As the 2025 back-to-school season approaches, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) urges families across the Volunteer State to prioritize safety and preparation beyond textbooks and classrooms. Returning to school can bring stress and excitement for educators, students, and parents alike, but an often overlooked aspect of this transition is ensuring that insurance coverage—whether for auto, health, or property—is up to date and tailored to current family needs. With a busy season of fresh starts ahead, TDCI provides essential insurance advice to help families secure affordable plans and protect their loved ones throughout the school year, reinforcing the crucial link between education support and comprehensive family coverage.
Key TDCI Insurance Advice for the 2025 Back-to-School Season
TDCI’s Division of Insurance stresses that education extends beyond academics to include essential financial protection. Here are several expert tips they shared to help parents and students navigate the complexities of insurance during the back-to-school rush:
- Insure teen drivers wisely: Teen drivers can remain on their parents’ insurance policy if they don’t own the vehicle. This simplifies the process and ensures continued coverage.
- Review deductibles carefully: Families should evaluate whether their current deductibles are affordable and consider adjusting coverage on older cars by dropping physical damage coverage if there is no lender requirement.
- Optimize insurance costs: Increasing deductibles and assigning the oldest vehicle to the teen driver can significantly reduce premiums.
- Leverage student discounts: Many insurance companies offer premium reductions for students maintaining high grade point averages.
- Prepare for accidents: Knowing procedures for accidents, such as contacting emergency services, documenting damages, and consulting with insurers, can speed claim processing and reduce stress.
Affordable Auto Insurance Strategies for Families with New Teen Drivers
Adding a teenage driver to your auto insurance can quickly increase premiums, but understanding how to leverage affordable plans can ease the burden. For example, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance advises parents to:
- Assign teens to drive older, less expensive vehicles as SUVs and sports cars typically incur higher premiums.
- Discuss deductible levels with a licensed agent to customize coverage based on both financial capability and vehicle value.
- Explore available discounts including those rewarding academic excellence.
By implementing these strategies, families can achieve meaningful savings while maintaining robust protection. For detailed guidance, visit InsuranceProFinder’s guide to lowering car insurance costs.
Critical Insurance Considerations for College Students Heading Back to Campus
The back-to-school season doesn’t just affect K-12 students; college students require distinct insurance considerations that the TDCI urges families to address thoughtfully:
- Health insurance continuity: Students can remain on their parents’ plans until age 26, but they should locate in-network doctors and medical facilities near campus.
- Auto insurance updates: If the student will not drive during the school year, temporarily removing them from the policy may reduce premiums; otherwise, maintaining coverage is crucial.
- Personal property coverage: Parents should check if their homeowner’s insurance includes coverage for dorm or apartment belongings and consider additional protections if necessary.
These measures ensure college students stay protected without undue financial strain. More about protecting students’ personal property can be found at InsuranceProFinder’s latest homeowner’s insurance insights.
Life Insurance Awareness and Updates for Changing Family Needs
Back-to-school is also a good time for families to review life insurance coverage. TDCI highlights several important practices:
- Conduct annual reviews to confirm beneficiary designations remain accurate.
- Communicate with beneficiaries to avoid confusion during claim settlements.
- Provide trusted advisors and beneficiaries with details of life insurance policies.
Notably, TDCI’s Life Insurance Policy Locator Service assisted in recovering over $87 million in benefits during 2024, underscoring how many may be unaware of existing policies. The locator tool can be an invaluable resource if you need help tracking a life insurance policy.
TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services: Support When Claims Are Denied
Insurance disputes can be particularly distressing during the busy school season. Families experiencing claim denials, delays, or disagreements can consult TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services team, which mediates between policyholders and insurers to resolve conflicts efficiently. Assistance is just a phone call away at 1-800-342-4029.
For comprehensive insurance advice and resources tailored to the back-to-school season, explore InsuranceProFinder’s dedicated TDCI back-to-school insurance advice page.
Essential Back-to-School Insurance Tips Summary
- Keep family coverage comprehensive but affordable: Regularly review auto and health policies, adjusting deductibles and drivers as circumstances change.
- Take advantage of seasonal offers: Seek discounts available specifically during back-to-school season.
- Ensure students are protected: From young drivers to college attendees, adequate insurance is vital to secure peace of mind.
- Educate yourself and family: Maintain open communication about policies, coverage limits, and claims procedures.
Understanding how insurance fits into the busy back-to-school period empowers families to focus on what truly matters: education and well-being.
FAQ About Back-to-School Insurance with TDCI Guidance
- Can my teen stay on my car insurance if they don’t own a car?
Yes, teens living with parents or guardians can typically remain on the household auto insurance policy without owning a vehicle. - Are there insurance discounts for good student grades?
Many insurers reward students maintaining high academic performance with premium reductions. Check with your agent to qualify. - Should college students keep their auto insurance if they won’t drive?
If the student won’t drive during the school year, it’s often cost-effective to remove them temporarily from the policy to save money. - Does homeowner’s insurance cover student dorm or apartment belongings?
In some cases, yes. It’s important to verify coverage with your insurance agent and consider additional renters insurance if necessary. - What can I do if my insurance claim is unfairly denied?
TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services team provides mediation support to help resolve claim disputes. Contact them promptly for assistance.
Additional resources to help cut costs and improve your insurance strategies can be found at InsuranceProFinder’s home safety insurance strategies and cost reduction tips for homeowners insurance.