How baggage insurance works

In the unfortunate event that your bags or possessions are stolen then you a required to report the theft to the police within 24 hours of you becoming aware of the theft. We will also need you to provide a crime reference number or a written report from the police to us.

If your mobile phone is stolen, then you should block them by calling your network provide and request some written confirmation from them that this block has been put in place.

An excess payment is the amount that you pay towards a claim before we, as the insurer, pick up the balance of the claim.

For lost, damaged, delayed, destroyed or stolen possessions there will be an excess payment that you are liable to pay. Excess levels range between £50 on gold single trip and annual trip policies, £75 for silver single trip and annual trip policies and £100 for bronze single trip, annual trip and backpacker travel insurance policies. You can check the excess amount in your insurance schedule which is part of your policy documents.

If your baggage went missing or was delayed whilst in the airline’s care then the first step before claiming on your travel insurance is to speak to the airline and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from them. Replacement items can be compensated for if your luggage was checked-in then lost in transit.

Much like claiming on your travel insurance policy, the airline will usually need to have receipts for the lost items to prove their value. They also tend to have a limit for how much they are willing to offer in compensation.

If you are successful in getting compensation from the airline or travel company then you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance for the same event.

When covered by our single trip, annual trip or backpacker policies you’ll be covered for damage, theft, loss or destruction of personal possessions - this does not included business equipment. Business equipment could be work laptops or corporate mobile phones and devices. The full description can be found in the policy documents.

If you are travelling for business purposes and need specific cover for work equipment, then consider our business travel insurance plans. 

If you cannot be reunited with your luggage then you may be able to make a claim under the ‘Personal Possessions’ section of the policy.

If you have already begun a claim under the 'Delayed Personal Possessions' then any pay out you received for replacement items under this section will be deducted from the claim settlement under the Personal Possessions claim.

Here are a few tips to keep your personal possessions safe whilst travelling.

Before you leave

• Lock your suitcase: Combination locks are cheap to buy and act as a deterrent against theft. If you don’t remember to get them before you go, you can normally buy them at airports and other departure points before you check in.
• Wrap your luggage: Plastic wrap services are becoming commonplace in many airports around the world. They are great to protect your bags from both being damaged in transport or from being tampered with.

Whilst you are away

• Know the scams and be sensible: Research before you go away to find out what the local tourist scams are where you’re headed. Pickpocketing is common in busy cities so make sure that you don’t leave your belongings unattended or on show.
• Use the safe: If your room has a safe, make sure you use it valuables and important documents when you are not using them.
• Wear a money belt: Money belts are a great way of keeping your cards, cash and documents safe whilst you're out sightseeing.