Student Must-dos

Students may be at risk of having insurance claims refused if they neglect to inform their insurers of a change in circumstances, warns a general insurance expert at Defaqto.

Mike Powell, Principal consultant - general insurance at Defaqto, says: "If you are intending to take your car to university, you need to ensure that your insurer is informed of where your car will be parked.

Failing to do this may mean that your insurer could refuse to deal with any claim made under the policy." Powell adds that there are a number of things students may not be aware of when it comes to changed circumstances such as moving to a shared house or halls of residence.

Some helpful reminders include: Insurance Motor - insurer will need to know new address and parking station.

Contents - Insurer will need to know new address DVLA Vehicle registration document - need to inform DVLA of new address.

Driving Licence - need to inform DVLA of new address SORN Declaration - if car is kept off road at home while the student is away at university.

Services Bank Account - Need to inform bank of new address.

Electoral Register - Need to be included for credit references TV Licensing - Students must have a TV licence even if they're in halls.

IF they have separate contracts for each bedroom in a shared house they will need separate TV licences Utilities - in some accommodation students may be responsible for paying for these services.

Powell adds: "Amending your vehicle registration document should not only be done because it's required by law, but also from a practical point of view.

The DVLA will send your car tax reminder and V11 to the address they have registered, which could cause problems if it's not where you're living.".

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