Student Insurance
When you are staying away from home studying at university or college the last thing you want is for some of your possessions to get damaged, lost or stolen. Not only is it unpleasant and inconvenient but if something like your personal computer or laptop gets stolen then this could prevent you from continuing your studies.
At a time when you are most likely to be a lot less thrifty than normal and possibly living off of a loan the last thing you can afford to do is replace expensive computing equipment. That's why its advisable that before you go away to study you take out some sort of Student Possessions Insurance. It may not be able to recover the work you lost that was saved on your hard drive but at least you can get a replacement computer system quickly so can continue your studies.
Exactly what is covered and for how much really depends on your insurer and the details of the policy but most companies will offer new for old on most items or a similar service. Unlike other types of insurance it can cover against "walk in thefts" rather than only situations where your property was sufficiently secured. This is because insurers generally understand the sort of living arrangements you are likely to be in: such as shared housing, student halls etc.
Typical policies are likely to cover:
- The content of your room(s) - Against Theft, Fire, Burst Pipes, Storm Damage and Flood damage. This can include clothing, books, landlords property, credit cards, money and so on; however limits may be placed on the amount you can claim for in one claim or a limit may be imposed for certain types of items (if you have expensive musical instruments e.g. over £600 you may wish to insure them under a separate policy) . Some policies may even extend to cover your belonging whilst you are in transit to and from your place of study.
- Computer Equipment - Covering your desktop PCs and laptops against accidental damage, loss, or theft.
- Mobile Phone - For theft, loss, and damage. Some policies may include compensation for airtime or bill charges if you phone is abused by an authorised user.
- Course Fees - Some policies may cover the cost of course fees; for instance if you have to end your course early because of illness or a family member who was contributing to your fees becomes ill and subsequently redundant and unable to pay.
- Personal Liability - The amount of cover this can vary but some insurers can offer up to £1,000,000 or even twice that amount.
