Home insurance risk for students
Sunday, 13 May 2007 16:19
One student in nine had items stolen from them last year while living away from home, new figures show, making insurance a must.
Data from Churchill shows the average value of the items stolen was £470, while figures from Esure show one fresher in four has not thought about home insurance to protect their possessions against loss, theft, or damage.
"Insurance is unlikely to be the first thing on parents' check lists as they prepare to send their child off to university," said Abi Clark, spokesperson for Churchill home insurance.
"However, we urge parents to check their home contents policy to see if it covers their child’s possessions while they are away from the home."
Esure's
University Poll report shows four students in five are set to head to university with more than £2,500 - with one in ten taking more than £5,000 worth of goods.
"With all the nerves and excitement in the air of students getting their results and rushing to confirm their places at university, many aren't remembering to insure their belongings against loss, theft and damage which could cost them dear," said Nikki Sellers, Esure head of home insurance.
"All parents should make sure they have adequate contents insurance cover in place to protect their child's belongings - by checking whether it's included in their current policy or by taking out additional insurance to protect their son or daughter's prized possessions away from the family home."
Top ten items students plan to take to university:
1. Mobile phone (93 per cent)
2. iPod/MP3/MP4 player (74 per cent)
3. Laptop/computer (63 per cent
4. USB/memory stick (63 per cent)
5. Jewellery (49 per cent)
6. Television (47 per cent)
7. Camera (45 per cent)
8. DVD player/recorder (39 per cent)
9. Designer clothes (38 per cent)
10. Hi-fi (34 per cent)