Student insurance tips
Walk down the corridor of any university campus accommodation and it's clear that music is the lifeblood of student life. This suggests that students rely heavily on their iPods, laptop computers and hi-fi to provide that vital beat for study.
This is essential kit that can easily disappear if not looked after. Says Janet Pell, head of AA Insurance: “Student insurance is hardly a sexy topic but it is pretty vital. Many insurance packages for students or extensions to parents' home cover are tied up with all sorts of exclusions and conditions.
“The real beauty of AA cover is that there are no specific requirements about security. Let's face it, most students can be a bit careless about their possessions. And there is an excess of only £10.”
The average value of a student's contents is over £3,000 and, according to Home Office statistics, a quarter of all students will become a victim of crime at some time while at university - iPods being among the most frequently stolen possessions.
“If that disappears it won't get back the Muse or Radiohead tracks you've downloaded so it's always worth backing up your favourite music. But at least you'll be able to claim for replacement equipment,” Janet points out.
The cost of cover can be as little as £15. “That is for fairly basic cover but even so, will include things like clothing, sports gear, trainers, vacation cover and so on. Then you can add on cover for other student stuff like the computer, iPod, mobile phone and DVD player.
“But comprehensive cover, costing from around £50 will include all of these things, as well as accidental damage and possessions away from your accommodation and even up to £250 worth of university library books,” Janet adds. “University libraries are pretty hot on making sure they get their books back and will expect them to be paid for if they vanish. And surely the money is better spent in the student bar than the library?”
AA Student Insurance works whether you are in halls or if you are sharing a house off-campus with other students. While it's not nice finding there's a thief in your midst, at least decent insurance can provide vital back up if your stuff does disappear. It will give peace of mind for your parents who might well have paid for much of what you go to university with.
Find out more about student contents insurance from the AA and get a student insurance quote.