8 July 2013

Travel Insurance struggles to keep pace with value of baggage.

Research by insurer LV= shows we're taking more kit with us and travel insurance policies aren't keeping up.

The average value of baggage taken abroad by holidaymakers has increased by 67% over last 5 years according to insurer LV=.

Their research showed the average Brit now takes more than £2,500 of clothes, shoes, electronics and jewellery in their suitcases and hand luggage. The average now includes £700 worth of electronics – phones, ipads, e-readers, cameras and laptops.

The research also found that around one in six people also pack £500 or more cash in their suitcase before it goes in the hold – crazy as cash and valuables aren't covered if they are stored in the hold of a plane!

Managing director of LV=, Selwyn Fernandes, says: "The plethora of gadgets now being taken abroad has pushed the value of luggage to more than the holiday itself. With suitcases and contents worth so much, it is vital that travellers check they have travel insurance in place and are fully protected just in case their belongings go missing or are stolen. Travel insurance exists to cover day-to-day belongings rather than a vast array of expensive items. So if you have a number of valuables it is worth checking that any insurance you have in place for them, such as personal possessions, includes cover for when you are abroad.”

Baggage cover is often an optional extra with travel insurance, but the value of gadgets now taken on holiday can easily exceed the limits of the cover. LV='s Premier policy has a generous £3,000 cover for baggage, but the single item limit and total valuables limit is £500 which could leave the unfortunate holidaymaker short of cover.

This won't worry the one in six holidaymakers who admit to travelling without travel insurance or optional personal belongings add ons. Those who wish to be fully covered should consider not only their travel insurance but also home insurance for personal belongings away from home cover. Alternatively, consider gadget insurance to protect your electronics without needing to make a claim on your household insurance.