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As SA students return to school this week, parents are being encouraged to check if any expensive laptops, tablets or other technology items are covered by their insurance policy.
RAA Insurance data shows 37% of RAA Contents Insurance policyholders haven’t taken out Accidental Damage cover – meaning their child’s phone, laptop or tablet may not be covered if they’re broken or stolen at school.
RAA Insurance receives more than 7,000 claims for Accidental Damage every year.
RAA Insurance Head of Claims Jess Lyons said it was a timely reminder for families as school students return to class this week.
“Parents spend a lot of money on laptops, tablets and phones for their kids’ schooling, and may not be certain if their insurance policy covers these items if they’re lost, stolen or damaged while at school,” Ms Lyons said.
“Whether your personal items are accidentally dropped or left in a school bag on the bus – accidents happen, and it pays to check whether these expensive items are covered by your policy.”
Ms Lyons said parents can ask their insurer if their home and contents policy covers any children’s valuables when taken outside the home, including while travelling to and from school.
“A quick phone call to your insurer could give you that peace of mind to know you won’t be significantly out of pocket if something goes wrong.
“If you want to check whether school items are covered, you can ask your insurer if your policy already covers them or if you need to take out optional cover such as Accidental Damage.
“At RAA Insurance, our Accidental Damage cover means your items will generally be covered anywhere in Australia and New Zealand if they’re accidentally damaged, lost or stolen.
“More than a third of RAA Contents Insurance policyholders at don’t have this optional extra included in their policy.
“That could mean that you’re out of pocket if one of those items is lost or damaged at school.”