Student possessions insurance neglected by parents

5th August, 2008

Student possessions insurance is being shunned by parents of those in higher education through a combination of ignorance and complacency, a new survey has shown.

In a poll conducted by student possessions insurance provider esure, almost a quarter (24 per cent) of parents surveyed said that they have not even thought about whether their children require student possessions insurance while they are aware at college.

Meanwhile, one in ten parents quizzed have not taken out specialist student possessions insurance in the mistaken belief that the items stored in their offspring's digs are protected from loss and damage by their home insurance policy.

The danger of this situation is underlined by a further finding of the study, which revealed that the average student stores around £1,500 worth of possessions in their accommodation. A theft or fire therefore could result in a hefty outlay for replacement if their contents of their digs are not covered by student possessions insurance.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure home insurance, said: "It is very important that parents make sure they have sufficient contents cover in place to protect their child's belongings - either by checking whether it's included in their current policy or taking out separate student possessions insurance."

He added: "Not having suitable insurance in place would hit students hard in the pocket and take a real chunk out of a student loan to replace the type of gadgets and designer gear that entices thieves."

As well as student possessions insurance, esure offers a range of other cover including standard home, life and travel insurance.

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