Student contents insurance

Most policies will cover items up to a maximum single-item limit – the most you can claim for on any one item. Always check the maximum single-item limit before taking out a policy.

When you get a contents insurance quote, you’ll need to list any items worth more than the single-item limit separately. This will ensure they are properly covered to their full value. It may increase the cost of your insurance though.

When you compare with us, we’ll ask you to list any items worth £1,500 or more.

If you’re living in halls of residence, the university might already arrange cover for students. Not all universities do though, so you’ll need to check if you need your own policy or not.

Even if you have contents insurance in place, you might still need extra cover to protect items you take out and about. For this you'll need personal possessions cover.

No, you won’t need student insurance if you’re living at home. Student contents insurance is designed for students living away from their families.

If you’re still at home, your belongings should be covered by your parents’ home insurance policy (assuming they have one). But you might want to check the policy to make sure your valuables are covered.

Depending on what type of cover your parents have, their policy may cover you while you’re living away at uni. Some contents insurance policies cover your belongings while you’re away from your parents’ home; others don’t. Ask your parents to check their policy.

If the cover you want isn’t included as standard, you might be able to pay extra to add it.

It’s worth remembering that your parents could lose their no claims discount if you claim on their policy. This could increase their premium when they come to renew.

Some insurance providers include mobile phones in their student policies – others don’t. You may be able to add your phone to your policy, but you might only be covered if it’s stolen from your accommodation during a break-in.

If your phone is expensive or you want more comprehensive cover, you could take out mobile phone insurance. If you want cover for all your devices, you might want to consider student gadget insurance.

You can’t currently compare standalone mobile phone or gadget insurance policies with Compare the Market. But we can help you find contents insurance that could also cover your devices.

You should ideally have your student insurance in place before the term starts, so you’re covered once the academic year begins.

This ensures that your possessions are protected as soon as you move into your student accommodation. If you feel you need more cover or buy some expensive tech, you can always add it to your policy later.

Buying your policy early will also mean you get the most out of it as you’ll have it in place for the whole academic year.

Yes, most student contents insurance policies include cover for your room key as standard. That means if you lose your key, you can claim for a locksmith to replace your lock and give you a new key. Just be sure to check the details in your policy wording.

Most students won’t need buildings insurance, as they typically rent their accommodation. Buildings insurance is usually the landlord’s responsibility.

No, your landlord’s buildings insurance won’t cover your possessions. It only covers the structure of the property – for example, the walls, windows and roof.

No. The Act affects some of your rights as a tenant, but it doesn't make your landlord responsible for your belongings. Their buildings insurance only covers the structure of the property, so you'll still need your own student contents insurance to cover theft, loss or damage.

Not necessarily, but insurers may ask about the locks on your room and external doors when you get a quote. If your room has no lock or a broken one, tell your landlord or university.

Most policies run for 12 months, but short term cover may be available. If you leave belongings in your accommodation over the summer, you may need cover for the full tenancy.