New report criticises travel insurance companies

A Which? report has criticised travel insurance providers for failing to update their policies.

The research found valuables like smartphones, tablet computers, watches, jewellery and cameras are inadequately covered by insurance companies who, in many cases, have not updated their technology policies for years.

Axa, Columbus Direct, Insure and Go and Virgin Money were all found to have a limit of £200 on technology claims – meaning that many people with expensive tablet computers or smartphones would be left out of pocket if their device was stolen.

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said: “To avoid a nasty surprise, travellers should shop around and read the small print or they could find themselves seriously out of pocket.”

Nearly all of the companies (19 out of 20) examined in the research had excesses of at least £50, with Barclays’ policy starting at £100.

More than half of Which? readers said in a poll they take their smartphones on holiday – meaning it is even more important that people campaign for more comprehensive travel insurance cover.

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