Insuring Possessions At Uni - Advice To Parents And Students

Have you got an offspring departing for college or university? There are a host of things to think about, but the one that is often overlooked is insurance. OK, you need to insure the basics like pots and pans, towels and sheets - but there is also the TV, computer, electronic games and stereo. Amazingly, it is estimated that the average value of this gear is about 4,500 pounds.

In their first year they may be in halls, where statistics show there is less likelihood of burglary. Problems may arise if the student swaps universities at the last minute. Accommodation may be a problem, as halls may be booked up and the best rented houses and rooms taken.

If you are involved in searching for accommodation, you should look for a place close to the college or with good transport links. Ensure that each door and window has a strong lock and that window locks are also good quality. If the security of the doors and windows is a problem, but otherwise the property is acceptable, you should ask the landlord whether he will remedy the situation.

If the house is shared, check who will take responsibility for the principle keys. Of course your son or daughter should take responsibility for the keys to their own room. Electrical items should be marked with the address of the new accommodation and a student registration number. Special marking pens can be used, which make the details invisible. It is prudent to prepare a list of property being taken, along with a full description, photographs of the most valuable items and the serial numbers.

No doubt you have nagged them before about checking that the doors and windows are secure on leaving the property. This is especially important after dark. Ground floor rooms are particularly at risk, so ensure that valuable items, like the television and computer are kept out of sight, where this is possible. Valuables and cash should be hidden away.

Opportunist thieves and burglars know when student property will probably be unoccupied, so it is well worth the trouble of bringing valuable items home for the holidays. For students living in halls, it will almost certainly be one of the conditions, as the accommodation may be used for a summer school.

Belongings must be insured adequately, even though they may be included on your household policy. Insurance will not cover you for walk-in thefts, when items disappear without evidence of doors and windows being forced.

Some insurance policies are specially tailored to suit the requirements of students. Many factors affect premiums including the value of the goods, the location of the accommodation and whether it is privately rented. If the student is staying in halls of residence, the premiums should be cheaper. The best way to find insurance cover is to search the internet, where a broker will know where to find the best deals and discounts. The student union may also have details of local insurance brokers specialising in cover for students.

Your son or daughter is off to university, go to Brokers Online to get a quote for Home and Contents Insurance. Brokers Online offers helpful articles and information about Home and Contents Insurance. We can also provide our customers with quotes for Life Insurance and many many more Insurance products.