Can't believe what the insurance company say ...?

Question

My baggage went missing on a flight back from Morocco. I hate carrying things so always stick everything into my main bag including my lappy - so this bag goes missing. This is over a month ago and now I get this email from the insurance. They say they won't pay out for the laptop and some other valuables, knowing that I keep my lappy in there I take out business travel insurance, just in case, but they quote me the following small print ...

Please note that your policy, under section E, exclusion 13, states that this insurance will not cover "Loss, theft or damage to valuables not carried in your hand luggage while you are travelling". Can anyone please help?????

Answer 1

I'd appeal to the office of fair trading standards. There must be a way that you can get your things covered.

Answer 2

Check under your home insurance or commerical insurance policy for theft. It might be covered.  If you paid by credit card, you should also check with them.

Answer 3

I hate to break it to you, but I don't think you're company is going to help you.  I have worked in insurance for 15 years and the one thing I've learn is that insurance companies are very good at adding sneaky exclusions into their polices, so they can sqirm out of claims.  The best way around it for the future is to find a good broker who has somekind of designation or degree in insurance.  You may end up paying a little more, but good brokers get those exclusions removed for you.  AS far as your bag, you should at least try calling your state's dept of insurance.  Sometimes an insurance company would rather just pay a small claim than to deal with a complaint to the government.  You might also try calling a public claims adjuster, though their fees can be high.  The only other option, hiring a lawyer, is probably not worth the expense.

Answer 4

unfortunately that is typical of most travel policies. Most don't cover half your belongings.

Another common exclusion is skis, despite the insurance having been sold by the travel agent arranging the skiing holiday!

I am afraid that you have very little chance of getting a result, unless you told the person you were buying the insurance from that you needed it because you put your laptop in your case.

Then you would have a claim against the vendor. Failing that you are out of luck.

Answer 5

Always read the small print.

Answer 6

Have you got any home contents insurance? You might be covered in that one