The simple mistake many people make with travel insurance can end up costing you thousands of pounds… but would you know how to avoid it?

Daily Mail​

10-07-2025

The school summer holidays are just around the corner, which means many families will be preparing to jet off for some well-earned relaxation.
Of course, there's the to-do list to tackle before you go: pack the suncream, do a dozen loads of laundry and locate all the passports (there's always one momentarily missing). And an element that shouldn't be overlooked is travel insurance, which can save you thousands should you or your belongings run into any trouble while abroad.
However, while many of us assume once you're covered by a policy you're fine, that's very much not the case. Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, has issued a warning to travellers after thousands of claims were rejected for minor mistakes last summer.
It's important to read the small print, as these minor, avoidable mistakes can be easily resolved – and if not, may well end up costing you thousands. From tight deadlines for reporting an issue to correctly packing your valuables, keep reading for the surprising ways travellers invalidate their insurance without realising.
Leaving your hotel balcony door or window unlocked
With balmy temperatures across Europe, it's no surprise many of us leave windows or doors slightly ajar to maximise airflow in our hotel room. But according to Mamtora, while it may make your space more comfortable, it could end up costing you a fortune if your belongings go walkabout.
'If there's no sign of forced entry, many insurers won't pay out,' Mamtora advises. 'It's that simple.'
'We often see claims for stolen items from hotel rooms declined because a door or window was left unlocked. It doesn't matter whether you're in a five-star resort or a budget apartment. Policies usually require evidence that a thief had to break in. If you've left an access point open, the assumption is that you didn't take reasonable care.'
Not filing a police report in time
When we lose something on holiday, lots of us will try and push the annoyance aside and think: 'I'll deal with it when I'm back.' But failing to alert local police within a one- or two-day timeframe will invalidate your insurance policy with most providers, causing even more of a headache when you get back.
'If something is stolen or lost, you usually have 24 to 48 hours to report it to the local police,' Mamtora explains.
'Some people try to wait until they get home or think a hotel report is enough, but that won't meet the conditions of most policies. You need a formal report from the local authorities, ideally with a case number and location. Missing that step is one of the most common reasons we see valid claims denied.'
Packing valuables in checked luggage
Many of us are guilty of packing laptops and cameras in our checked suitcase, so we don't have to lug heavy hand luggage around. Unfortunately, if your valuables aren't on your person, you often can't get your money back if they're bashed and broken on arrival.
'Laptops, watches, cameras and other high-value items should never go in the hold,' Mamtora warns. 'Airlines may mishandle luggage, but your insurer is unlikely to cover these items if they weren't with you in the cabin.'
'This is clearly outlined in many travel insurance policies, but it's still a common mistake. Always pack anything you can't afford to lose, or can't replace easily, in your carry-on.'
Lending items to friends
How many times have you been abroad and had a friend ask to borrow your camera, headphones or phone? How many times have you asked them to carry your belongings for you? Well, it turns out both mean if the item is lost or broken, your insurance company doesn't have to pay up.
'Policies usually cover you alone, not you and your friends or family,' Mamtora explains. 'If a friend borrows your phone, camera or headphones and they break it or lose it, the insurer is unlikely to pay out unless that person is specifically named on the policy.
'You need to think of your cover as personal, not shared. Just because someone is travelling with you doesn't mean they're included in the protection.'
Taking a day trip to a non-covered country
When you apply for travel insurance and you may well tick the box for where you're going, then you never think about it again. However, you need to be careful – if you're planning any trips that cross to a different territory, you often invalidate your cover.
'This one catches people out all the time,' says Mamtora. 'You might have cover for Europe, but if you take a bus from Croatia to a neighbouring country, such as Montenegro, your insurance can become void the moment you step over the border.
'Even if you're only gone for a few hours, if something happens, you could be completely uncovered. It's vital to check which countries are listed and whether regional trips are included.'
Not using the hotel safe for valuables
We've all been there: you have no idea how to use the safe, so stick your passport and valuables in the discreet bedside drawer instead. Seems logical, right? It actually means if anyone nabs your stuff, you likely won't get the cash back to replace it.
'Valuables not stored in a locked safe are rarely covered,' Mamtora advises. 'If you leave your passport, jewellery, or expensive tech out on the bedside table or tucked into a suitcase, and they're taken, your insurer may argue you failed to secure them properly.'
'The policy wording often requires that high-value items be locked in a hotel safe when not in use. It's a small effort that makes a big difference to whether you're covered.'