As university term approaches, parents are being advised to secure their children's belongings, as the average insurance claim for student items has significantly increased. Data from Aviva shows that the average value of a student insurance claim rose from £781 in 2022 to £1,766 in 2025, nearly doubling over three years.
These figures highlight the potential financial impact on students if their possessions are lost or stolen. The majority of student insurance claims are related to theft, including break-ins at student accommodations and vehicles, as well as items stolen while students are out. Accidental damage, such as dropped electronics or liquid spills, accounts for the remainder of claims. Laptops, computers, phones, and bicycles are frequently the subject of insurance claims.
Students may be covered under their parents' or guardians' home contents insurance policies, often through a 'contents temporarily removed' clause. However, this coverage typically applies to items kept in term-time accommodation and may require students to bring their belongings back to the family home during holidays. Parents should verify the specifics of their policy with their insurer, especially if their child plans to work or travel during university breaks. Such policies generally cover theft, fire, and water damage. Additional 'personal belongings' cover may be available for items taken outside the accommodation, like smartphones and laptops.
If students are not covered under existing policies, specialist student contents insurance can be purchased, with costs averaging around £74 per year, though this can vary based on location and the value of belongings. Some universities also include contents insurance within their accommodation fees, and certain student bank accounts may offer this as a benefit.
To help prevent claims and ensure coverage is valid, students are advised to take precautions such as locking doors and windows when leaving their accommodation, not leaving valuables unattended, keeping valuable items out of sight, and securing bicycles properly. Bicycles must typically be stored indoors or locked to a fixed object when unattended to be eligible for cover. Students should also inform their insurer if they take a car to university and update their address details, as failure to do so could affect cover.
Steven Jackson, home product manager at Aviva, emphasized the importance of simple security measures and checking existing insurance options. "While no one expects to become a victim of theft, simple steps such as locking your room or accommodation when heading out and avoiding leaving valuables unattended can go a long way towards helping protect belongings," he stated. "It’s worth checking if you have insurance in place, whether that’s with the university, a student bank account or through a parent or guardian’s home insurance policy."