Is your child heading to university? Here's how to protect their stuff as average insurance claim now £1,766

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 02:00 EDT, 28 August 2026 With university term beginning in the coming weeks, students and their parents are being warned to protect their valuables as insurance claims have doubled in three years.The average value of a claim on a student's belongings insurance has risen from £781 in 2022 to £1,766 in 2025, according to data from Aviva. The figures give an idea of how much students could be left out of pocket if belongings are lost or stolen, whether they choose to take out insurance or not. Most student insurance claims are for theft, which includes break-ins to homes and vehicles as well as items being stolen from them while out and about. The remainder of claims are due to accidental damage, such as dropped items or spilt liquids. Laptops and computers, followed by phones and bikes, are the most claimed-for items.This is what parents need to know about insuring their child's belongings while at university. New start: Students heading to university should consider protecting their belongings Are students covered on their parents' insurance?Sometimes. Aviva says students in full-time education may automatically be covered under a parent or guardian's home contents insurance, under the 'contents temporarily removed' section of the policy. Check with your insurer if in doubt. This covers belongings kept in term-time accommodation, but it does often require that the student returns to the family home with their belongings during the holidays.If your child plans to work or travel during university breaks, check with your insurer.Normally, policies also require that the student is in full-time education. 'Contents temporarily removed' policies will typically cover theft as well as damage from fire and water leaks. There may be additional ‘personal belongings’ cover for items such as smartphones, laptops and jewellery when students take them out and about. If they aren't covered, the student can take out specialist student contents insurance which costs around £74 per year according to Money Supermarket. This varies depending on where you live and the cost of your belongings. Some universities include contents insurance in the cost of university-managed accommodation, and student banks accounts may also include this. What should students do to avoid invalidating a claim?Lock doors and windows when leaving accommodation.Don't leave valuables unattended.Keep valuable items out of sight.Secure bikes properly. Bicycles must be stored inside a building or locked to a fixed object when unattended to qualify for its cycle cover.Tell insurers if a car is taken to university and the address changes, as failing to update details could affect cover and claims.Steven Jackson, home product manager at Aviva said: '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.'Insurance may not be top of mind, but, as our data shows, unfortunately items can get stolen or damaged. 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. 'Many home insurance policies provide protection for items ‘temporarily removed’, which could include student accommodation. With valuable items such as smartphones or laptops often taken out and about, Personal Belongings cover can also provide an additional layer of protection. 'This is an optional add-on which provides cover for belongings against accidental damage and loss, helping students get back on track quickly should the unexpected happen.'SAVE MONEY, MAKE MONEYUp to £250 cashbackUp to £250 cashback2.5% cashback when investing at least £2004.61% cash Isa4.61% cash IsaTrading 212: 1.01% fixed 12-month bonus£200 Sipp cashback£200 Sipp cashbackFund a pension with at least £20,000Up to £150 cashbackUp to £150 cashbackOpen a savings account with at least £5,000Welcome bonusWelcome bonusGet up to £200 when you invest £100Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Terms and conditions apply on all offers.