Travel insurance with regards to luggage being stolen/lost
I am looking for answers to how people have recovered from having their luggage stolen/lost when arriving at their destination. And further to this, how they have ended up packing in the future to lessen the blow.
How did you progress having your travel insurance pay out? What are any pitfalls you may have had when dealing with travel insurance companies?
I always get travel insurance when going on an overseas trip but have never had to actually instigate the policy and am worried about having to deal with the travel insurance company, especially when overseas i.e. at the start of your trip.
Best Answer
From personal experience I can recommend Travel Insurance connected to organisations which primarily deal with helping stranded people. I don't know if such organizations exist in all countries. I know that they exist in Germany (ADAC), the Netherlands (ANWB), Belgium (VAB). They have complete teams whose primary task is to assist in solving the problems.
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Does my travel insurance cover lost luggage?
A permanent loss of luggage is covered under travel insurance baggage coverage, which reimburses the insured traveler (up to the policy limit) for the value of lost luggage and the personal items inside.Do airlines compensate for stolen luggage?
Under DOT regulations (for domestic travel) and international treaties (for international travel), airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost.What happens if your luggage gets stolen?
For stolen items, you'll need to report the theft to the police as soon as reasonably possible after it occurs, and get written evidence that you've reported it to the police such as a written police report. You'll also need a police report for lost items, unless the loss was by a third party (such as an airline).What is the maximum compensation for lost luggage?
According to the Department of Transportation, airlines are liable for up to $3,800 for lost, damaged or delayed bags. International flights fall under different rules; the maximum baggage liability is about $1,780. (Airlines can pay you more than that, but they're not required to by law.)Travel Insurance: What is the Baggage Loss Benefit and How Does it Work?
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Answer 2
For short term survival post bag-loss I'd worry less about toiletries and more about clothes.
Most hotels will supply you with a (crappy but serviceable) toothbrush, razor and other basic toiletries on request and if not (ie. you're in a hostel) you can probably replace the basics for a few bucks if needed. Plus, the complication of having to take anything sharp (scissors, tweezers, nail clippers) and large liquid containers (shampoo, sunscreen, moisturise, etc) out of your toiletries bag every time you catch a plane is a major hassle.
Far better to just carry some versatile, destination-appropriate clothes and underwear.
Also, in terms of general preparedness:
- Carry your important document, like a copy of your insurance details (!), important contact numbers, a copy of your itinerary, etc. in both your carry on, check in luggage and online (Dropbox or email them to yourself).
- Before you pack, lay all your clothing, electronics and anything else your taking out at home and take some photos. This will help hugely with insurance if you need to show or remember what you packed and to estimate value.
- Also, take a photo of your luggage itself on your phone or something. The first thing the airport staff will ask you is "what does your bag look like" and Being able to give an accurate description or photo can help them locate and identify your stuff.
- If you lose anything report the lost to your insurer straight away. They might have important instructions, requirement or limits on what you can spend to replace your stuff/deal with its delay. For example, if your bags are delayed there may be a daily allowance you can spend of replacement clothes.
- Obviously, keep receipts for anything you need to buy as a result.
- You can't replace photos. If you're on a long trip, periodically drop in at an internet cafe, burn them to a DVD and mail it home. It'll only cost a few bucks and provides security the best insurance policy in the world can't.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Markus Winkler, Mikhail Nilov, Nubia Navarro (nubikini), Nubia Navarro (nubikini)