Living away from home in Liverpool and studying at university should be an exciting experience, allowing you to taste independent living for the first time.

Part of standing on your own two feet is deciding whether you should invest in student contents insurance. Given that a 2025 national survey by Save the Student found that 1 in 20 students experienced a home break-in, it’s pretty important to give this some real thought.

In this blog, our Liverpool student accommodation gurus explain everything you need to know about student contents insurance, from what it covers to tips on finding the best deals.

What is student contents insurance?

Contents insurance for students protects your belongings when living away from home while studying at university. This financial cover helps with the costs of replacing items inside your uni room or student house that have been:

Stolen
Damaged (by fire, flood or vandalism)

You can select an insurance policy that covers just your room, or you and your pals can pool together for contents cover for your shared student digs, whether you live in private accommodation, a student flat or a house.

What does student contents insurance cover?

Policies differ between providers, so always remember to check the small print before taking out student contents insurance. Generally, this insurance covers the following items:

Cash
Mobile phones
Laptops and tablets
Games consoles
Headphones and earphones
Clothes
Jewellery
Books (some textbooks are very pricey!)
Musical instruments

Student gadget insurance may also be a smart idea if you want to keep your electrical devices covered outside the home, as well as inside. This type of cover protects electronics such as your phone, smartwatches, camera, Kindle and laptop on the go, not just in your Liverpool student accommodation.

Do students need contents insurance?

Contents insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but many students living in student accommodation across the UK opt to take out student contents insurance because it gives them peace of mind that their belongings are covered, just in case the worst happens.

Given that 4% of students nationwide have experienced being burgled, it can’t hurt to make sure your valuables are covered!

How does student contents insurance work?

You choose the best policy for your situation

Consider whether you want to pay monthly or annually (annually is usually cheaper overall).
Select your total cover limit (for example, up to £5,000).
Set your excess, which is the amount you’ll pay towards any claims.
Decide on optional extras like gadget cover or accidental damage.

Declare your belongings and estimate the total value of the items you want covered

State which items need coverage and add their values together to determine the total value.

Once your policy starts, your belongings are protected

Important: theft is usually only covered if all your doors and windows are locked.

Make a claim if something happens to your belongings

If your belongings are stolen or damaged, contact your insurer and provide a description of the items, their value, proof of ownership and potentially a crime reference number.
You’ll then have to pay the excess, and the insurer will pay to repair or replace your valuables.

Do student houses have contents insurance?

Generally, most university halls and private accommodations, including flats and houses, do not provide student contents insurance. However, you don’t need to worry about building insurance, which covers the structure of the property – this falls on your landlord instead.

Tips for getting the best student contents insurance in the UK

Shop around for the best deal

Use comparison sites, such as GoCompare or Compare the Market, to compare student contents insurance policies from different companies and find the cheapest deal that works for you!

Select a higher voluntary excess

By agreeing to pay a larger sum of the claim cost, you can enjoy lower premiums. However, you’ll need to weigh up whether you’ll be able to afford it, should you need to make a claim.

Give an accurate valuation of your belongings

If you overvalue the items you want to cover, you’ll end up paying more than you need to protect them. However, if you undervalue them, you’ll lose out if you need to make a claim.

Make your space secure

Thief-proofing your uni accommodation and keeping valuables hidden is an easy way to help you save on contents insurance. Ensuring windows and doors are secure and using insurer-approved locks often helps to reduce premiums.

Safe and secure student accommodation in Liverpool

Looking for safe and affordable Liverpool student accommodation for next year? Our portfolio of flats and student houses is perfect for modern students who crave luxury and style, as well as a great location right near Liverpool city centre.

Visit our Liverpool student accommodations page to see our selection of student digs – or speak to our friendly team today to find out more about student living with CARO Lettings.