While settling into their residence halls, apartments and houses, San Diego State students are urged to take the proper precautions with personal things such as possessions, health and cars.

California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi encouraged parents and students to re-evaluate their protection regarding personal assets during a press conference last Saturday at the Piedra del Sol Apartments on the west side of campus.

"When I went to school, I had maybe $200 worth of stuff," said Garamendi, who earned his bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of California, Berkeley. "We used pencils and slide rules then. It was a different period. But now with these laptops and all this electronic equipment, it starts adding up."

For SDSU students living in on-campus housing, university insurance does not cover personal-property damage. The university guidelines recommend obtaining insurance such as a renter's policy, though coverage may be minimal.

Garamendi said some students may be covered under their parents' homeowners or renters policies, but many students living off campus are not covered.

Depending on the type of coverage, local insurance agencies offer annual rates for apartment renters ranging from as little as $200 to more than $600.

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