Students leave homes wide open for burglary

Recent research from Newcastle Building Society has revealed that almost one in five (17%) people of university age do not have home contents insurance. In spite of this however, over a third (35%) of students have left the house without locking the windows and one in five (18%) has forgotten to lock the door when leaving the house.

In a survey of 1,990 adults across the UK, Newcastle found that many people admitted to acts of forgetfulness over the last year which could cost them dear should they need to make a claim on their home insurance, in particular 18-24 year olds.

The top acts of forgetfulness by 18-24 year olds included:

1. Failing to check their smoke alarm battery = 57%

2. Leaving the house with appliances still running (e.g. washing machine, oven) = 56%

3. Leaving the curtains or blinds open with possessions on display = 42%

4. Leaving the house without locking the windows = 35%

5. Leaving the house without setting the burglar alarm = 23%

6. Leaving the house without locking the doors = 18%

Some of these acts of forgetfulness occur even though people have had to make a claim on their home contents insurance in the past, further findings from the research suggest. Of all 18-24s surveyed, 14% have made a claim, with burglary the greatest reason (7%), followed by damage from appliances (2%).

Wendy Lee, Commercial Director at Newcastle Building Society commented: "At this time of year, students returning to university need to think about home contents insurance in order to protect their belongings.

"It is worrying to see the number of 18-24 year olds who admit to forgetful acts over a year. It stands to reason that leaving your home without locking the doors or setting the alarm creates a risk for burglary but it can also affect your home contents cover should you come to claim."