The average cost of a student contents insurance claim has more than doubled in three years to £1,766, according to new figures from Aviva. With university terms starting in the coming weeks, the insurer is urging students and parents to safeguard personal valuables against theft and accidental damage.
Data from Aviva shows that average claim payouts surged from £781 in 2022 to £1,766 in 2025. The figures highlight the potential financial losses students face if belongings are lost or stolen during their studies, regardless of whether they hold an insurance policy.
Theft accounts for the majority of claims made by students. This includes break-ins to student accommodation and vehicles, as well as items stolen while students are out and about. Accidental damage, such as dropped items or spilt liquids, makes up the remainder of claims. Laptops and computers represent the most claimed-for items, followed by smartphones and bicycles.
Steven Jackson, home product manager at Aviva, warned that stolen or damaged goods can create severe disruptions for students. "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," Jackson said.
"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," he added.
Student insurance cover on parent policies
Parents checking their own home insurance may find their children are already covered. Aviva explained that students in full-time education may automatically be covered under a parent or guardian's home contents policy through the 'contents temporarily removed' section.
This provision covers belongings kept in term-time accommodation. However, policies often require the student to be in full-time education and to return to the family home with their belongings during university holidays. Families should consult their insurer if a student plans to work or travel during university breaks.
Standard 'contents temporarily removed' policies typically cover theft alongside damage from fire and water leaks. However, protecting items taken off campus requires additional coverage. Personal belongings cover provides an optional add-on for items taken out and about, including smartphones, laptops and jewellery.
"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," Jackson said. "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."
Standalone insurance and accommodation options
Students who are not covered under a family policy can take out specialist student contents insurance. According to price comparison site Money Supermarket, specialist student coverage costs around £74 per year. The exact premium varies depending on where the student lives and the cost of their belongings.
Some universities also include contents insurance in the cost of university-managed accommodation. In addition, student bank accounts may offer contents insurance as a feature.
Key steps to prevent invalidated claims
Insurers advise students to follow basic security measures to avoid invalidating a claim. Students should lock doors and windows when leaving accommodation, avoid leaving valuables unattended, and keep valuable items out of sight.
Bicycles require specific precautions to qualify for cycle cover. Bicycles must be stored inside a building or locked to a fixed object when left unattended. In addition, students who take a car to university must notify their insurer if their address changes, as failing to update details could affect cover and claims.
Aviva, headquartered in London, is one of the largest general insurance providers in the United Kingdom, offering home, vehicle and commercial insurance services.
