Late August is a transitional time. Families are gearing up for the back-to-school rush, college students are moving into dorms, and weather patterns are shifting as peak hurricane and severe convective storm season hits its stride.
Taking 10 minutes to review your coverage today can save you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs tomorrow. Here are the three critical insurance checkpoints you should address before summer officially comes to a close.
1. The Back-to-School Road & Property Shift
Whether you have a teenager driving to high school for the first time or a child moving off to college, your risk profile changes the moment school starts.
- College Students Away from Home: If your student lives in a college dorm, their personal belongings (laptops, clothes, electronics) are typically covered under your existing Homeowners or Renters policy up to a certain limit (usually 10% of your personal property coverage). If they are moving into an off-campus apartment, they will likely need a standalone Renters Insurance policy to satisfy lease requirements and cover liability.
- Student Drivers: If your child is heading to a college over 100 miles away without a car, ask us about the “Student Away at School” discount. You can keep them on your policy for when they visit on breaks while reducing your premium.
2. Peak Weather Prep: Wind, Hail, and Water Damage
August and September historically bring some of the most unpredictable weather of the year. Standard homeowners policies cover wind damage, but they leave major gaps when it comes to water.
| Risk Event | Covered by Standard Homeowners? | What You Need Instead |
| Windstorm / Tornado / Hail | Yes (Subject to your wind/hail deductible) | Standard Policy |
| Flash Flooding / Surface Water | No | Standalone Flood Insurance (NFPA / Private) |
| Sewer / Sump Pump Backup | No | Water Backup Endorsement |
Pro Tip: Flood policies carry a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. Waiting until a tropical storm is named means it is already too late to add protection.
3. Telematics & Annual Rate Reviews
With auto insurance rates adjusting across the market this year, late summer is an ideal time to conduct a quick policy tune-up.
If your daily commute has changed or you’re driving fewer miles than you used to, switching to a usage-based insurance (telematics) program can track your actual driving habits via a mobile app and lock in savings of up to 10% to 25%.
Next Steps for Your Peace of Mind
Don’t wait for an unexpected storm or a roadside accident to find out what your policy covers.
- Check your deductibles: Confirm whether you have a separate percentage-based deductible for wind/hail.
- Update your inventory: Take a 2-minute video walk-through of your home and storage areas on your smartphone to document high-value belongings.