Students urged to do homework on home insurance

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 12:00

Students heading off to university this month should ensure their possessions are fully covered by home insurance, Confused.com has said.

The comparison site's head of household Gareth Cloet said while some parents' policies may provide "a certain level" of protection, there will be restrictions and it is crucial that undergraduates know them before moving away from the family home.

For example, he added, most insurance will not cover stolen items if there is no sign of forced entry - and halls of residence can often be a "perfect target" for opportunist thieves.

Students could therefore benefit from getting their own policy, as in many cases they offer specialist provisions, such as protection against walk-in theft.

It is also important to check the level of protection offered by a parental policy before taking high value items like laptops and iPods out of the home, he added.

The National Union of Students has advised those moving into rented housing this September to ensure there is a burglar alarm, as well as locks on the windows and doors.

It also said people should not let landlords "panic" them into signing up for the first property they view.

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