Brits urged to check cover for holiday luggage

The credit crunch has made Brits think about changing their holiday plans, according to research by Legal & General.

26% mentioned that they were now not going on holiday, 20% said that they would go on a cheaper holiday and 39% said they would spend more time at home.

Whether people are still going abroad or holidaying in the UK, they need to check that they have adequate insurance cover for their holiday luggage and contents.

Legal & General has calculated that the value of the luggage and its contents for a family of four travelling on holiday whether abroad or in the UK could amount to over £3,000. Holidaymakers planning a ‘last minute' weekend break may be surprised that the value of a holdall and its contents could be over £1,300, for just one person.

Elaine Parkes, Head of technical services at Legal & General's general insurance business said: "It's surprising just how quickly the value of the contents of our luggage adds up. It's easy to forget the actual value of the suitcase or bag itself, and the accumulated value of all its contents may not be fully appreciated, particularly if you like designer accessories!

Holidaymakers should check that they have appropriate cover in place for both their holiday plans and their personal belongings before travelling."

It is possible to include personal baggage for a holiday under a travel policy or the personal possessions cover under a home insurance policy.

Holidaymakers should keep details of their insurance cover in their hand luggage. Then if suitcases are lost at least they have details of their cover and who to contact, particularly if emergency supplies are needed. There are also some useful holiday tips available online at legalandgeneral.com/home-travel/travel-insurance/travel-tips.html

Elaine Parkes continued: "Up to 200,000 passengers an average a month from the UK have lost their luggage in the past two years but holiday bags may still go missing or be mislaid when travelling in the UK. To ensure holidaymakers enjoy a relaxing summer holiday, we recommend people check their cover every time they plan to go away, regardless of how far or for how long."

Details of the home and travel insurance cover available from Legal & General may be found at legalandgeneral.co.uk/home-travel/