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BALTIMORE, MD (August 12, 2022) – The transition from high school graduate to new college student is an exciting milestone, and moving away from home is part of the process for many. AAA Mid-Atlantic reminds college students and their parents of important steps – which very few think of – before heading off to school: review your insurance policy and make a plan for car maintenance.

According to Consumer Reports, dorm rooms can be a hot spot for thieves. Two roommates could have $6,000 or more worth of electronics alone – laptops, tablets, smartphones and gaming systems – as well as other items of value in their small living space.

According to U.S. Department of Education data of property crimes reported on college campuses, burglary and theft of personal property is the most common crime, followed by motor vehicle theft.

"College students living away from home should know they may have limited coverage under their parents' insurance policies," said Welaine Memenza, Territory Manager, AAA Retail Insurance Sales. "Before leaving for college, students should check to see what risks and liabilities are covered."

Homeowners and Renters Insurance Tips for Students:

Auto Insurance Tips for Students:

If you have questions about any or are concerned about gaps in your existing coverage, contact a local insurance agent at 833-806-7833, or https://cluballiance.aaa.com/insurance.

Lessons on Car Maintenance for College Students:

In addition to reviewing insurance coverage, students heading to college should also address the important subject of vehicle maintenance and repair.

"Frequently, a teenager's vehicle is maintained by parents while living at home, and lessons on proper car care are only briefly discussed and seldom used," said Ragina C. Ali, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "Before hitting the road for school, it is vital that your college student fully understands how to independently take care of their vehicle."

Before sending a son or daughter off to college with a car, AAA Mid-Atlantic encourages parents to sit down with the young adult and discuss a plan for proper vehicle maintenance, as well as how to deal with unexpected problems when parental rescue is more than just a few minutes away.

Show your young adult where to find the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure – typically on a label located on the driver's door jamb or in the vehicle owner's manual. It is important to let them know they should not use the inflation pressure found on the tire sidewall. That is the tire's maximum pressure level, but it might not be the correct pressure for the tire when used on their particular vehicle.

To demonstrate proper tire care, AAA offers a number of short videos that can be viewed on the AAA YouTube channel.

Sit down and go over the owner's manual with your son or daughter. Explain the recommended maintenance schedule and remind them that in addition to basic oil changes other important items such as filters, batteries and brakes must also be regularly checked and maintained. AAA recommends that parents and teens create a shared calendar with reminders so both are aware of any upcoming required maintenance or services.

The school year spans the winter months when inclement weather can place added demands on vehicle electrical systems. The average lifespan of a car battery is three to five years, so AAA recommends that any battery in this age range be checked before the student leaves for school. In many areas, the AAA Mobile Battery Service will come to a member's home and provide this service at no charge.

If unfamiliar with the area around a college, visit AAA.com/Repair to locate nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. As a free public service for all motorists, AAA inspects auto repair shops around the country and only approves those that meet and continually maintain high professional standards for equipment, customer service, cleanliness and training.

When first arriving at the college, AAA recommends parents and students visit the selected repair shop and meet the staff. Ask for some shop business cards that you and your teen can keep handy in case an emergency arises.

Make sure the teen's vehicle has a well-stocked roadside emergency kit with contents suitable for local weather conditions during the school year. A basic kit should include a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, first-aid kit, bottled water, rags or paper towels, a tire pressure gauge, a blanket, granola or energy bars, and a selection of basic hand tools. In areas with winter ice and snow, add an ice scraper, snow brush and kitty litter or other material to increase traction if stuck in snow.

For added peace of mind, provide the teen a AAA membership, which offers reliable roadside assistance through a large dedicated network of service providers with good coverage in and around the college. AAA's many benefits are available to members no matter whose vehicle they are in, so parents won't have to worry about their teen being stranded in a friend's vehicle with no access to emergency road service.

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