23rd May 2013
Travel insurance has been described as ?outdated? in its failure to cover smartphones and gadgets
Which? have released a guide to buying travel insurance revealing the flaws and advantages in various insurance policies.
Surprisingly, despite the fact that in December 2012 41% of mobile phone users worldwide had a smartphone, many insurance policies contain a personal items cover of just ?200-?300 for a single item. This is not enough to cover the cost of most smartphones. This cover also does not include any costs incurred due to calls made or data used on the phone, should it be lost or stolen, for which travellers would be liable.
In addition to this, many companies refuse to even cover smartphones, expensive cameras or designer sunglasses with the personal item cover because they are high risk items that people tend to drop, break or lose. Instead customers may have to purchase a sometimes expensive excess cover for each extra single valuable item despite the fact that these are now everyday products for the technologically-inclined traveller.
Richard Lloyd at Which? said: "Travel insurance has not kept pace with the changing times. Insurers should raise the outdated limits for everyday items like smartphones and laptops or, at the very least, always clearly offer the option of cover at a higher premium.?
The report by Which? advises consumers on the the importance of buying travel insurance as well as helping them pick the right policy for their needs, highlighting the advantages of certain policies for those with medical issues or for those who have specific needs for sports etc.
In light of the volcanic ash incident of 2010 which delayed hundred of flights, it also makes a point of looking at the 'unexpected event cover' of the 20 largest travel insurance company's policy. The results show a wide range of discrepancies between companies as to what they will and will not cover expenses for.
The Financial Ombudsman Service, which deals with complaints from consumers about insurance, stated that there is an increase in problematic claims. The figures show that while 1,860 complaints were made in April to December 2011, this rose to 1,911 complaints were made in the same period of 2012.
Source: http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/magazine/news/travel-insurance-gadget-cover
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