Travel Insurance - Common Traps When Claiming on Misplaced or Stolen Baggage

by Jackson Taylor

Do you know what to do if something goes wrong on your holiday? Plan ahead, take travel insurance, and review the tips below so that you will be prepared.

Most of us will take out holiday insurance before going on vacation but do you know what to do when problems occur? Knowing upfront can save a lot of problems in the future. Review the following tips so that you can be ready.

Proof of ownership

Travel insurance companies will often refuse to pay for lost or stolen items unless that you can prove that they are yours. The best way is with the original receipt. Not everyone keeps all their receipts so this may not always be an option.

Now, travel insurance companies are not all evil and will cover you for most things like clothes, toiletries, and baggage but without proof of price you'll often only get a part of the true replacement cost.

It seems that these days everyone has a digital camera as they are so cheap. You should take a photograph of everthing you are packing. Get the brand and model where possible. Detail all this in a spreadsheet as well. Scan all receipts, manuals, warranty cards, or tags. You can claim when you get home but I’d recommend emailing all the photos, scans and spreadsheet to an online email account such as hotmail or gmail so you can claim while away if needed.

Replacement value

It has become common now for auto or home and contents insurance to offer new for old replacement. Travel insurance normall does not work like this. You'll typically be offered the price of your goods after depreciation. Usually you would be able to afford a second hand item with the amount offered. Some items hold their value really well and you actually won't be able to buy a replacement one for anywhere near the reimbursement the travel insurance company gives you. You should consider making a complaint with the company if this occurs. Provide proof of the true market value (e.g. from classifieds, second hand shops, or ebay). If the travel insurance company still refuses to cover the replacement cost then take it to the ombudsman.

Stolen luggage and police reports

Travel insurance companies will generally not just take your word for it when something is stolen. You will need to show them proof. Usually you can provide a police report but if it occured on an airplane or cruise ship then you'll need a statement from the company.

Police reports can be difficult to get in certain countries. A fee may be required for this service. If the amount is small then pay it to avoid any extra hassle. For larger amounts you may want to confirm if this is normal. Consult your guidebook or search the internet. If not then your embassy or consulate should be able to help. There may be tourist police who are best to approach in this matter.

If you cant speak the local language and the police can't understand you then you could try an online translation service (e.g. babelfish) or by finding a local or fellow traveller who speaks English and take them along (a tip is generally appreciated).

Unattended baggage

Typicall a travel insurance policy will not provide cover for when your luggage is left unattended. This may seem like it would never happen as you normally don't leave your bags in random places but unattended is usually described as being left in an unlocked place or with someone you don't know. Common scenarios are left luggage at hotels or hostels, with doormenFree Articles, or with tour companies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jackson Taylor works as a specialist for Travel Insurance Reviews. Jackson has travelled the world extensively and likes providing insight about all the things he has learnt while adventuring. Read of his latest reviews for Australian Travel Insurance - 1Cover Travel Insurance review.