Student Possessions Insurance and Protecting Your Belongings - 4 Things to Remember By Marcus Mercer

Nowadays it's essential for students to get insurance to cover the possessions they take with them to their student accommodation. Sadly, there are thieves who are on the look out for soft targets and with the amount of technology; phones, laptops, mp3 players and so on that students own, there are plenty of opportunities for thefts. Here are 4 things to remember when insuring and protecting your belongings.

1. Be security conscious at all times especially when you first move in

Whether you are in halls of residence or in a privately owned student house, you need to be conscious of where your belongings actually are, particularly when you are first moving in. Thieves know that this is a vulnerable time and can even be watching and taking mental notes of any opportunities. In a halls of residence, people will not be familiar with each other at first, so thieves can move around more easily, relatively undetected. The advice here is to try and keep all your property in sight and if possible all together, if someone is helping you move in, make them aware of the dangers so that they can be extra vigilant.

2. Take your time when looking for insurance, to get the best deal

You will reap rewards in time and money saving by doing due diligence when looking for insurance and getting the right cover for the right price. If you can use the Internet for your search, you can more easily make notes, get quotes sent to you by email and print them and also use comparison sites, which should save you money on your policy. Look carefully at each quote and make sure it covers all your requirements with no hidden charges - the cheaper quotes aren't necessarily the cheapest when you factor in those 'hidden' costs.

3. Look for insurance that covers unforced entry

This particularly applies in halls of residence, where you are not solely responsible for locking all doors. It can also apply to a private residence of course, but the point is that a thief could enter without having to force their way in. Look for insurance policies which give you some sort of cover on this eventuality. Any insurer who fully understands the practicalities of student life in accommodation, will offer a policy with this in mind, although it may mean a higher premium.

4. How much will you have to pay for basic cover?

It has been calculated that on average a student owns about £3000 of possessions, so based on this your premium may well be between £20 and £50. The cover will factor in where your accommodation is, (city or town and the area's reputation) and the type of accommodation, (halls of residence or rented residential student housing).

It makes real sense to insure and protect your possessions if you are a student, (or, indeed anyone else). The time and money spent sorting it out will give you peace of mind and save you a lot of time and aggravation.

Home Insurance and What to Do After a Burglary By Alex Gregory

New crime statistics show that the number of domestic burglaries rose by four per cent from October-December 2008 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in burglaries is widely blamed on the recession.

With the credit crunch showing no signs of dispersing, home insurance has taken on added significance as it can provide vital peace of mind that your home contents can be replaced if a theft occurs.

Having adequate home insurance can ease the burden of a difficult situation but what steps should you follow if a burglary takes place? Here is a quick guide.

1. Call the police - Make sure you contact the police as quickly as possible and do not enter a property if you suspect a burglar is still inside.

2. Don't touch - Don't touch anything in your home until the police have arrived as forensic evidence may be needed.

3. Itemise your property - Go through each room step by step and itemise what has been stolen so you can pass these details on to both the insurer and the police. Make sure you inform the police of any notable marks or security numbers on any of the property.

4. Let your bank know - Make sure you have any credit cards or debit cards that may have been stolen inactivated as soon as possible.

5. Get a crime report number - The police should provide a unique reference number which you will be required to pass on to an insurer.

6. Contact your insurer - Get in touch with a home insurer as soon as possible and fill out its claims form. Take photographs that may support your claim and keep receipts and damaged items in case they need to be assessed by a loss adjustor.

7. Secure your home - Make sure your home is secured and that any damage to doors and windows is repaired.

Over 50 Insurance - What Are Your Options? By Dan L Wilson

Many insurance policies start increasing rapidly once you are over 50. The main reason for this is risk. Insurance companies consider people over 50 more likely to claim against their insurance. Each subsequent year insurance policies are progressively increased resulting in highly inflated premiums for people in their 60s, 70s and 80s.

When it comes to driving this position is backed by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Their research highlights drivers over 70 are 13% more likely to make a claim on their insurance than people between the ages of 40 and 50. Plus the cost of their claim is likely to be higher.

The same applies for people purchasing travel insurance. Premiums notably begin to rise from 50 and progressively increase with age, reflecting the higher risk. Further research by the ABI shows over two thirds of people over 65 report a major pre-existing condition such as heart disease or respiratory problems. Customers over 65 are three times more likely to make a claim on their travel insurance than those aged 35, and people over 85 are eight times more likely to make a claim while on holidays.

Over 50 and healthy - Why are my insurance premiums so high?

Insurers understand the health and mobility of people over 50 can vary considerably. Healthier lifestyles and advances in medical treatment means age is not necessarily the benchmark it once was. However, it is currently very difficult for insurers to differentiate between individuals. So premiums are often based on the average risk presented by policy holders within an age group.

The ABI is calling for the Government to review current conditions and while this issue is being addressed, the insurance industry is responding to the growing demand for more competitive and flexible insurance for people over 50.

Which companies offer insurance for over 50s

More often than not you will find better deals on the internet. High street prices tend to have a premium attached to the policy.

Also, it is good to remember by shopping around each year rather than sticking with your current insurance policy you will more than likely save money. According to 50 plus insurance, by shopping around and not renewing with your current home insurance provider you can save as much as 20%. The reason being insurance companies provide better deals to new customers.

The most well known insurer for people over 50 is Saga, however there are a number of other insurers to choose from. Help the Aged offers over 50s insurance through intune. The intune group ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Help The Aged, with any profits generated from selling insurance going directly towards charitable activities. If it's travel insurance you need try Insure for All. According to 65 Travel Insurance, specialists in comparing travel insurance for seniors, Insure for All is consistently cheaper than many of its competitors for similar travel insurance.