Keep valuables safe when going to college

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) -With colleges in the Shenandoah Valley starting up their school years, there are a few things AAA wants to remind you of before heading back.

Morgan Dean AAA Mid-Atlantic Spokesperson said it is important to think about insurance for personal items that students will be moving into dorms.

” Their parents homeowners or renters insurance will likely cover that, but you need to double check with your agent to make sure that it is covered,” Dean said.

Dean said if those items will not be covered consider adding those items to the insurance policy or get a separate policy for the dorm. If students are living off campus, they should get renters insurance.

“All the electronics that students are taking with them to college…those can be targets for thieves, and you want to make sure you are covered in case something happens,” Dean said.

You may want to leave valuable items, like family heirlooms at home, Dean said.

Dean said college campuses can be a target for thieves, if you have a car park in a garage or a well-lit area. Make sure you are checking your auto insurance policies.

“The are minimal requirements in different states, so check in with the insurance agent to make sure you are covered on all the different things you want to be on the lookout for,” Dean said.

Dean said to make sure to have strong passwords and do not share them with other people.

“It can be easy for a thief to try to get your information and cause you problems by signing up for credit cards, stealing your card or banking information and getting money that way,” Dean said.

Dean said students should check their bank accounts regularly and be sure all transactions are correct.

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