Summer is prime time to go on vacation. The kids are out of school, and the adults have unused vacation hours lying around just waiting to be used. The only question that remains is this: where are you going to go? The world is your oyster.
On vacation, there’s so much to keep track of. Things can go missing if you’re not being careful, and that new Macbook Pro could end up being stolen from where you left it on your poolside chair when you went to the bathroom. Will your insurance cover you for instances like these, even if you’re thousands of miles away from home? The short answer: most of the time, yes! Here’s what you need to know.
Are items stolen on vacation covered?
Your home and renter’s insurance can both cover your belongings, from your appliances and clothing all the way to that Macbook Pro we mentioned earlier. Home and renter’s insurance both cover theft, which includes items stolen from your home as well as outside of it (like when you’re on vacation!)
However, as is the case with any policy, we recommend reviewing your policy’s specific terms and conditions to better understand the kind of protection you’re being offered. The majority of home and renter’s insurance policies cover contents on a “named perils” basis, which means that only the specific perils (so things like fire, flooding, theft, etc.) are covered on the policy. Theft is a common peril that’s usually included, but it may contain a deductible or maximum coverage limit. Be sure that you’re aware of these before making a claim.
If a deductible applies, you’ll need to pay your deductible before your insurance company covers the remaining amount. This may mean that if an item that was stolen was a value of $500, and your deductible was $500, it wouldn’t be worth making a claim. Make sure to read your policy and be aware of what’s covered, what isn’t, and what terms apply.
Does travel insurance cover stolen belongings?
Travel insurance isn’t exactly designed to cover belongings stolen on vacation. Rather, it’s intended for trip cancellations and interruptions – more for the overall cost of the trip than the items you brought with you. If your belongings were in suitcases and your baggage was lost or delayed, your trip insurance provider may cover you for the cost of buying replacement items.
But once those items are out and with you in the hotel or out-and-about on vacation, they technically fall under your tenant or home insurance. While travel insurance is a good option to secure your peace-of-mind on vacation, it won’t really cover your belongings if they’re stolen.
What to do if you’ve been robbed on vacation
Vacations are for relaxing and enjoying yourself, not for suddenly realizing you’ve lost that $300 investment you just made on a new headset. All is not lost; you do have insurance to help you out, but there’s also a few things you should do initially if you discover you’ve been robbed on vacation:
- Ensure your safety and assess the situation. If someone broke into your hotel room or Airbnb to steal your belongings, then it’s important that you put your safety first and get out of that space in case you suspect the thief may still be around. Seek help if you suspect that you may be in danger or that the person who robbed you is still nearby.
- Report the incident to the local authorities. If you’re in a hotel, you may want to ask to see if they have any security cameras if the theft occurred in a common area, as this could help to identify who stole your property. Obtain a copy of the police report to give to your insurer later.
- Let your hotel or accommodation know about the incident. They may be able to support you.
- If any of your cards were stolen, contact your bank and relevant companies to cancel these and prevent any unauthorized transactions before they can occur. If your passport or driver’s licenses were stolen, make sure to report these to the relevant authorities as well.
- Make a list of what was stolen, including descriptions, values and receipts. Take photographs of any damage or evidence related to the robbery, such as broken locks or damaged luggage.
- Notify your home or renter insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the police report, documentation of the stolen items, and any other required information.
- This process can be traumatic! If need be, reach out to family and friends for emotional support.
- Take steps to prevent future incidents, such as reviewing your current security measures, safeguarding valuables, using hotel safes, and being cautious in unfamiliar areas.
- Your insurance provider may assign someone to your case. This will be your point of contact. You can also refer back to your insurance agent for any additional, pressing questions you may have during this time.
By following these steps, you can navigate the aftermath of a robbery on vacation, ensuring your safety, securing your financial interests, and taking steps to prevent future incidents.
