Failure to take cover at festival could leave you £268 out of pocket
UK festival goers are risking hundreds of pounds worth of valuables, as many admit they don’t have cover for gadgets and personal belongings taken outside the home.
New research from Halifax Insurance reveals that festival goers take on average £268 worth of items to festivals, a rise of £81 from last year, with almost 1 in 3 (31%) carrying over £300 worth of belongings.
The poll of 2,000 UK adults also reveals that smartphones now rank as the second most popular item carried at festivals, second only to purses and wallets, yet more than a quarter of those surveyed admitted that they have no insurance cover for their items and almost a third (29%) don’t know whether their valuables are protected outside of the home.
According to the latest Halifax Insurance Digital Home report, over a quarter (28%) of UK adults own digital devices worth between £1,000 and £2,000, leaving owners facing significant costs by not having sufficient insurance protection for items often taken outside the house.
Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager, Halifax Insurance, said: “Large crowds at concerts and festivals can be a haven for pick pockets, as people are in a relaxed atmosphere and may have their guard down. It’s easy to underestimate the risks, but it’s important people check they are adequately insured for belongings outside the home to avoid putting a dampener on any festivities.”
Halifax Insurance Top Tips for festival go-ers
Take pictures of each valuable item being taken and store on a device that won’t be travelling with you. Keep receipts as proof of purchase can help speed up your claim
Avoid leaving valuables in unattended tents and cars
Ensure you bring only necessary cash and store close on your person
Only take necessary items and consider what you can share with friends
Consider leaving your smartphone at home and substituting with an old pay-as-you go mobile instead, which won’t be as attractive to thieves and won’t matter as much if lost
If you do have to take a smartphone, make sure it is insured and backed up
Take a small bag with zipped openings that can be worn on your person
Store valuable belongings in the bottom of your sleeping bag when going to sleep
Use designated lock-up areas if provided
Immediately report anything lost or stolen to the police and ask for a crimereference number as your insurer will require this if you need to claim.
Most popular festival items
1. Wallet/purse
2. Smartphone
3. Clothing
4. Sunglasses
5. Bag