How to File a Travel Insurance Claim for Lost Luggage

File a travel insurance claim for missing bags here.

Understanding Lost Luggage

One of the typical travel mishaps is losing bags. While mishandled luggage is dropping, SITA's 2024 Baggage IT Insights study shows that 2.25 million bags were lost or damaged out of 362.6 million checked bags in the first nine months of 2023 alone. Though this varies by airline, most airlines describe a bag as "lost" after five to fourteen days. Verify your luggage's whereabouts via the airline's app or website or call their baggage services before thinking about missing bags.

Immediate Actions at the Airport

Never leave the airport without completing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with the airline at their baggage service desk. Claims for insurance and airline companies depend on this report. Have a copy of the PIR and a file reference number for tracking. Enquire the airline about their temporary expense policy for delayed bags and, if possible, get an amenity kit. For follow-up on the state of your bag, ask for the best phone number.

Documentation is Key

Your travel insurance policy, flight tickets, baggage claim tags, the PIR copy, a thorough account of the contents of the missing bags, and any receipts for purchases made in response to the delay should all be gathered. Pictures of your packed bags serve to demonstrate value and ownership. Original purchase receipts are often needed for higher-value items.

Filing a Claim with Your Travel Insurer

Get right away in touch with your travel insurance company. Most insurers have designated phone lines or internet platforms for claim filing. Accurate completion of the claim form, provision of all asked information, and attachment of all supporting documentation. Clearly express the worth of every missing item. If you don't have receipts for older goods, offer a realistic estimate of their present worth. Many insurance companies view depreciation. Hence, older items should not have perfect replacement value.

Airline Reimbursement and Secondary Coverage

Recall that the airline's liability takes the front stage in most travel insurance baggage policies. DOT rules suggest the airline will pay first, up to their liability limits ($3,800 for domestic flights and roughly $1,700 for international flights as of 2024). Up to the limits of your policy, your travel insurance will cover qualified expenses more than the airline pays. Track all of your correspondence and airline reimbursements. Show your insurer the determination letter from the airline demonstrating their payment level.

Other Reimbursement Options

Investigate other refund policies if your damages exceed the airline and travel insurance cover. Some allow refunds for lost luggage if you book the flight with a credit card. Deductible policies may apply, but your homeowner's or renter's insurance could offer some coverage. Review your policies to learn the particular restrictions and limitations.

Following Up and Claim Settlement

Usually requiring roughly thirty days, the claim processing period can change. Should you not get back within a reasonable period, follow up with your insurance company. Send any extra material they ask right away. Your policy will determine whether you get reimbursed once the claim is closed. Should your claim be dismissed, you could be entitled to appeal the ruling. Examine the denial letter closely for reasons and the appeals process.

Tips for Future Travel

Photograph your packed luggage and outside items for your next travels. Use luggage tags Inside and outside the suitcase, including your contact details. Think of leveraging an AirTag-style luggage tracker. Stow in your carry-on valuables and basics. Stow a change of clothing in your carry-on should baggage delays arise. Before your journey, study airline luggage rules. Think about travel insurance that provides primary baggage coverage for quicker refunds without waiting for the airline to pay.