Holidaymakers be aware: don’t be caught out twice by a crime

One in ten British holidaymakers could be jeopardising their travel cover by only reporting an item stolen when they return.

Expensive gadgets such as digital cameras are constantly being taken out by tourists and can be a target for any opportunist thief. A claim can become invalid if you do not report a crime while on holiday to the local police within 24 hours. Yet 10 per cent of holidaymaking Brits risk their cover by failing to do this. Another one in seven Brits (14 per cent) only think to ring their travel insurer first.

Richard Mason, director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: “Don’t let your relaxed holiday attitude make you vulnerable to crime; keep vigilant and report a theft within 24 hours. Most insurance policies will not cover stolen items if a crime number is not sought from the local police.

“Don’t be nervous about approaching the police and report it immediately to your travel insurer so they can advise you on the best route to take. This will ensure you are free from the despair of arriving home to realise you have jeopardised your cover by not reporting a theft.”

Richard Mason continued: “Always read the small print to ensure you are abiding by your insurer’s rules. Also, make sure you are prepared with all your insurance company's contact numbers as well as a printout of your policy. This will enable you to call the relevant people to report your crime and check you are doing everything so you do not void a claim.”