Jefferson City, Mo - As students prepare to return to school, the Missouri Department of Insurance encourages students and parents to review their insurance policies as a part of their back-to-school to-do-list.

"When students leave home for college, this can affect their insurance coverage," said John M. Huff, Director of the Missouri Department of Insurance. "It's important that students and parents discuss their insurance policy to understand what is covered when students are away from home."

Leaving home can significantly change a student's insurance needs.  For example their belongings may no longer be covered under their parent's homeowners insurance policy. It is important to speak with a knowledgeable insurance agent to make sure students have proper coverage while away at school.

The department encourages parents and students to follow these tips to ensure they are covered:

• Download the Mo2Go Wallet App. This allows you to store all of your insurance information on your smartphone. Users have the ability to text or email their insurance cards right from the app. In case you get pulled over, Missouri law allows drivers to show proof of insurance electronically, and this app allows you to do so. Students should have all of their insurance information on hand just in case they need to use it when they are away from home.

• Ask your insurance agent if your student's possessions will be covered by your homeowners policy while living on campus. Students living off campus should consider renters insurance. A landlord's policy only covers the building, not the tenant's possessions.

• College students should complete an itemized checklist of their possessions called a home inventory. When filing a claim, your insurer can ask for a home inventory to see a list of your possessions before paying out a claim. The checklist can help you during the claims process in the event of a fire, storm, or theft.

• Most young adults are able to stay on their parent's health insurance policy until the age of 26, regardless of residency, enrollment status, marital status, or financial dependency. Students are encouraged to take copies of their insurance cards and go over their health insurance plan to know which physicians and hospitals are in-network while away at school.

Students and parents with insurance questions can contact the department's Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390, or visit insurance.mo.gov.