You’ve planned the perfect trip, booked your flights, and made sure you’re covered with travel insurance—just in case. But what if, when the unexpected happens, your claim is denied?
A simple mistake—one that countless people make without realising—could leave you without compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings. The good news is it’s entirely avoidable. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your claim doesn’t get rejected.
Travel insurance is a must-have for any trip, providing peace of mind and protection against the unexpected. Yet, a recent revelation from a travel insurance comparison site has highlighted a crucial clause that many travellers are unaware of, which could lead to a surge in denied claims.
The costly mistake to avoid
The clause in question pertains to items left ‘unattended in a public place’—think hotel lobbies, beaches, taxis, or buses. If your belongings are lost or stolen from these areas, you may find that your insurance policy offers no coverage.
A survey conducted by the comparison site found that a staggering 59 per cent of respondents were not aware of this policy detail, mistakenly believing their items would be covered even when left unattended.
However, Natalie Ball, the director of comparetravelinsurance, stresses the importance of vigilance. ‘Tourists are often prime targets for pickpockets and petty criminals,’ she warns.
‘Staying alert and taking simple precautions can go a long way in protecting your belongings… Travel insurance is there to cover the unexpected, but it won’t babysit your bags for you. A little common sense goes a long way,’ she adds.
Safekeeping your belongings
To help you keep your belongings safe while abroad, here are some practical tips:
1. Utilise hotel safes for your valuables or wear a discreet pouch under your clothing for important items. You must also always be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places.
2. When leaving valuables in a car, ensure they are hidden in the boot or a locked compartment, out of sight.
3. If staying in shared accommodation like hostels, use lockers or safety boxes for your possessions. Simply hiding them under your bed or pillow is not secure.
4. In the unfortunate event of theft, report the incident to local authorities immediately. Obtaining a police report is crucial, as insurers will require this as evidence to process your claim.
Travel insurance need-to-know
When it comes to making an insurance claim, Natalie Ball offers these top tips:
1. Keep all receipts or have proof of ownership for valuable items. Digital receipts, photos of receipts, bank statements, or warranties can serve as proof of purchase.
2. Check if your policy covers gadgets like smartphones and cameras, and be aware of any exclusions, such as cracked screens.
3. Don’t delay in lodging your claim. Most insurers require claims to be made within 30 days of returning from your trip.
4. Be mindful of sublimits. Your policy may cover luggage up to a certain amount, but individual items might have lower caps. You can often increase coverage for specific items, but this must be arranged before you travel.
5. Understand depreciation rates. Luggage and personal belongings are usually covered only for their present value unless you have bought extra coverage.
In today’s world, where we’re constantly on the move and often distracted by the wonders around us, it’s more important than ever to stay alert and protect our belongings—not just from potential thieves, but also from the possibility of denied insurance claims.
By following the above guidelines and understanding the terms of your travel insurance policy, you can ensure that your adventures are memorable for all the right reasons.
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices community. Have you ever had an insurance claim denied due to unattended items? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let’s help each other travel smarter.
Also read: Travel budget killers: The top five holiday money traps you can avoid
