There was a fire at my college dorm and because the insurance claim being initiated by the university, it covered all the students property as well. If the damage were less, and the university not created an insurance claim, the students would have been required to file a claim with their renters insurance to recover any damages.
I'm sure every college student suddenly had a Denon or Cambridge audio receiver.
As an FYI, some Home Owners' policy will extend for a dependent child/college student while away. Double check and READ all your policies. Just because your "agent said" doesn't mean it does. If they do "say" confirm with them via email.
Renters policies are cheap!! If you don't have one, get one. People are careless and leave things on the stove ALL the time. I truly see it every day. (Also deal with pipe breaks and sewer line issues with cities quite a bit.)
Sent from a a few tin cans and some string.