Nearly half of all students say their laptop is the one thing they couldn't survive without, yet one in 10 have no insurance for their gadgets at all.

The latest findings from the NUS and Gloucestershire-based student insurer, Endsleigh, found that 78 per cent of damage to laptops is caused by silly accidents like dropping or liquid spills. Over a third 34 per cent of students surveyed claimed that the cost of replacing a laptop would be their biggest concern if it was lost.

Over the last two years, Endsleigh has received nearly 3,000 claims for laptops alone, paying out almost £2 million to those covered. As the university year starts, Endsleigh is calling on all students to prepare for those clumsy moments and speak with an insurance provider about how to protect the things they love.

Julia Alpan, Head of Marketing, Endsleigh Insurance, said: "Laptops are obviously a huge part of university life - from writing essays in the library to streaming music in halls. As such, students are very attached to them - but it's easier than you think to have an oops moment! We've heard of laptops falling under buses and mobile phones down the toilet to name just a few!

"That's why we're asking all students to start the year safe in the knowledge that those precious laptops and other gadgets are protected by the right insurance that will cushion the cost of replacement should the worst happen."