According to date from travel insurance comparator iSelect, more than a quarter of globetrotters (27%) have reported lost or stolen luggage.
Of those, the study found 14% admitted to losing the items, while five per cent say they were targeted by pick-pocketers or thieves. Some eight per cent of those surveyed blamed airlines or transport services for lost luggage.
iSelect’s Sophie Ryan said the top item misplaced was luggage contents, with 43% of respondents falling victim to perhaps their own forgetfulness, thieves or airline errors.
“Second on the list of items most often lost was electronics (e.g. phones, laptops and cameras) at 27%,” Sophie said.
“In close third was 25% of people saying they’d lost jewellery – items that could carry enormous sentimental value and often irreplaceable.”
Sophie explained that things can be easily replaced but jewellery can be extremely personal, especially if the item was gifted or passed down through generations.
“Losing something like an engagement ring, even before popping the question, could be expensive and painful to replace,” she added.
“It’s a good idea to take photos of particularly unique or expensive personal items before you head away on your holiday – this way if the worst should happen and you need to claim you’ll have some evidence to pass on to your insurer. And be mindful of policy limits.”
While travel insurance could be a major money-saver in instances of theft or no-fault losses, Sophie warned that travellers should continue to practice due diligence to avoid things being left behind by mistake.
“Travel insurance is a great safety net if your expensive or sentimental items are stolen, or if your luggage is lost in transit, but it won’t protect you from bad decisions.
“If you leave something sitting on a park bench or behind in a hotel room after checkout, it’s unlikely you’ll be covered. Always have your wits about you while travelling to avoid disappointment.”
