Home insurance for students is one of the most important purchases for a new home
When you move into student housing for the first time, you’re starting a new chapter in your life where you get to make your own decisions about your home–including how to protect it. Student home insurance makes everyday life more carefree right from the start. When you get home insurance before moving day, you can welcome your new home with peace of mind: you know that your belongings and your home are safe, and you can focus fully on enjoying student life.
Key points about student home insurance:
- Home insurance provides coverage right from the moment you move in, so it’s a good idea to get it as soon as you know your moving date.
- Student home insurance can save you from major expenses, as various types of damage–such as water damage, theft, and breakage–can also occur in a student apartment.
- Home insurance typically covers household goods, electronics, and storage spaces, while liability insurance provides protection if you cause harm to others or their property.
- Home insurance is mandatory for Hoas apartments with lease agreements beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
- Home insurance is also mandatory under older policies if the home has a washing machine or dishwasher.
Student home insurance can save the day—and your budget
Many people may mistakenly assume that, in a student apartment, the lessor takes care of everything, including home insurance. However, this is not the case. For example, if your storage closet is broken into, you are responsible for the costs.
Damage doesn’t discriminate based on the type of housing: water damage, fire, or theft can occur just as easily in a studio apartment as in a shared apartment. For example, a leaking washing machine or a fire spreading from a neighbor’s apartment can result in significant expenses. Without home insurance, you may also be left to cover damages caused by others. Home insurance for student housing is therefore an essential part of smart financial management.
It’s a good idea to get home insurance early
Home insurance cannot be taken out retroactively: it must be in effect before the damage occurs.
It’s a good idea to get home insurance as soon as you’ve signed the tenancy agreement and set a moving date. Moving day is often precisely when minor bumps and damage occur in the apartment: furniture might bump into a wall, a mirror might fall, or items might get cracked during the move.
Many lessors, such as Hoas, require tenants to have home insurance.
What does student home insurance cover?
Home insurance typically covers:
- furniture and home decor
- electronics and home appliances
- clothing and personal belongings
- the contents of the storage facilities
- theft and fire damage
- water damage
However, coverage and terms vary among different insurance companies and types of insurance.
Coverage for surface materials can usually be added to a student’s home insurance policy. This provides protection, for example, if the floors or walls of the apartment are damaged during a move.
Liability insurance also covers damage caused to others
Home insurance covers damage caused by accidents or incidents, but it’s a good idea to also protect yourself against self-inflicted damage with a separate liability insurance policy.
For example, if you accidentally spill water on a laptop in a common area or a broken household appliance causes damage to a neighbor’s property, liability insurance can save you from major expenses. However, it’s important to remember that clear negligence–such as repeated water damage due to a missing shower curtain–can result in no compensation being paid.
Home insurance is mandatory at Hoas
Many lessors, such as Hoas, require tenants to have home insurance. For leases signed before January 1, 2026, insurance is required if the apartment has a washing machine or dishwasher. Hoas recommends insurance for all of its tenants.
Washing machines or dishwashers are a common cause of water damage
Leaks from washing machines and dishwashers are one of the most common causes of water damage. For this reason:
- The machine must always be installed by a professional
- It’s a good idea to keep your installation receipt
- Improper installation may affect insurance coverage
Home insurance for student housing, including shared apartments
You’ll also need your own home insurance for your room. It covers both your room and your share of the common areas, and protects all your personal belongings, just as it would if you were living on your own.
Many people moving into a shared apartment don’t realize that they might be responsible for things like a shared fridge, microwave, or even a broken door if the damage is caused by their actions. Home insurance ensures that a single mishap won’t ruin your monthly budget.
How much does student home insurance cost?
A typical home insurance policy for a student costs about 8–17 euros a month, or an average of 100–200 euros a year.
When you compare this to the cost of, say, a broken laptop or a stolen bike, the insurance can pay for itself pretty quickly.
Many insurance companies offer home insurance policies for students, so it’s worth shopping around. It’s also a good idea to review your policy regularly: comparing rates annually can lead to significant savings.
Get your finances in order: learn how to plan your food budget, discover money-saving tips, and find out about student financial aid.