THREE BASICS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

Gone are the days of sending your college student off with a book bag and a meal plan. In addition to the latest technology and fashions, today’s students should be equipped with a basic understanding of the law. Here are three

  1. Read and understand before signing.
    Whether it’s a lease agreement, a liability release or a credit card application, make certain everything is in writing, thoroughly understood and agreed to. Don’t let the length of the document prevent reading it before signing. Feel free to “x” out items that you are not comfortable to agreeing to. It can save time, money and aggravation later should you wish to change a lease, file an insurance claim or transfer a credit card balance.
  2. Know the local law before imbibing.
    Alcohol consumption in and around college campuses has long been a topic of discussion and concern for parents. Drinking ages and consequences of underage drinking vary by state. If your child is drinking or if under- age drinking occurs in their residence, legal consequences may range from a misdemeanor all the way to a felony. It is important students understand the laws surrounding alcohol in their college’s state and use them to help guide their decisions on drinking.
  3. Hold onto those keys.
    It is so tempting to lend the new college roommate or long-time friend the car for a “short trip” or “emergency.” Should an accident occur, the car insurance follows the car, not the driver. The costs of the crash will go against whoever owns the vehicle – whether it is the student or Mom and Dad. That could make for not only higher premiums, but potential legal liabilities.  Helping young drivers understand how and why to hold onto their keys without losing a friend will serve them well through college and beyond.

Following these three principles is just a starting point and can’t prevent every legal dispute that may arise in the new college environment. To learn how you and your student can benefit from our experience, contact our office in St. Louis.