Insurance

Part 4

Life Assurance
If you have dependants, or if you want someone to benefit if you accidentally kick the bucket, that take out life assurance. You'll have to put in a certain amount per month and if you croak, the person you have named as the beneficiary, will have a tidy sum to help them deal with the grief. Probably not completely necessary for students, but you'll have to think about it in the future.

General
Remember to shop around for the best deals for you. As with banks and other companies, students are the most desirable market for these organisations, some make sure that they treat you right and that they offer you what they say they will. Don't be afraid to change insurer if it means you're going to get a better deal.

Go and try the direct insurers (telephone or Internet insurance companies) first as they don't have to support the huge infrastructure costs of branches and buildings, so they are often cheaper (In the short term). Otherwise, call reputable brokers who offer insurance on behalf of other companies. Organisations such as AA insurance, Endsleigh and others will phone around on your behalf to get the most competitive quotes, but remember that they will take a percentage cut.

Always: -

• Read the small print
• Make sure you know exactly what's covered and what's not
• Get advice from your students union
• Shop around for the best deals
• Ask your family and friends for their experiences or thoughts
• Remember that you are the customer