Average claim for student possessions doubles in three years

New data from insurer, Aviva, reveals that the average value of a student claim has doubled in the last three years, rising from £781 in 2022 to £1,766 in 2025^[1].

Theft makes up more than half of claims (56%), with numerous reports of break-ins to cars and student accommodation, as well as items being stolen while travelling or dining out. The remainder of claims (44%) are due to accidental damage, such as dropped items or spilt liquids.

According to the data, students are most likely to claim for laptops/computers, followed by phones and bikes.

Steven Jackson, Home Product Manager at Aviva, said: “Embarking on university life is an exciting time for many young people and it’s often the first time they may have lived away from home or by themselves. Laptops, computers and mobile phones play a vital role in student life, but they can also be attractive targets for opportunistic thieves due to their value and portability.

“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.

“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.  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. 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.”

Aviva’s top tips for protecting items at university include:

• Think carefully about what you take: Before moving away, take some time to consider what you're packing and whether every item is necessary. While it can be tempting to bring lots of valuable possessions, it may be safer to leave particularly expensive or sentimental items at home.
• Keep belongings out of sight: Avoid leaving items such as phones, laptops, jewellery and gaming devices on display, whether in your accommodation or elsewhere on campus. When they're not being used, store them somewhere secure.
• Lock up when you leave: Student accommodation often has a higher number of people coming and going, making it a potential target for opportunistic thieves. Always lock doors and windows when heading out, even if you're only leaving for a short period.
• Stay vigilant in public spaces: Studying in libraries, cafés or shared campus areas can be a great way to focus, but never leave bags, laptops or other belongings unattended. It's also worth using strong, unique passwords on your devices in case they are lost or stolen.
• Take extra care on nights out: Busy bars, clubs and events can create opportunities for thieves. Consider using a secure bag, keep valuables close to you, and avoid drawing attention to expensive items such as phones, watches or jewellery. It's also best not to keep valuables in back pockets.
• Stay security-conscious when socialising at home: While nights out are a key part of student life, it's equally important to think about security when hosting friends or attending house gatherings. Where possible, keep your bedroom door locked and store valuable items out of sight to help prevent theft.
• Check what insurance cover is available: It's worth speaking to a parent or guardian to find out whether your belongings are covered while you're away studying. For example, items left inside student accommodation could be covered under an Aviva Signature Home policy.
• Consider add-ons: For added peace of mind, Personal Belongings cover can be added to the main home insurance policy. This optional cover can help protect items such as phones, tablets, earbuds, laptops and jewellery against accidental damage and loss, both at home and while away, anywhere in the world.
• Update your address if you’re bringing your car: If you're taking your car to university, it’s important to inform your insurer of your new address. Failing to keep your details up to date could affect your cover and, in some cases, lead to difficulties when making a claim. 

How can students be protected under a parent or guardian’s policy?

With an Aviva Signature Home policy, students in full-time education and living away from home are automatically covered for up to £12,000 worth of belongings at their term-time accommodation - through their parent or guardian’s home contents insurance - providing that they return to the family home during the holidays.

This protection is available through the 'contents temporarily removed' section of the policy, which covers items such as TVs, laptops, mobile phones and games consoles when they are temporarily taken from the insured home to student accommodation or a shared rental property. Cover includes risks such as fire, escape of water and theft following forcible entry.

Students who need cover for the items they take out and about, such as smartphones or laptops, may already be protected through their parent or guardian's home contents insurance, provided that they have selected an optional add-on known as Personal Belongings cover. This optional cover can help protect items against accidental damage and loss, both at home and while away, anywhere in the world.

Students who take a bicycle to university may already have some protection through their parent or guardian's home contents insurance policy. However, those looking for additional cover may wish to consider dedicated bicycle protection. For example, Aviva offers pedal cycle cover of up to £5,000 for theft, loss or damage anywhere in the world. To qualify for cover, bicycles must be stored inside a building or securely locked to a fixed object, such as a post or railings, when left unattended.

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References:

^1. _{Aviva home claims data from 2022-2025, for Accidental Damage and Theft, where ‘student’ is mentioned. [↑]}

^2. _{Students react to their A-level, T-level and BTec results - follow live - BBC News [↑]}

^3. _{Get an Aviva Signature home insurance quote - Aviva [↑]}

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