Thursday 23rd August 2007
Britons must ensure they hold adequate travel insurance before journeying in light of an increase in baggage misplacement, it has been warned.
The British Insurance Brokers Association (Biba) advises that many policies have exceptions which could see the holidaymaker liable for the cost of replacing high-value possessions.
These could include photographic equipment and accessories, designer sunglasses, computers and mobile phones, the association suggests.
While such items are often covered by policies when carried in hand luggage, stricter controls over what may be taken on board are seeing more travellers check them into the hold.
Biba technical services manager Graeme Trudgill claims that consumers are likely to be surprised when they hear this means the possessions are most likely not covered by a standard travel insurance policy.
"With claims for missing baggage on the increase and restrictions on hand luggage, travellers need to be aware that many items are not insured if placed in your checked luggage," he states.
"We have seen an example of a traveller who was unable to claim for a camera when it was stolen from her checked luggage."
He notes that it may be easier to insure expensive items by adding personal possessions cover to a home contents insurance policy, than to find travel insurance which can include such belongings when placed in the hold.
But he adds that doubt as to whether a particular policy includes such coverage could mean many Britons could benefit from obtaining third-party advice before arranging their insurance.
Travel insurance provider InsureandGo recently highlighted the increasing issue of baggage lost or misplaced during flights abroad.
Year-on-year figures show an increase of 85 per cent in claims for lost luggage over the first six months of 2007, the company revealed.
Meanwhile, the rate at which bags were lost over the first half of the year equated to one item every two hours.
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