Home insurance warning for students

Parents who have children heading off to university should remind them of the importance of home insurance, one firm has warned.

According to Nationwide Building Society, students will take with them items which could cost more than £1,500 to replace, something it says makes home insurance vital.

However, a separate policy may not be needed and parents should check their house insurance policy to see if it will cover their children's belongings while they study.

Robin Bailey, Nationwide's insurance director, said: Student policies can be expensive but, if cover is provided under their own policy, parents can make sure their child's possessions are insured while in their student accommodation without extra cost.

Student homes have become prime targets for burglars, he warned.

Recently, the Observer reported comments by Graeme Trudgill, spokesperson for the British Insurance Brokers' Association, who recommended people take out home contents insurance as it can be expensive to replace damaged or stolen items.