Insurance firm confirms policy on new electronics ban
Allianz Global Assistance UK has promised to cover insurance claims made because of loss of, or damage to, electronic devices checked in with hold baggage by UK passengers flying to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
It has confirmed its policy after the British Government announced it would be banning passengers flying from these countries from taking them on board in their hand luggage.
Usually valuables – including electronic devices – carried in the hold are excluded from travel insurance cover unless they are in the customer’s possession all the time.
Any electronic device larger than the specified size (length: 16.0cm, width: 9.3cm, depth: 1.5cm), 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 and conditions.
But the company is advising customers to read the terms of the policy carefully to fully understand the limits provided.
In addition, it stresses that a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be obtained from the carrier in support of any claim made. These can be obtained from the airline’s dedicated baggage desk within the baggage claims area.
Barry Smith, Allianz Global Assistance Underwriting manager UK and Ireland, said other items of electronic equipment and valuables which are not included in these restrictions, such as cameras and MP3 players, but which have been checked in to the hold, will not be covered in accordance with our policy wording.
"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."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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