Research reveals 78 per cent of Australian high school students are carrying up to $1000 worth of items with them daily in school bags jam-packed with technology.

Online PR News � 17-February-2014 � With research revealing 78 per cent of Australian high school students are carrying up to $1,000* worth of technology items with them daily NRMA Insurance is urging parents to ensure the gadgets are protected as children head back to school.

The survey of 375 Australian parents with school children over 12 years old showed:

73 per cent carry a mobile phone;
38 per cent carry a laptop;
27 per cent carry a tablet computer;
17 per cent carry an MP3 Player; and
5 per cent carry a digital camera.

NRMA Insurance spokesperson Tracy Woodley said theft or loss of these items is an emerging insurance issue and is reminding parents to ensure these valuables are protected when taken outside the home.

"Students have such a strong appetite for technology and living in a digital world, technology is more and more a central part of the classroom and for family communication."

"Children find themselves in situations or locations where their items or backpack may be lost or stolen. When you think about the cost of replacing these technology items, parents could be up for hundreds if not thousands of dollars," said Ms Woodley.

Over 80 per cent of the parents surveyed revealed their children are walking around with many technology devices in their bag, making their backpack a potential treasure trove for thieves.

"Children aren't the only ones, adults also travel to and from work carrying a laptop or tablet computer, MP3 Player in their ears and mobile phone in their pocket."

"We all value the benefits and convenience that technology brings, therefore we should ensure it's protected should the worst happen," Ms Woodley said.

NRMA Insurance recommends customers add optional portable contents cover to their home contents insurance for valuable items taken outside of the home. Ms Woodley added the insurer has seen increasing interest from customers looking to cover portable technology while they're out and about.

* Based on a survey of 375 Australian parents with high school children by Pure Profile Research in January 2014

Source: http://www.nrma.com.au/school-bags-jam-packed-technology

About NRMA Insurance:
NRMA Insurance is a provider of car insurance, motorcycle insurance, home insurance, business insurance, travel insurance, boat insurance, caravan insurance, life insurance, income protection, security and bicycle insurance in NSW, QLD, ACT & TAS (boat and caravan insurance is not offered in Tasmania). For insurance in other states and territories visit SGIO insurance in WA or SGIC insurance in SA. NRMA Insurance, SGIO & SGIC are members of Insurance Australia Group (IAG). NRMA Motoring & Services is a separate and independent company from NRMA Insurance. Insurance (except Travel Insurance, Life Insurance and Income Protection) issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as NRMA Insurance. When making decisions about NRMA insurance consider the applicable Product Disclosure Statement in advance.