Ryno de Kock, Head of Distribution at PSG Insure

As university campuses start to fill up again after the mid-year break, many students are preparing for a new semester with laptops charged and assignments planned. What is often overlooked, however, is whether the valuable items students rely on every day are adequately insured.

According to Ryno de Kock, Head of Distribution at PSG Insure, laptops, tablets and other portable devices have become essential tools for modern-day studying, especially with the proliferation of AI tools that help to enhance learning. “They also represent some of the highest-value possessions that students carry around daily, which, unfortunately, makes them attractive targets for criminals,” says de Kock.

Recent reports highlight the scale of this growing risk. In 2024, six major South African universities recorded 449 cases of theft and robbery, including stolen laptops, cell phones and other personal belongings. This reflects a broader trend of rising crime risks on and around campuses and serves as a reminder that portable possessions face significantly different exposures once they leave the home.

Are students covered on-the-move?

For many students and their families, there is an assumption that devices and other belongings remain covered under a home contents insurance policy regardless of where they are. In practice, however, this may not always be the case.

“Home contents insurance is primarily designed to cover possessions within the insured residence. Once items leave the home, the extent of cover may change depending on the policy wording. Some policies provide limited cover away from home, while others may require portable possessions to be specified separately to ensure they are adequately protected,” de Kock explains.

This distinction becomes increasingly important for students whose lifestyles involve constant movement between lecture halls, residences, coffee shops, libraries and family homes. Each location introduces additional opportunities for theft, accidental damage or loss.

According to de Kock, students living in university residences or shared accommodation may face even greater exposure. Shared living environments naturally involve more people accessing common spaces, and the frequent movement of belongings between rooms, buildings and campuses can increase the likelihood of items being misplaced, damaged or stolen.

How to determine the type and level of cover required

The type of cover and level of protection required for students’ portable devices will typically depend on where the insured item will be kept, how often it leaves the home and whether it has been specifically listed on the policy.

“Specifying high-value items can often provide greater certainty at claims stage. This helps ensure that appropriate values are recorded and can reduce the risk of claims being affected by policy limits, sub-limits or exclusions that may apply to unspecified possessions,” says de Kock.

Importantly, laptops and tablets are not the only items that warrant consideration. Smartphones, bicycles, cameras, musical instruments and specialised study equipment can all represent significant financial investments. Replacing these items unexpectedly may create substantial financial strain for both students and their families.

Before the second semester officially kicks off, taking the time to understand what is covered, where cover applies and whether valuable items should be specified can help prevent unpleasant surprises should a claim need to be submitted. “A quick conversation with an adviser can go a long way in ensuring that students and their families have protection that reflects how these items are actually used, both at home and while on the move,” de Kock concludes.