Students 'must consider home insurance options'

Home insurance could be vital for students, it has been said.

It is essential for students to seriously look into the possibility of taking out home insurance before the new academic year begins, an expert has said.

According to Annie Shaw, director of online resource Cash Questions, all attendees of universities must not ignore the need to sign up for contents and buildings insurance and should instead take stock of their personal situation to decide if they need it or not.

Ms Shaw noted that each individual's circumstances are different because those staying in halls of residence are often protected by some sort of general annual insurance product.

However, she warned that expensive items like laptops should be covered separately and added people residing in a rented house "really should consider insurance for their needs and liabilities ... for things like theft, fire and loss of personal possessions".

Recently, Defaqto revealed there has been a 19 per cent growth in the number of home insurance policies on the market in Britain since 2008.

By Emma North