January 2026: Asking for a Friend

Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.

That’s where Asking for a Friend comes in.

This monthly feature tackles real insurance questions we hear all the time — the ones people hesitate to ask because they don’t want to sound uninformed. (Spoiler: you’re not.)

No jargon. No judgment. Just clear, honest answers to help you make sense of how coverage actually works in real life.

Have a question of your own?
You’re probably not the only one wondering.

👉 Ask your question here →

We’ll answer one or more questions each month — anonymously — in our newsletter and on the blog.

👀 ASKING FOR A FRIEND

JANUARY 2026

Can My College Student’s Belongings Be Covered Under My Insurance?

College comes with enough surprises — insurance coverage shouldn’t be one of them.

The question:
If my college student’s laptop, backpack, or personal belongings are stolen from their car or damaged in an accident, is that covered under auto insurance?

The short answer:
In many cases, no — it’s not auto insurance.
It’s often homeowners insurance.

How That Works

Most homeowners policies include personal property coverage that extends beyond the physical home. That means your student’s belongings may still be covered — even if they’re living in a dorm or apartment and even if the loss happens away from home.

For example:

A laptop stolen from a parked car
Personal items damaged during a covered incident
Belongings lost due to theft while away at school

These situations are often handled under homeowners insurance, not auto insurance.

A Few Important Caveats

Coverage depends on:

The specific policy
Coverage limits
Whether the student qualifies as a dependent
The type of loss and circumstances

There may also be deductibles to consider, and in some cases, additional coverage (like a renter’s policy) makes more sense.

Why This Matters

This is one of those areas where assumptions can lead to frustration — or unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. A quick conversation before something happens can make a big difference.

If you have a student in college (or heading there soon), it’s worth reviewing how their belongings are protected and whether your current coverage still fits your situation.

Not sure how your policy handles this? We’re happy to walk through it with you.

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June Recipe of the Month: Chicken Caesar Wraps

June 18, 2026

So simple to make at home and 1000% worth the little effort it requires.

The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day

June 18, 2026

The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day Summer has a way of making “quick little outings” turn into full-blown adventures. A trip to the pool becomes dinner on the way home. A Saturday errand turns into a stop at the park. A lake day somehow requires 47 items, three snacks, and at least one person asking, “Did anyone bring sunscreen?” Enter: The Summer Go Bag . It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfectly organized. It’s just a small tote, backpack, bin, or canvas bag you keep stocked with the little things that make summer life easier. Think of it as your warm-weather backup plan. What to put in your Summer Go Bag: Sunscreen + bug spray Because nothing ruins a good day faster than realizing you needed both about two hours ago. Reusable water bottles Keep one or two empty bottles in the bag, or toss in a couple of bottles of water before you leave. A small first-aid kit Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and any must-have family basics. Phone charger or power bank Especially helpful for road trips, long days out, or those “I swear my phone was at 42% five minutes ago” moments. Wet wipes + tissues For sticky hands, spilled drinks, mystery car messes, and every parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle who has learned the hard way. A lightweight towel or blanket Great for parks, wet seats, surprise splash pads, outdoor concerts, or impromptu picnics. A few snacks Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks — anything that can survive a little heat and prevent a hunger-related family incident. Plastic bags or a small trash bag For wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, snack wrappers, or anything you don’t want touching the rest of your car. Spare sunglasses or a hat Simple, useful, and always appreciated when someone forgets theirs. Pet basics, if applicable A leash, collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a small towel can make pet-friendly outings much easier. Where to keep it: Your car is usually the easiest spot, especially if you’re often on the go. If your vehicle gets too hot, keep heat-sensitive items like sunscreen, medicine, and snacks inside the house and toss them in before you leave. You can also make a smaller version for: Pool bags Lake bags Sports practices Road trips Grandkid days Dog park visits The real trick: Restock when you get home The Go Bag only works if it’s ready when you need it. After a busy weekend, take two minutes to replace what you used: snacks, wipes, sunscreen, bandages, water bottles, or plastic bags. That tiny reset makes the next outing so much easier. Summer should feel a little more spontaneous — and a little less like you’re packing for an expedition every time you leave the house. A simple Go Bag won’t solve everything, but it might just save the day.