Covers expensive individual items, including those you may take out of your digs, such as a laptop to a cafe or library.
Student contents insurance is designed to cover everything you take to your university digs.
It might seem an expense you can do without, especially as your family’s home insurance will probably offer some protection while you’re away from home. But standard contents insurance has its limits, and won’t necessarily cover the total cost of replacing your belongings. For example, a claim for damage to your laptop might not reimburse the full amount you paid for the device.
If your parent’s home insurance doesn’t tick all the boxes, use our comparison to see student contents insurance from providers across the UK.
Standard contents insurance has its limits, and won’t necessarily cover the total cost of replacing your belongings."
The short answer is yes, it’s a good idea to have cover as students typically arrive at their new accommodation with expensive items, like laptops and mobile phones.
House keys may also be lost, copied or lent, doors left unlocked, and even secured access points could be more vulnerable making these expensive items at risk of theft.
Theft aside, students are known for their parties, which can result in accidental damage or loss to items. Student cover can ensure it’s not you who needs to stump up the cost of repairs or replacements.
In addition to offering the same benefits as standard contents insurance, student policies typically feature a range of extra benefits, including:
Gadget cover: Protects valuable items such as your laptop, mobile phone or tablet
Musical instrument cover: Protects guitar, keyboard or other instruments against damage and theft
Room key cover: This covers costs incurred if you lose your room or house keys, plus the locksmith’s bill
Tuition fee cover: Pays for your rent and tuition if you’re unable to continue your course following illness or an accident
Accidental damage: Not all policies offer this protection as standard, but it’s useful and worth considering especially if you’re living in shared accommodation
Check each policy carefully to see if these benefits are included as standard, or if you can add them for an extra cost. Also check what excesses apply, as you’d have to have this money available before your insurer will pay up.
You need enough cover to replace all your belongings if they’re stolen or destroyed – add up the total value to see how much protection you need.
Where possible, keep receipts of expensive items you’ve taken to university, as this will help if you need to make a claim.
Also, be aware that if a new purchase goes wrong within 30 days, you can return it for a full refund under the Consumer Rights Act. Your purchase may also be covered by its manufacturer’s warranty, meaning you can send or take it back to the retailer who sold it to you.
Common exclusions include:
Theft with no sign of forced entry
Break-ins if you don’t have an approved lock on your door
Cover during term holidays
Any single high-value item, unless you add personal possessions cover
Compare as many policies as possible to find the best cover at the lowest price."
Covers expensive individual items, including those you may take out of your digs, such as a laptop to a cafe or library.
Covers items you keep outside the property in a fenced garden.
Covers your bike, providing it’s secured to a bike rack, railings or another permanent structure when you’re not using it.
Covers expensive individual items, including those you may take out of your digs, such as a laptop to a cafe or library.
Covers items you keep outside the property in a fenced garden.
Covers your bike, providing it’s secured to a bike rack, railings or another permanent structure when you’re not using it.
Yes, providing you're in full-time education at a university or college in the UK and have no criminal convictions. The British Insurance Brokers’ Association may be able to find you affordable contents insurance if you have an unspent conviction.
No. Student contents insurance policies are for people living in halls of residence or rented accommodation away from home while studying.
Not if you live in private accommodation or halls of residence – it’s the responsibility of your landlord or university to cover the building.
Some policies include it as standard, with others you’ll need to pay extra to protect it.
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