Cal Poly Humboldt Simplifies Renters Insurance for Students After Costly Incidents

Shortly after starting a new job at Cal Poly Humboldt, Todd Larsen, Senior Director of Housing Operations, faced a major crisis: a student triggered a sprinkler with a clothes hanger, flooding 20 dorm units in the middle of the night. The damage totaled tens of thousands of dollars, and none of the affected students had renters insurance. 

The incident came on the heels of a laundry room fire, prompting the university to rethink how it supports students facing property losses. 

Seeking a better approach, Larsen turned to GradGuard, drawn by its seamless integration with Humboldt’s existing housing platform, StarRez, and its student-focused coverage for personal property and liability. The fact that peer institutions, such as San Francisco State University, also partnered with GradGuard sealed the deal. 

“I saw it as a no-brainer, it seemed so easy,” Larsen said. 

GradGuard Renters Insurance Program offers students an active choice to accept or decline coverage during the housing selection process. This makes it easy for students to access quality protection without navigating a confusing marketplace or relying on limited coverage from a parent’s homeowners policy. 

Since becoming a GradGuard partner in 2016, Cal Poly Humboldt has empowered students to make informed decisions about protecting their belongings without adding costs or administrative burden to the institution. 

“Over the years, it’s gotten better. Your systems have really modernized,” Larsen said. 

GradGuard provides partner institutions like Humboldt with digital and printed materials that help inform students and families about the benefits of renters insurance. Previously, administration relied on students finding their own coverage and hoping they had it in place if an incident occurred. Now, it’s a streamlined part of the housing process. 

BOTTOM LINE

By integrating GradGuard Renters Insurance Program, Cal Poly Humboldt turned reactive crisis management into a proactive protection strategy, giving students a simple, affordable way to safeguard their college experience. 

“I always had renters insurance when I was a renter, so I totally understand the value of it,” Larsen said. 

GradGuard's Renters Program promotes financial literacy by helping schools disclose resident liability for damages they may cause & providing an active choice for residents to protect themselves.