College Students Urged to Protect Possessions upon Return to Campus

Jeff Cook, vice president of product management for Travelers of Massachusetts, noted that iPods, cell phones and laptops remain the most common items to be stolen during "Move-In Week." "Students need to be vigilant about protecting those items and to not leave them unattended," he said.

With that in mind, students are encouraged to take practical steps to ensure safety, including locking car and apartment doors, ensuring that their belongings are not exposed, and not leaving doors ajar.

Students may consider other steps, such as purchasing renters insurance, which can guard against a number of problems.

"Although landlords almost certainly have homeowners insurance coverage for the physical dwelling, renters need insurance to cover their personal property such as clothing, furniture or electronic equipment in the event of loss from a fire, theft or other mishap," said Cook. "Unfortunately, many students don't consider renters insurance until it's too late."

A renters policy also protects your property against virtually every type of theft loss in the apartment. This personal property coverage is also called contents coverage since it insures the contents of your apartment.

To learn more useful information about renters coverage, go to Renters Insurance 101. To learn more about Travelers visit www.travelers.com.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve customers is to deliver insurance in-synch with evolving risks. The company's diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto, home and business settings. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2007 revenues of approximately $26 billion. The company has more than 33,000 employees. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.

SOURCE: The Travelers Companies, Inc.

The Travelers Companies, Inc. Media: Matt Bordonaro, 860-277-7014 or Sheila Trauernicht, 860-277-7461