How to protect your laptop, phone and bike from thieves at uni
What should new students consider to keep your belongings safe and covered by insurance?
How to keep your laptop, phone and bike safe from thieves at uni
According to insurer Aviva, laptops, phones and bikes are among the first things thieves look for as students leave for university.
These are also the items most commonly appearing in student insurance claims, after being stolen from digs, cars, public transport and bars and restaurants.
There are, however, steps you can take to help protect them, as well as points to think about if you plan to take out insurance cover.
If you get it wrong, it can be costly, or even illegal.
Aviva says most student insurance claims are caused by theft, rather than accidental damage. The insurer would not say what share of claims led to payouts.
“Laptops, computers and mobile phones play a vital role in student life, but they can also be attractive targets for opportunistic thieves due to their value and portability,” said Steven Jackson, its home product manager.
Suggestions include:
- leaving highly expensive and sentimental items at home
- locking valuables away and keeping them out of sight when you go out
- staying alert — do you really need to leave your bag or laptop behind to save a café table or a place in the library?
Whether it is worth insuring belongings while at university or college is entirely up to the individual.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says car insurance is compulsory, but you can decide whether it is worth insuring your bike or other possessions.
First, the ABI recommends checking whether you are already covered. Some student halls may include insurance, or your parents’ policy may extend to you.
If not, you can buy contents insurance.
“This type of policy covers the cost of replacing or repairing your possessions if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen - giving you peace of mind that you're protected should something go wrong,” the ABI said.
You should check how much cover you have and whether it is enough to replace everything, including the maximum value of a claim on a single item.
One way to do this is to make an inventory of all your contents, including clothes, electronics and furniture, and total the cost of replacing each item.
You may need to pay extra to insure a good bike, or to cover items you take out with you rather than leaving in your accommodation.
And if you are driving, make sure your insurer knows the car is now kept somewhere different.
If it is your parents’ car and you are now the main driver, you must tell the insurer. If you do not, it is illegal.