Back-to-School Insurance Guide: Protecting Bergen County Families

As August arrives and Bergen County families prepare for the new school year, it's the perfect time to review your insurance coverage. With students returning to classrooms from Hackensack to Fort Lee, and new teen drivers hitting the roads, ensuring proper protection has never been more important.

Recent events, including the earthquake that shook Hasbrouck Heights last weekend, remind us that unexpected situations can occur at any time. Here's your comprehensive guide to ensuring your family is properly protected as the 2025-2026 school year begins.

Auto Insurance: Protecting Young Drivers

With back-to-school season comes increased traffic around Bergen County schools and more teen drivers on the road. If you have a student who will be driving to school this year, now is the time to review your auto insurance policy.

Key Considerations for Parents:

Adding a teen driver can increase premiums by 50-100%
Good student discounts can save 10-25% for students with B average or better
Consider usage-based insurance programs for new drivers
Review coverage limits, especially if your teen will be driving friends

School Zone Safety Reminder

Bergen County police will be increasing patrols around schools. Traffic violations in school zones can significantly impact your insurance rates.

Healthcare Coverage: NJ FamilyCare and Beyond

Ensuring your children have proper healthcare coverage is essential for the school year. Bergen County families have several options:

NJ FamilyCare Benefits:

Children under 19 qualify regardless of immigration status
Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, and vision care
Income eligibility up to 355% of Federal Poverty Level
No copayments for preventive care

Private Insurance Considerations:

Review your plan's coverage for sports physicals and immunizations
Understand emergency room vs. urgent care coverage
Check if your plan covers mental health services through school programs
Verify coverage for any specialized services your child may need

Homeowners and Renters Insurance: Protecting Student Property

As students prepare for school with new laptops, tablets, and other expensive equipment, it's important to understand how these items are covered:

Coverage Tips:

Most homeowners policies cover student belongings at school
Coverage typically extends to dorm rooms and off-campus housing
Document serial numbers and take photos of expensive items
Consider scheduling high-value items like musical instruments

For College Students:

Verify coverage limits for off-premises property
Consider renters insurance for off-campus housing
Review liability coverage for student activities

Umbrella Insurance: Extra Protection for Active Families

With students participating in sports, hosting friends, and new drivers on the road, Bergen County families face increased liability risks during the school year.

Why Consider Umbrella Coverage:

Protects against lawsuits exceeding auto/home policy limits
Covers incidents at school events and activities
Provides peace of mind for carpooling and teen driver situations
Typically costs $200-300 per year for $1 million in coverage

Special Considerations for Bergen County Families

Recent Earthquake Reminder:

Saturday's earthquake in Hasbrouck Heights highlights the importance of understanding your coverage for natural disasters. Standard homeowners policies typically don't cover earthquake damage.

School Security Updates:

Bergen County schools work closely with local police departments and have comprehensive emergency plans. Ensure your insurance agent has updated contact information for emergency situations.

Mental Health Resources:

New Jersey's SAFE NJ Program provides mental health support for students. Many insurance plans now offer enhanced mental health coverage - verify your benefits before the school year begins.

Insurance Preparation Checklist

Review and Update

Schedule an annual insurance review before each school year

Bundle Policies

Save 15-25% by bundling auto, home, and umbrella coverage

Document Everything

Keep photos and receipts of school supplies and equipment

Communicate Changes

Notify your agent of new drivers, address changes, or major purchases

As Bergen County students prepare to return to school, taking time to review your insurance coverage ensures your family is protected throughout the academic year. From new teen drivers navigating Route 17 to valuable school equipment and unexpected events like last weekend's earthquake, proper coverage provides peace of mind.

Don't wait until an incident occurs to discover gaps in your coverage. Contact Midland Associates Insurance today for a comprehensive review tailored to your family's needs. With 6+ years serving Bergen County families, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities our community faces.

Back-to-School Insurance Guide: Protecting Bergen County Families This August