Students risk learning the hard way on theft.

28th September 2009

Students risk learning the hard way on theft

Students’ kit is thieves’ favourite, so cover at university is vital

Parents’ home insurance can cover up to £5000 worth of possessions taken to university

Thousands of students are heading off to university this month, but amongst all the excitement, they should spare a thought for their belongings, as halls of residence and flats can be an easy target for crime.

Direct Line has found that the most common items stolen are those which are easily portable, such as laptops, stereos, portable music players, and other entertainment devices and accessories, all of which are commonly kept in university accommodation. Many students may assume that landlords or halls of residence will cover any losses if there is a burglary, but they could be in for a shock to find that they need contents cover to protect their own possessions.

The easiest way for students to have their possessions covered should they be lost or stolen is to have them covered as part of their parents’ home insurance policy. If their parents have home insurance with Direct Line, students can take up to £5,000 worth of their possessions with them to university and benefit from the full cover of their parents’ home contents policy.

Andrew Lowe, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance, said: “Students’ minds will understandably be on freshers week and the start of term, plus the prospect of living on their own for the first time. But they should also consider what would happen if their possessions were lost or stolen, and speak to their parents to see if they can save some of their loan money by including the items they’ve taken to university on their parents’ home insurance policy.”

For further information, please contact:

Erica Nelson
Direct Line
Tel: 0208 313 5830
Email: erica.nelson@rbs.co.uk

Notes to editors

Direct Line Home Insurance cover for students’ possessions away from the home

Direct Line provides cover under its standard home insurance policy for contents that are removed to a student's own accommodation whilst they are in full-time education within the British Isles, as long as they reside at their parents’ address during term breaks. Cover is provided at 10% of the contents sum insured on a standard new business home contents policy. There is a single article limit of £2,000 for any one valuable (for example an item of jewellery or watch). Clothing, a ball dress or tuxedo for instance, will be insured although a deduction will be made for wear and tear.

The standard Direct Line home contents policy covers loss or damage to items caused by the following:

• Fire/lightning/explosion and earthquake
• Smoke
• Collision with the building directly caused by any moving object coming from outside your home
• Storm or flood
• Theft or attempted theft
• Vandalism or malicious acts
• Water or oil escaping from any fixed water or heating system or from any domestic appliance
• Subsidence or heave

More extensive cover can be purchased to cover items for accidental loss or damage outside the student's accommodation, anywhere within the British Isles. A single item limit of £2,000 will apply, with items over this limit needing to be specified.

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3564 or visiting www.directline.com.

Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk.