Student insurance - door locks

Abbot111

My daughter is going into a shared house at university in July, and she would be covered on my household insurance if she locks the door of her room. BUT there is no lock on the door and the landlord is being stroppy about fitting one - even if I did it. As this seems a reasonable and standard insurance requirement, as well as a good practical risk control measure, I find their attitude unreasonable.

1. Has anyone else had this experience and how have they resolved it? I'm inclined to get her to ask the accommodation office for advice or is there anyone else I can go to?
2. Has anyone come across an insurance company that don't impose this requirement? I'm loathe for her to pay a second time for insurance but we may have to.

dacouch

It's a common requirement for student cover due to students sharing accomadation and the Insurers wanting to pay for genuine break ins.

You may find your Insurers will still pay if there are signs of a break in to the actual house and then your daughters contents are stolen as they normally require signs of a violent or forcible entry. Check this with your Insurers.

It may be worth considering investing in a shed alarm, it won't satisfy the Insurers but can be a handy deterent to stop her house mates going into her room.

Not having a look on the door will not normally stop you claiming for unrelated to theft claims eg her room floods or a fire etc

bouncydog1

Persist with the landlord - your daughter is entitled to her privacy and I find it extraordinary that there are no locks on the bedroom doors.

Many student houses advertise this as a security fact - I would also be checking what else the landlord hasn't installed - e.g. is there a carbon monoxide detector if there are any gas appliances fitted, smoke alarms etc. etc.

dacouch

bouncyd!!! wrote: »

Persist with the landlord - your daughter is entitled to her privacy and I find it extraordinary that there are no locks on the bedroom doors.

Many student houses advertise this as a security fact - I would also be checking what else the landlord hasn't installed - e.g. is there a carbon monoxide detector if there are any gas appliances fitted, smoke alarms etc. etc.

It can change how the property is designated, also if she gets a lock on her door she will need her own TV licence

Dunroamin

We bought a BTL for students and were surprised when they wanted door locks. We spent hundreds putting them in, only to find that most of the doors were kicked in during the tenancy because they'd been locked. A total waste of time and money on everyone's part.

mrcow

dacouch wrote: »

It can change how the property is designated, also if she gets a lock on her door she will need her own TV licence

A simple lock will not mean that she needs her own licence.