Rental Insurance
Rental Insurance Requirements
Protect Your Space, Protect Your Semester
Howard requires every student in University‑sponsored housing, on or off-campus, to hold at least $300,000 in renters‑liability coverage for the entire time they live in a University‑sponsored unit. No active policy, no keys. It’s quick, affordable, and the only way to safeguard your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Why You Need It
- Move‑in depends on proof of coverage. No active policy = no room keys.
- Howard does not cover personal property. Laptops, phones, clothes, instruments, textbooks, and other personal property items are not protected by the University.
- Campus life is unpredictable. Theft, fire, smoke, burst pipes, sprinkler mishaps, even a friend’s accidental damage can upend a semester and a budget.
Paths to Compliance
| Where You Live | Best Way to Comply | How It Works | Why We Recommend It | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On‑Campus (residence halls) | The Guarantors Student Policy | Step 1: Click “Get Covered” in your Housing Portal → Step 2: Finish the 3‑minute checkout → Step 3: Coverage confirmation appears in StarRez automatically | Meets the $300 k rule; adds $5,000 personal‑property protection at no extra cost; fastest approval—no paperwork on move‑in day | |
| On‑Campus—Private Plan | Any renters‑insurance policy with ≥ $300 k liability | Buy from your preferred insurer → Upload the Declarations Page to StarRez before arrival | Lets you bundle with existing family coverage if that’s cheaper | |
| Off‑Campus (University‑sponsored lease‑ups—Clover, Mazza, Lanes, Vie Towers) | Any renters‑insurance policy with ≥ $300 k liability | Purchase a plan → Upload the Declarations Page to StarRez before arrival → Hand a printed copy to property management when you collect your keys | Guarantors plan is not available off campus, so a private plan is required | |
Keep It Active—No Exceptions
Do not cancel your policy. If coverage lapses at any point, you’ll incur a $25 per month non‑compliance fee that will be added to your BisonHub account. More importantly, you’ll have no protection for your belongings.
Your Compliance Checklist
- Identify your housing type (on ‑ or off ‑ campus).
- Secure a $300 k liability policy via the correct path (Guarantors strongly recommended for on‑campus).
- Upload proof of coverage to StarRez.
- Watch for your “Insurance Verified” email before move‑in.
- Bring a hard copy if you live off campus.
(Need a visual guide? The 90‑second video belowshows the entire Guarantors enrollment from start to finish.)
Coverage Snapshot*
- Liability: $300,000 minimum (required)
- Personal Property: Optional (Guarantors adds $5 k automatically for on‑campus)
- Other Protections: Theft, fire, smoke, water damage, temporary housing—benefits vary by provider
*Exact protections vary by policy; read your terms carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget to upload proof?
Your move‑in appointment will be blocked until documentation is received.
Can I switch insurers mid‑year?
Yes, provided there is no gap between the old policy ending and the new one beginning, and you immediately upload the new documents.
Ready? Get Covered Today.
Secure your policy, upload your proof, and start the semester worry‑free.
Howard University assumes no financial responsibility for student property. Compliance with the renters‑insurance requirement is a binding condition of your Housing Agreement.