Students advised to seek home insurance cover

Research has revealed that £54 million worth of goods were stolen from students last year.

Research released today (September 20th) shows that home insurance cover for students could be vital as the new academic year approaches.

According to a study conducted by Santander Student Current Accounts, some £54 million worth of goods were stolen from scholars in the UK last year - meaning that taking out effective contents and buildings insurance may be at the top of students' priority list as they head off to university in the coming weeks.

The research also showed that around one in eight of all academics - 13 per cent - had fallen victim to an instance of theft during their time at university last year, a figure which equates to approximately 209,000 people.

Meanwhile, the average value of items taken is £211, with products such as mobile phones, gadgets and bicycles being the most popular targets for criminals.

This study comes after Graeme Trudgill of the British Insurance Brokers' Association commented that many people - including students - often underestimate the worth of their possessions.

By Emma North