Allianz says it will honour electronic device travel insurance claims in wake of laptop and device ban

Allianz Global Assistance has confirmed that it will cover UK customer travel insurance claims for electronic devices that are lost or damaged after being checked in with hold baggage on flights to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

The decision follows an announcement by the Government that there will be imminent changes to aviation security measures for selected inbound flights from these countries, resulting in the restrictions to devices taken on board.

Valuables – including electronic devices – carried in suitcases, trunks or similar containers are typically excluded from travel insurance cover unless they are on the customer’s person all the time.

Any electronic device larger than 16.0cm in length, 9.3cm in width and 1.5cm depth, which includes plus-size mobile phones, Kindles, laptops and tablets, will fall under the new aviation security rules. Standard size mobile phones will be allowed in the cabin.

Cover from Allianz Global Assistance for loss of or damage to electronic items will be up to the limits provided by the customer’s existing policy and subject to all other terms of cover. However, the insurer has said that a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be obtained from the carrier in support of any claim.

Barry Smith, Allianz Global Assistance’s underwriting manager for the UK and Ireland said that other items of electronic equipment and valuables which are checked in to the hold but are not included in the new restrictions, such as cameras and MP3 players, would not be covered by the insurer.

“As well as taking the time to thoroughly understand the terms and limits of the policy ahead of their departure, UK customers travelling to and from the countries affected, should check the cover provided by their household and gadget insurers, as this may already provide cover,” he added.

“Sadly, those who do not adhere to these latest travel restrictions, and have items confiscated by the authorities, could face having their claim declined. The safest way to avoid unnecessary inconvenience or potential loss is to limit what you take on your travels, taking essential items only, when flying to and from the countries included in the new aviation security measure.”

Mark Dugdale