Some 66 per cent of Australian travellers are motivated to buy insurance to cover luggage and personal belongings, according toThe company’s director, Natalie Ball, told news.com.au few of those travellers were aware their belongings would not covered if they were left unattended.
“Insurers need to know that you’re taking reasonable steps to protect your belongings, which is difficult to establish when you’ve left them unattended in a public place.”She said while it might seem unfair, insurers were simply mitigating risk. Comparetravelinsurance.com.au said in a recent example a retired couple from Australia was left frustrated when they were caught out by the exclusion on a European holiday.
“In case, it’s hard to dispute the fact that the item was left unattended in a public place,” Ms Ball said.She said insurers would usually assess individual cases on their merits. It’s also important to remember that insurers need evidence, so in cases of loss or theft, provide receipts as proof of ownership and a written report from the police or relevant authority within 24 hours.Ms Ball said luggage that went missing or got damaged while in the care of the airline or transport provider would not usually be covered by travel insurance.
The customer believed she should have received more as her policy stated she had luggage and personal effects covered up to $15,000.