Understanding your travel insurance coverage

Benefit 14: luggage and personal effects

Our Luggage and Personal Effects benefit covers damage, loss, or theft of your personal items while on your trip. Depending on your policy, and noting that on a Basics policy, the luggage benefit is optional so must be added to include cover, the coverage can range from $2,000 to $15,000 for all items combined. But remember, there are some sub-limits: 

• Personal computers, video recorders, and cameras: $3,000 

• Mobile phones and other communication equipment: $1,500 

• Tablet devices like iPads: $1,000 

• Other unspecified items: $750 

These limits mean that while you may have cover in place for your belongings, you need to be mindful of the value of each item you bring. 

Important cover conditions

To ensure you have taken appropriate measures to protect your belongings, it’s important to read the Product Disclosure Statement including the terms, conditions, sub limits and exclusions that apply, including (but not limited to) adhering to these critical conditions: 

Secure your items

Always keep your belongings with you. Leaving your bag unattended at the beach or in a public place like a restaurant or hotel lobby means your claim will likely be denied if something goes missing. 

Avoid unattended vehicles

If you must leave items in a car, ensure they're locked in the boot and out of sight. Overnight storage in a car is not covered under the policy.

Carry valuables with you

Items like jewellery, mobile phones, and cameras should be carried on your person, especially when using public transport. 

Use provided safes or lockers

When staying in hotels, always use the provided safes for storing valuable items and travel documents.

Practical tips for safeguarding your belongings

Here are some easy tips to make sure your holiday remains stress-free: 

• Keep an eye on your stuff: It's easy to get distracted by beautiful sights, but always keep your belongings in sight, especially in crowded places. 

• Use anti-theft bags: These are designed to be difficult for pickpockets and can give you peace of mind in busy areas. 

• Mark your belongings: A distinctive mark or tag can help identify your items and deter thieves. 

• Stay alert in public places: Be cautious in places like cafes, beaches, and public transport where thieves might target unattended bags. 

• Insure high-value items: If you’re bringing expensive items, consider specifying them in your policy to ensure you have adequate cover in place.

What happens if you don’t follow these guidelines?

If you leave your belongings unattended or fail to take reasonable care, your claim might be denied. For example, if your bag is stolen from the beach while you swim, this is excluded under the policy.   

FAQs

What should I do if my luggage is delayed?

If your luggage is delayed by the carrier for more than 12 hours on your overseas trip, Benefit 15 from our PDS provides cover for essential items like clothing and toiletries, up to $750. Just make sure to get a written confirmation of the delay from the carrier. 

N.B Not all policies cover delay of luggage, therefore, read the PDS prior to deciding which policy is right for you and your trip as terms, conditions, exclusions and limits will apply. 

Can I leave my laptop in the hotel room?

It is safer to use hotel safes to protect personal belongings, including laptops. One of the conditions of the policy is for customers to take care to reasonably protect and secure luggage and personal belongings. If the hotel provides a safe or locker and you don’t use it, you might not be covered if something goes missing.

Are items stolen from a car covered?

Items are only covered if they are out of sight in a locked boot or storage compartment, and the theft occurs during daylight hours. Overnight theft from a car is excluded under the policy. Make sure you read the PDS for other important terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply. 

Do I need to declare all my belongings?

Only high-value items that you want to cover beyond the standard limits need to be specified in your policy. Make sure you read the PDS for other important terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply.

What if I’m instructed to check my electronic devices due to airline regulations?

If you’re required by the airline to check in electronic devices, cover should be available under the policy for electronic devices, subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits. Make sure you follow all other guidelines and provide necessary documentation if something happens. 

Keeping your belongings safe while on holiday ensures a smoother, more enjoyable trip. By following these tips and understanding your travel insurance coverage, you can reduce the risk of loss and make the most out of your adventure. Don’t let the unexpected ruin your getaway – stay vigilant and insured with Fast Cover Travel Insurance! 

For more travel tips and safety advice, visit Smartraveller. 

Any advice is general only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which product is right for you. 

As everyone’s circumstances are different, in the event of a claim, our claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis. 

The information provided in this article is valid as of 18 June 2024. For the most up-to-date details and terms of coverage, please refer to the latest version of our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).