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Student contents insurance is designed to cover everything you take to your university
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Last updated
August 11th, 2023

What is student contents insurance?

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."

Do I need student contents insurance?

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.

How to choose the best student contents insurance

It’s important that you find the right cover for your needs, so here are three things to consider during the decision making process:

What items do you want to protect?

Before you start looking at different options, have a think about what items you would like to cover and how much they are worth. You’ll need this information when applying for the policy.

What are the cover limits?

Some policies will have cover limits for expensive items, like laptops and mobile phones. It’s a good idea to check these limits to ensure that you are fully covered.

How much excess will need to be paid?

As with most insurance, there will be an excess that you will need to pay if you make a claim. Check the excess for each policy and make sure you are comfortable with the value.

What items can I protect with student contents insurance?

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.

What’s not covered?

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."

Optional extras

Personal possessions cover

Covers expensive individual items, including those you may take out of your digs, such as a laptop to a cafe or library.

Garden cover

Covers items you keep outside the property in a fenced garden.

Bicycle insurance

Covers your bike, providing it’s secured to a bike rack, railings or another permanent structure when you’re not using it.

Optional extras

Personal possessions cover

Covers expensive individual items, including those you may take out of your digs, such as a laptop to a cafe or library.

Garden cover

Covers items you keep outside the property in a fenced garden.

Bicycle insurance

Covers your bike, providing it’s secured to a bike rack, railings or another permanent structure when you’re not using it.

FAQs

Can I get student contents insurance?

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.

Do I need student insurance if I still live at home?

No. Student contents insurance policies are for people living in halls of residence or rented accommodation away from home while studying.

Will I need building insurance as a student?

Not if you live in private accommodation or halls of residence – it’s the responsibility of your landlord or university to cover the building.

Can student contents insurance cover my laptop?

Some policies include it as standard, with others you’ll need to pay extra to protect it.

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About the author

Lucinda O'Brien
Lucinda O'Brien has spent the past 10 years writing and editing content for regional and national titles. She applies her industry knowledge to ensure readers can make confident financial decisions.

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