Renters’ insurance

Yes, you can get student contents insurance if you’re studying away from home. But it’s a good idea to check if your possessions are already covered by your parents’ home insurance policy.

Renters’ insurance is much the same as regular home contents insurance. One difference is that renters’ insurance often includes tenants’ liability cover.

Some landlords will have home insurance for their rental property that includes contents cover. But this usually only protects their possessions. This will include any furniture, carpets, curtains and white goods that came with the property.

Landlord insurance won’t provide any cover for your possessions – your smartphone, laptop or clothes, for example.

You need to estimate the value of your home contents to see how much it would cost to replace all your belongings. Don’t forget to include any valuable jewellery or watches.

Be careful not to underinsure your contents. This means they won’t be covered to their full value. But don’t overestimate either. You could end up paying for extra cover that you don’t need.

When you get a quote for tenants’ insurance with Compare the Market, you can use our contents calculator to help you estimate the value of your possessions.

It’s possible to get room-only insurance if you live in a shared house. But your choice of insurance providers may be more limited.

Some renters’ contents insurance providers may refuse a tenant who lives in shared accommodation. Or they might exclude more items, especially if bedroom doors don’t have locks.

But don’t be tempted to avoid telling your insurance provider about sharing arrangements. Doing so might invalidate your policy if you need to make a claim.

Room-only contents insurance can cover your own belongings in a shared house against theft, fire, flooding and burst pipes. Each tenant generally needs their own policy.

Your choice of insurers may be more limited. Some won't cover shared accommodation, and others exclude more items, especially if bedroom doors don't have locks. Always be truthful to your insurer about your living arrangements, as not doing so could invalidate a claim. Our room-only insurance guide explains more.

If you rent a single room, in halls, a house share or lodgings, your landlord or accommodation provider usually insures the building and any furniture they supply, but not your belongings.

Room-only cover can protect your laptop, phone and clothes. Your choice of insurer may be more limited, and some policies expect a lock on your bedroom door.

If you're studying away from home, student contents insurance could be useful.