Insurance Discussion

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Home insurance claims are set to soar this week, as thousands of students across the UK return to their university accommodation.

Swinton, the UK’s leading high street retailer of home insurance is predicting a surge in claims as university students return to their lodgings after the Christmas holidays.

According to figures released by the Home Office, students own more expensive consumer goods per head than the rest of the population. The typical student bedroom contains around £3,500* worth of possessions, including laptops, games consoles, TV’s and Ipod’s, making it a treasure trove for petty thieves.

Steve Chelton, Insurer development manager at Swinton said: “Thieves know that student residences are likely to be unoccupied over the holiday period, making them a perfect target. Many students choose not to take out contents insurance to save money, however it is important to remember that a short-term saving could prove costly in the long run.

“Contents insurance provides valuable peace of mind should the worst happen. We urge all students to ensure that their possessions are protected against theft and damage, especially during the holidays and if possible, take any valuable items home.

“Students can often take out an add-on to their parents’ policy but they need to check the policy documents as some insurers only cover vacations of up to 35 days.”

Swinton’s standard contents insurance policy provides cover for children’s possessions away from home while at university up to the value of £5000.

*Figures obtained from the Home Office website

• With 580 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK’s largest high street insurance retailer
• Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the community
• Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike and even classic car insurance
• With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates

Tags: home insurance claims, Insurer development, university students

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at 5:11 pm and is filed under Home Insurance, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.