Contents cover for renters

Lesson 3 of 13 in our free Insurance guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Insurance is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Mo adds up what it'd cost to replace everything in his room: laptop £700, clothes £600, phone £400, bedding & bits £150, headphones £150. Total?

The roof → Landlord (buildings). Part of the building. Landlord's job.
Your laptop → You (contents). Your stuff = your contents cover.
The kitchen units → Landlord (buildings). Fixtures are part of the building.
Your clothes and trainers → You (contents). Contents.
Your bike → You (contents). Contents — but many policies need bikes listed separately, especially outside the home.
Fact: “Some halls of residence include basic contents cover in the rent.” — Many do. Check the limits — expensive single items may need adding.
Fact: “Your parents' home contents policy might cover your stuff at uni.” — Some policies extend to students away from home. Ask before buying a second policy.
Myth: “Contents insurance covers everything, everywhere, automatically.” — Items taken out of the house often need 'personal possessions' cover added.
Fact: “If your halls or a family policy don't cover you, you can buy student or standalone contents cover on its own.” — People usually compare a few quotes on price comparison sites, then check the excess, the single-item limit and whether gadgets are covered away from home.