Back to School: Six Insurance Checks for Parents

The start of a new school year usually means getting back into routines, picking up schoolbooks and supplies, and making sure everyone has what they need for the months ahead. 

Insurance arrangements might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but a few simple checks can help make sure the right cover is in place as the new term begins. 

From school activities to getting there and back each day, here are six insurance areas to review this September. 

1. Check Your Child’s Pupil Personal Accident Cover 

Some schools arrange pupil personal accident insurance, which can provide financial protection if a pupil is injured in an accident. 

Depending on the scheme, it can cover certain medical or dental expenses and benefits for specified injuries without needing to establish fault. Cover may apply during school activities and journeys to and from school, while some schemes extend to 24-hour protection. 

Ask your child’s school whether your child is covered under the scheme and what level of protection applies. 

2. Make Sure Their School Device Is Covered 

Laptops and tablets can be expensive to repair or replace, so review whether your home contents insurance covers the device when it is taken outside the home and brought to school. 

If not, separate gadget insurance may be an option. Some companies supplying laptops or tablets through school technology programmes may also offer parents optional insurance for the device. 

Whatever cover applies, review whether accidental damage, theft or loss is included and any excesses or value limits. 

3. Cycling to School? Review Your Bicycle Cover 

If your child cycles to school, do not assume their bicycle is covered once it leaves home. 

Home insurance may cover bicycles away from the property, but terms can vary. Find out what security conditions apply when the bike is left unattended and the maximum amount the policy will pay. 

Separate bicycle insurance may also be available if your existing cover does not meet your needs. 

4. Make Sure Their TY Placement Is Properly Covered 

For students entering Transition Year, work experience can bring another insurance consideration. 

Before a placement starts, confirm whether the school’s insurance arrangements extend to work experience. The host employer should also have appropriate employers’ liability and public liability insurance. 

If your child arranged the placement themselves, confirm with the school that it is covered under its work-experience insurance arrangements. 

5. Make Sure Young Drivers Are Properly Insured 

If your child has started regularly driving the family car to school or college, review the motor policy. 

Make sure they are correctly included and that the person who uses the car most is accurately declared as the main driver. Also review any additional excesses, restrictions or conditions that apply to younger or inexperienced drivers. 

6. Make Sure School Trips Are Properly Insured 

If your child is going on a school tour, exchange or overseas trip, find out what travel insurance has been arranged. 

Review cover for emergency medical expenses, cancellation and lost or stolen belongings. If activities such as skiing or watersports are planned, confirm whether they are included or require additional cover. 

Pupil personal accident insurance and travel insurance provide different types of protection, so having pupil accident cover does not necessarily mean your child is covered for the wider risks of a school trip. 

Start the School Year Prepared 

The new school year is a useful time to make sure the insurance arrangements around your family still reflect your circumstances. 

Whether cover is arranged through the school or forms part of insurance you already hold, understanding what protection is in place can help avoid surprises later. 

If you are unsure, speak to your insurer or insurance intermediary and review your policy documents. 

Need More Assistance? 

If you have further questions, you can contact Insurance Ireland’s Information Services team: 

Email: feedback@insuranceireland.eu Tel: (01) 676 1820