cyberbullying and harassment. Comments targeting someone’s gender, religion, sexual orientation, race, or physical differences are illegal in many states, and victims might be able to take legal action. Schools also take these incidents seriously. Harassment or threats online can break school policies and lead to disciplinary measures.
 

Crash Course: Protecting your student behind the wheel

A car on campus can be handy for late-night food runs or weekend trips home. But with freedom comes responsibility, and sometimes, liability. A 2013 pilot study of 157 colleges found that car crashes are the leading cause of death among college students. If your child is driving—whether it’s your car or someone else’s—they could be held financially responsible if there’s an accident. 

Protective steps:

Check your auto insurance: Make sure it covers your student driver, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Notify your insurer: Let them know if the car’s primary location changes, especially if your student attends school out of state. This can affect your coverage and rates.

Keep your student on the policy: Consider adding or keeping your student on your family insurance so they’re protected if they drive a friend’s car or rent one during spring break

Set rules about driving: Make sure you know whether other students are allowed to drive your child’s car, as this can impact insurance and liability.

Safe Driver Apps: Leverage location sharing and vehicle tracking tools to monitor driving behaviors and gain real-time insights into usage patterns.

ID-Entity Crisis: Stopping identity theft before it starts

Identity theft isn’t just about fake IDs. It’s a serious risk for college students, whose online activity and limited credit history make them easy targets for thieves.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 1.1 million reports of identity theft were filed in 2024. That shows how important it is to stay alert. A single breach may cause big financial and credit problems. For students just starting to build their credit, one stolen Social Security number can take a significant toll on their credit score and lead to years of financial trouble.

Preventive steps to consider:

Shred personal documents: Dispose of sensitive papers securely.

Monitor accounts: Regularly check bank and credit card statements for anything suspicious.

Secure devices: Use strong passwords, turn on two-factor authentication, and keep security software current.

Be cautious online: Don’t share personal info on unsecured networks or suspicious websites.

Identity theft insurance can also help with recovery costs, credit monitoring, and legal expenses if your child’s identity is stolen.

Lesson Leased: Covering your student at home

Housing liability should be a priority if your child rents an apartment, condo, or house. If your outgoing, social child starts hosting parties, you’ll want to be protected in case someone slips and falls, or if a friend of a friend of a friend takes something that doesn’t belong to them—like that new laptop. Many parents assume the landlord’s insurance covers everything, but that policy usually only protects the building, not your student’s belongings or personal liability. Renters insurance is an affordable option that typically covers personal property, liability, and additional living costs if the unit becomes uninhabitable.

Without the right coverage, your family could face thousands of dollars in extra expenses if:

• A guest gets hurt in your student’s rental and sues.
• Your student accidentally causes something like a kitchen fire or water leak.
• Their belongings—laptops, clothes, jewelry—are stolen or damaged.

By understanding the risks related to social media, driving, identity theft, and housing, and making sure your insurance matches those risks, you can help keep your student’s college years memorable for all the right reasons.

Need a “campus” insurance tour guide?

Sending your child off to school is an exciting milestone—and a good time to make sure their year goes smoothly. At Marsh McLennan Agency Private Client Services (MMA PCS), we can review your family’s insurance coverage to identify gaps and create a customized plan that protects both your student and your financial future.