Direct Line Travel insurance for the holidays

More than two-thirds (68 per cent) of Brits travelling with Christmas presents this year don't plan to insure their journey, according to research commissioned by Direct Line travel insurance. Whether they are travelling to see friends and family within the UK or flying to far-flung destinations for the holiday season, only 26 per cent of those polled said they had already taken out travel insurance, leaving millions without cover for themselves, their belongings, and the gifts they plan to give if anything goes wrong.

Seven in ten (69 per cent) of those planning to travel at Christmas said they would take gifts with them, while 22 per cent  said they'd buy their gifts at their destination or at duty-free, or post them ahead of time. For those travelling with gifts, the average value of these was £199, leaving quite a hefty bill if lost or stolen items need to be replaced at the last minute.

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line, said: "Christmas is a time to be with family and friends, near and far, and a lot of people will have gifts with them when they travel. Wrapping up a good travel insurance policy when you're making your travel plans will help you remain protected if your gifts fall off Santa's sleigh."