Caravan Insurance

Parents are being urged to insure their children's possessions before they leave home for university this autumn by searching out UK home insurance quotations.

Given that thefts from student premises cost around £126 million every year, according to Churchill, the importance of being properly covered is paramount when students already face stretched finances.

Almost half (47 per cent) of all students were a victim of some form of theft last year, losing out to the tune of £323 on average, or more than the average month's rent.

Martin Scott, head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: "Insurance and adequate security is unlikely to be at the forefront of parents' minds as their children go off to university, but many will be surprised at the value of possessions being taken into shared accommodation or halls of residence.

"Typically these include an array of high value, portable, technical goods which are very attractive to opportunist thieves," he added.

The study further revealed that 41 per cent of students allow their flatmates - and flatmates' friends - full access to their room, while 46 per cent never lock the door to their bedroom.

A free UK home insurance quotation can help a parent discover whether they are better covering their child under their own policy.