Will Travel Insurance Cover Lost Items?

Travelling abroad can be an enriching and life-altering experience. It usually brings positive experiences because it broadens our horizons as we learn from other places and cultures.

Amidst all the excitement that travelling brings, it does have a dark side. There is always the possibility that unexpected events can occur while you’re on a trip. One of the things that might put a damper on your trip is losing valuable items. Whether you’re going on a business trip or family holiday, you need to bring valuable items such as tablets, laptops, jewelry items, leather bags, and cameras. If these items get lost or are stolen, will travel insurance be able to cover these valuables?

Here are some important guidelines about travel insurance for valuables:

1. Although it is not part of the standard travel insurance policy, you can get additional coverage for your valuables and other electronic items to protect them from getting lost, stolen, or damaged. You can arrange this easily with your travel insurance provider. As you fill-up the insurance coverage form, you need to specify the make, model, product age, and the serial number of each valuable.
2. Policyholders have the option to increase the cover for valuable items such as audio, video, computer, photographic, and electrical equipment. They can also opt to cover wearable valuables such as watches and jewelry. You can get coverage for the following items:

• iPads
• Video cameras
• Laptops
• Cameras
• Mobile Phones
• Watches
• Earrings
• Rings
• Necklaces
• Bracelets

3. Most travel insurance policies specify the total amount of coverage with a single item limit. The policyholder has the option to increase the cover up to an additional amount specified by the insurance company.
4. In the event that you file a claim on a lost valuable remember that insurers usually pay the current value of the item. This means that they will not pay for the value of the item when you purchased it, but its second-hand value. However, there is usually no depreciation applied to certain high-value items. You just need to show the receipt with the purchase price when you need to claim.
5. Travel insurance companies will not pay your claim if you are proven to be negligent or acting irresponsibly with your valuables. You will not be covered in these situations:

• If your belongings were unattended.
• If items were not reported as lost within 24 hours.
• If the item has no proof of purchase.
• If the belongings were left unattended in a vehicle – whether it’s a boat, motorcycle, or car.
• When alcohol and drugs are a contributing factor to the loss of belongings.

Getting additional valuables insurance is beneficial for travellers because it gives them peace of mind knowing that their valuables are covered. If ever accidents or losses occur during the trip, it will be relatively stress-free for them. So when you’re planning on packing an expensive item on your trip, remember to have a hard copy proof of the item and double-check the total price of your packed luggage. Be safe, be organized, and above all else, make sure you have fun.