Travel Insurance ? Typical Traps When Claiming On Lost And Stolen Baggage
Most of us will purchase travel insurance before going on holiday but do you know what to do when something goes wrong? Knowing upfront can save a lot of problems down the track. Review the following tips so that you can be ready.
Proof of ownership
Travel insurance companies will often refuse to pay for lost or stolen items unless that you can prove that they are yours. The easiest way is with the store receipt. Not everyone keeps all their receipts so this may not always be an option.
Now, travel insurance companies are not all evil and will cover you for most things like clothing, toiletries, and luggage but without proof of price you?ll often only get a part of the true replacement cost.
It seems that these days everyone has a digital camera as they are so cheap. So you should take a photo of everything that you are taking. Get the brand and model where possible. Detail all this in a spreadsheet as well. Scan all receipts, manuals, warranty cards, or tags. You can claim when you get home but I?d recommend emailing all the photos, scans and spreadsheet to an online email account such as hotmail or gmail so you can claim while on holidays.
Replacement value
It has become common for auto or house and contents insurance to offer new goods in place of old goods. Typically this is not normal for travel insurance. You?ll normally be offered the cost of your items after depreciation. Usually you would be able to buy a second hand item with the amount offered. Occasionally some second hand goods don?t lose much value and you actually won?t be able to buy a replacement one for anywhere near the money the travel insurance company gives you. You should always lodge a complaint with the company if this occurs. Provide proof of the real market value (e.g. from classifieds, second hand shops, or ebay). If the travel insurance company still refuses to cover the replacement cost then take it to the ombudsman.
Stolen luggage and police reports
Normally a travel insurance company will not automatically take your word that your goods were stolen. You will be required to provide proof. Usually you can provide a police report but if it occured on an airplane or cruise ship then you?ll need a statement from the company.
Police reports can be difficult to get in certain countries. You may be asked to pay a fee for this service. If the amount is small then pay it to avoid any extra hassle. If it is larger then you may want to consult your guidebook or the internet to see if this is normal. If not then your embassy or consulate should be able to help. There may be tourist police who are best to approach in this matter.
If you have trouble speaking the local language and the police can?t understand you then you could try babelfish, or other online translation software or by finding a local or fellow traveller who speaks English and bring them along (a tip is generally appreciated).
Unattended baggage
Typicall a travel insurance policy will not provide cover for when your luggage is left unattended. You may think this would never happen as you usually don?t leave your bags just lying around but unattended is usually defined as being left in an unlocked environment or with someone you aren?t associated with. This may occur at times like left bags at hotels or hostels, with doormen, or with travel companies.
Jackson Taylor works as a consultant for Travel Insurance Reviews. Jackson has travelled the world extensively and enjoys sharing hints and tips about all the things he has learnt while adventuring. Read of his latest reviews for Australian Travel Insurance ? 1Cover Travel Insurance review.
Article from articlesbase.com
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