Students moving to university for the first time need to make sure they have contents insurance to cover their belongings, it has been stressed.
Many students may let their guards down when at university, noted corporate and technical affairs manager at the British Insurance Brokers' Association Graeme Trudgill.
It is mainly the value of the items which students take with them which creates the need for insurance, he stated. "They take a laptop, an iPod, their CD collection, a digital camera, an electric guitar - it can really all add up to several thousands of pounds worth," Mr Trudgill warned.
He emphasised the importance of speaking to an insurance broker so they can be made aware of how long the person will be away for and what sort of cover they will need.
It seems unlikely that students will kerb their spending either, meaning the vulnerability of high cost items will continue to rise. According to the Halifax, the amount spent during term-time is to increase by five per cent in 2009 when compared to last year's figures.
The amount spent on equipment alone will rise from £9.40 in 2008 to £10.50 this year, leaving more items on show for potential thieves.
If students are diligent, they need to make sure they take out home insurance before leaving for university, as leaving it too late can prove disastrous.
Figures from the latest British Crime Survey show there has been a one per cent increase in police-recorded domestic burglaries over the last year, which should give an added incentive for students to take out cover.
"I think the security on things like halls of residence and shared flats does pose a greater risk to people than say someone who lives in a detached house with an alarm. So there is an increased risk of theft," Mr Trudgill claimed.
He is not alone in his calls for students to be on their guard as they go into the next academic year. Mydeposits.co.uk recently emphasised that many students forget about the "practicalities of living away from home".
It is ultimately the responsibility of the student to make sure they have contents insurance, not their landlord, it stated.
Making sure windows and doors are properly secured can help deter thieves, the website revealed, although this is only one step towards making sure a property is safe.
Taking out home insurance gives that extra safety net should a burglary take place, the site added.
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