We start with our new series: the ABC of travel insurance. Today: The luggage. Here you can find all important info, tips& Tricks to secure your clothes, valuables, souvenirs& Souvenir. We present you the most common claims, risks and exclusions.
What counts as luggage?
What is actually the luggage and what belongs to it? In short: everything you take with you. All suitcases, bags and luggage that go with you on your travels are included in it. Of course, all the items that are in the suitcases are also part of the luggage.
Of course, the transport company also tells you what is to be classified as luggage and what is not. You can't take everything you want and there is a weight limit as well . We have compiled a few very classic transportation rules for you.
- In the airplane usually a suitcase up to 20-25 kg is permitted, as well as a piece of hand luggage.
- For coach travel (in a normal coach) the limit is 20 kg maximum.
- Special luggage, such as bicycles or ski equipment can be carried in addition on buses.
For the travel insurance it does not matter how much you take with you and how high the weight of the luggage is. Only the value of the items is important. You have to choose your sum insured according to the cost of the things you take with you on your travels.
However, there is one important restriction: the value of the luggage must only include that which is also insured under the respective conditions. Therefore, of course, the exclusions are of particular importance – but more on that later. First, let's take a closer look at the insurance coverage.
What can you insure at all?
If you want to insure your luggage, there are three main risks. Firstly theft, secondly damage, destruction& Loss or thirdly a late delivery. We would like to explain these risks to you in more detail, so that you know which coverage is important and which may not be.
Of course, you have several possibilities to claim damages to your luggage. The Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection has compiled a clear collection of all rights and obligations here. Just compare these with the conditions of a travel insurance with luggage!
Thieves! Theft and robbery
One of the most common cases for luggage insurance while traveling is theft. Insurance coverage does not only apply when you arrive at your vacation destination, but already when you hand in your luggage at the airport, at the train or at the bus station.
Of course, the risk of theft also exists during your vacation. Therefore, you should always follow the most important basic rules that apply to a vacation. Don't carry too much cash, secure your backpacks properly (carry it in the front)!) and store your smartphones safely in a bag.
The luggage insurance generally covers the loss in case of theft or robbery. But please note that there are some exclusions here. Especially if you act negligently, e.g. leave your backpack unattended, your insurance claim can be lost quickly.
If something is really stolen, then inform your tour guide or the accommodation. In any case you have to go to the police at your vacation destination and report the theft. This is the only way to prove to the insurance company what happened and what was stolen.
Damage or loss during transport
Every one of us knows this! You are waiting at the terminal for your suitcase and it arrives dented and damaged. The range here extends from simple scratches to the most serious damage. Also during loading and unloading at bus& It happens more often than you think.
If your suitcases arrive damaged, contact the transport company immediately. Please remember that you must report the damage directly so that you do not lose any claims. If you wait a few days or are perhaps already at home, it will be difficult to prove that the suitcase was delivered broken.
The luggage insurance is always subordinate, d.h. only when your claims have been filed with the carrier, you can make a claim on the travel insurance. Most travel insurance with luggage only covers the current value of the luggage. What is the current value, you can read here.
Where did it go? Delay of luggage
You have arrived on vacation, but your suitcase has not? This is not only annoying, but can also be expensive. If not only the clothes, but also hygiene products, medicines or other things were in the suitcase, then you must supply yourselves first completely again – and that first on own calculation.
Again, your first route should take you to the carrier, e.g. lead to the airline. At the Lost& Found counter you will be helped quickly and the staff:inside will make the search. If the suitcase is found, you will receive it by messenger directly to your accommodation.
Attention: for the transport company as well as for the luggage insurance it is very important that you keep all receipts when you have to buy everyday things. Reimbursement can only be made if you can provide proof of this.
In luggage insurance, it is usually the case that a fixed portion of the chosen sum insured, usually 10% or 500 – 1.000 euros, can be used for new purchases. But we only pay for the things you really need. Travel souvenirs or expensive branded clothes do not count here.
Exceptions and exclusions
If you want to insure your vacation luggage now, you can do so with a luggage insurance policy. This is offered to you either as a package with travel cancellation or as an individual service. But every insurance has exceptions from the protection and you should know them beforehand in any case.
In the short time (and the blog) we cannot list all the conditions of the travel insurers that are available on the market. However, there are numerous overlaps, which we have summarized for you. No insurance coverage exists in the following cases:
| ➜ | Cash, checks, traveler's checks and securities of any kind are always excluded. |
| ➜ | Smartphones, tablets, cell phones incl. Accessories such as headphones, SIM cards, etc. are also not insured. |
| ➜ | Many providers also exclude eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses from reimbursement. |
| ➜ | Damages that are negligent, such as unattended leaving or forgetting, will be refused. |
Conclusion
If you take a lot of luggage with you on your travels, or go on vacation for a longer period of time, you should think about taking out a luggage insurance policy. Many travel insurances include the protection for a small extra charge, so that the costs are kept within reasonable limits.
Before you book luggage protection for your travels, you should find out exactly what is insured and what is not. Most of the insurance conditions are now written in a very understandable way and include examples. The exclusions are also specified, so everything should be clear here.
Since 2004 TravelProtect is active as a specialized provider of innovative concepts in the travel insurance industry. More than 100.000 customers have been and are being served by our team of experts since then. Experienced travel insurance specialists will assist you quickly and competently in all claims situations. Bayerische is our strong partner for your protection.