What do I do if my personal belongings are stolen on holiday?
If a theft affects your getaway, we’re here to support you and help you stay calm so you can keep travelling. It’s what we do!
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When you set off on a trip, the only theft you hope you’ll experience is when your heart is stolen by your destination! But as any adventure comes with the unexpected, this could include the theft of your personal belongings.
"If your belongings are stolen on holiday, remember to stay calm. Report the theft to local authorities as soon as you can and call your travel assistance team for support. Quick action and clear-headed decisions can help you get back to enjoying your trip."
Rodger Cook, Cover-More’s General Manager of Global Security
Always try to keep your belongings safe, but worry less knowing that as a Cover-More traveller, you may be able to file a claim for your stolen belongings should the worst happen. Have a read of our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to learn more about the exclusions and sub-limits that may apply.
But, claim or no claim, we can still support you if your stuff is stolen.
So, without further adieu, here’s what to do if your belongings are stolen while you’re travelling. Plus, how we'll help our Cover-More travellers to keep travelling.
5 steps to take if you’re stolen from while travelling:
- Always report the theft to the local authorities and get a police report.
- Call our 24/7 emergency assistance team.
- Call the local Australian Embassy or Consulate.
- Secure your devices and accounts and replace essentials.
- File a claim with us for unexpected costs.
Step 1: Always report the theft to local authorities and get a police report
First of all, were you injured during the theft? If so, call local emergency services for help.
When you’re safe, call the local police or visit the police station ASAP. Explain what happened in as much detail as you can and ask for a copy of the police report.
| Did you know: As one of our Cover-More travellers, you can find contact information for local authorities in our Cover-More app. Just search for your destination. Good, right? |
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You might be thinking, "Can the police help me get my belongings back?". It’s possible they may be able to help you track down your items, but an important reason to call the police is to get a copy of the police report, which gives you proof of the theft and helps your travel insurance claim.
Tip: Make sure you keep a copy of the police report in a safe place until you’re ready to submit it with your travel insurance claim.
Step 2: Call our 24/7 emergency assistance team
If you have a Cover-More policy, you can call our 24/7 emergency assistance team anytime, from anywhere, by tapping the ‘Assistance’ button on our Cover-More app.
You can also reach our travel assistance team by calling us on +612 8907 5619 from anywhere in the world.
When you call, tell our emergency assistance team what happened so we can help you through the next steps. If needed, we can help you get medical care and explain your travel insurance cover before you submit a claim.
Step 3: Call the local Australian Embassy or Consulate
Officials at the Australian Embassy (embassies are in capital cities and consulates are in smaller cities) can explain your destination’s local laws and suggest resources to help you recover your items. If you don't have travel insurance cover for personal belongings that are stolen on holiday, their guidance can help you understand what to do next.
If a thief stole your passport, the Australian Embassy can help you replace it.
To find the right number to call, look up the nearest Australian Embassy on the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
Good news: If you bought one of these six Cover-More plans, your policy will already include some cover for Luggage and Documents (but sub-limits will apply):
- International Comprehensive+
- International Comprehensive
- International Basic
- Inbound
- Domestic Comprehensive+
- Domestic Comprehensive.
Step 4: Secure your devices and accounts, and replace essentials
It’s a hassle but if your phone was stolen, any personal data stored or accessible on that phone will now be at risk. If possible, remotely lock your device and secure your accounts. Find out some ways to prevent identity theft and hacking with our data privacy safety tips for travellers.
If your wallet is stolen and your Australian driver's license was inside, let the Australian Embassy and police know. Call your bank as soon as you can to cancel any stolen debit and credit cards and make a note of any unauthorised purchases you see pop up on your accounts. Also, let your bank know if your phone was stolen, in case the thief tries to use your money via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
If your personal belongings and luggage are stolen, you'll probably be missing the essentials you need for your holiday such as clothing, toiletries etc. If possible, replace the things you need locally. Don’t forget to check your PDS for any item sub-limits that may apply.
Step 5: File a claim with us for unexpected costs
If you’re one of our Cover-More travellers, depending on your policy, we might be able to reimburse you for the cost of replacing the items that were stolen on holiday. Check your PDS for your cover details or call our customer service team on 1300 72 88 22 if you have any questions.
Once you're ready to submit your claim, gather together the police report, any receipts, and other necessary documentation that we’ll need to assess your situation. You can file a claim online or call our claims team on 1300 36 26 44.
More ways we can help you on holiday
Whether it’s an emergency or you just need some extra support on your trip, our 24/7 assistance team are standing by to help.
Here are other travel hiccups the experts on our 24/7 emergency assistance team are great at helping with:
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Just like when you’re at home, you might need to see a doctor when you’re away. It's all good as getting help is easy with our step-by-step guide.
What to do if you need to go to the hospital on holiday
We hope it never happens, but it’s possible you might need hospital treatment on your trip. Don’t worry – here's what to expect.
What to do if you’re in a vehicle accident on holiday
If you’re unfortunately in a traffic accident, we can offer help and support, fast.
Get our Cover-More app for smoother travels and support
Need to reach our emergency assistance team in a hurry? Get help fast by tapping the ‘Assistance’ button in our Cover-More app. It can also help you travel safer with information on potential risks, and instant safety notifications about your destination.
Dive deeper into our travel insurance cover
From cancelled flights to missing luggage and unexpected injuries, we know anything can happen while you’re travelling. But you can travel more and worry less with our cover.
Overseas Medical and Dental
If you become ill or injured in an accident, we’re here with you, every step of the way.
Travel Delay
When a transport hiccup keeps you from your holiday, we can help get you moving again.
Additional Expenses
If the unexpected makes a mess of your planning, we have cover in all our plans.
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