There are many moving pieces with travel — including keeping track of your valuables. And sometimes, those valuable items can get lost or stolen.
The good news is you can usually file an insurance claim to get reimbursed for the value of the items.
Your homeowners policy or travel insurance might cover the loss as long as you provide proper documentation and file the claim promptly, usually within 60 to 90 days.
Erika Recommends
- Allianz Travel Insurance
Up to $2,000 per traveler for loss, damage, or theft of personal items. - World Nomads
Up to $3,000 for loss, theft, or damage of your bags, tech, and gear. - Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage.
Steps to File a Claim for Lost or Stolen Items
Follow these steps to increase the chances that your claim will be approved.
1. Notify your insurance provider immediately
First, contact your insurance provider and let them know what was lost or stolen. Know which insurer is likely to pay your claim:
- Stolen items: A homeowners policy or renters insurance usually covers stolen items, even while you’re traveling. This includes items stolen out of your car, as well as from your hotel room or while you’re out exploring. Check your policy limits, though — some policies have a lower coverage limit for items stolen outside your home. If you have travel insurance, you can usually receive reimbursement for stolen items.
- Lost items: Homeowners insurance doesn’t usually cover lost items, but many travel insurance policies do. Or, if it's the airline that has lost your luggage, the credit card you used to book the trip may cover you. For example, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cover up to $3,000 if your luggage is lost or damaged by the carrier.
Your insurance provider or credit card issuer can tell you next steps for the claims process. You might also find this information in their app or in your online account.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards Rate
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries
- 2x on all other travel purchases
- 1x on all other purchases
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$95
. . .
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Rewards Rate
- 10x points on hotel stays and car rentals through Chase Travel℠
- 10x points on dining purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on restaurants and travel
- 1x points on everything else
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$550
. . .
2. File a report with local authorities or relevant parties
Most insurers require proof that you notified authorities of the loss or theft.
- If items are stolen, file a report with local law enforcement.
- If you lose an item at a hotel or the airport, report it and get a written record of your report.
- In the case of lost luggage or items missing from your luggage, go to the airline’s baggage office and file a report.
When airlines lose your luggage, they’re required to give you financial compensation for it — up to a maximum of $4,700, according to the Department of Transportation. They also have to refund you any baggage fees you paid.
3. Gather necessary documentation
To get reimbursed for lost or stolen items, you need to keep proper documentation.
- When you buy valuable items, keep the receipts and other proof of ownership. You can scan these and store them in the cloud for easy access. Do this before you travel with any valuable items.
- After you file a report, get a copy for your records from law enforcement or the airline or hotel. You’ll need these to document your efforts.
- As an extra precaution, take pictures of your valuable items before you travel and store them in the cloud. Just as you should create a home inventory and keep it somewhere safe, you should also document any valuables you take traveling.
Was there an issue with your flight?
We read the fine print so you don't have to! Take our Flight Rights Quiz to learn more about the compensation the airline may owe you if your flight was delayed or canceled!
Common Mistakes When Filing Claims
When filing a claim for lost or stolen items, avoid these mistakes that can slow the process or even result in a denial.
- Missing claim deadlines: It’s fairly common for insurers to expect you to file a claim within 60 to 90 days. Note when the item was lost or stolen and when you filed the claim. Keep these records so you can show you followed the procedure.
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate information: Many insurers allow you to file claims online or through an app. Double-check all of the required information and documentation. If you’re missing crucial information or you’re not accurate, your claim can be delayed or even denied.
- Not following up with your provider: Don’t just wait for your insurer to get back to you. Follow up. If you haven’t heard anything for a few days, contact them to ask about the status of your claim and if anything is missing.
How To Appeal a Denied Claim
If your claim is denied, you might need to appeal. Here’s how to increase the chances that your insurer will reconsider.
1. Review the denial reason
Insurers usually provide a reason for the denial. Perhaps you missed some documentation. Maybe your policy doesn’t cover the item or circumstances.
Understand the reason for denial so you can properly address it. If the insurer doesn’t provide a reason, contact them and talk to someone who can shed more light on the situation.
In some cases, you might be given a list of steps to follow to file your appeal and address why your claim was denied.
2. Gather additional evidence
Do you have more evidence to submit? Check for extra receipts and reports from relevant authorities. You might be able to obtain letters from third parties confirming the incident.
For example, if someone witnessed the theft, you can ask them to submit their account to bolster your case. Extra documentation can help you overcome a denial.
3. Contact the insurer for clarification
If you’re unsure about the appeals process, contact your insurer. Find out the exact steps for submitting a formal appeal and how to address the reason for denial.
How To Speed Up the Claims Process
Depending on the insurer, your claim might be processed in as little as 48 hours.
However, it’s more likely that it will take between two and four weeks to process a claim for lost or stolen items.
You can speed up the process by taking the following steps:
- Use online claims portals: If your insurer offers an online claims portal or an app, that process is usually more convenient (no photocopies or snail mail) and quicker.
- Store receipts and policies digitally: You don’t want to waste time hunting for paperwork. If you know you’re traveling with valuables, add the relevant documents, including receipts and images, to your cloud. Once you receive reports from authorities, use a scanner app to make a digital record you can easily share.
- Asking customer service for guidance: If you’re unsure how to proceed, call the customer service line. They can help you when you’re in the middle of an emergency or give you step-by-step instructions for a smoother claims process.
FAQs About Claiming Lost/Stolen Items
What should I do if I lose the receipts needed for my claim?
Depending on the situation, you might be able to request a duplicate receipt from the merchant. Usually, this works best if the lost or stolen item was recently purchased.
You might also be able to use your bank or credit card statement as proof of purchase, along with a signed receipt affidavit.
Can I file a claim for items stolen from a rental car or hotel room?
Yes. In some cases, especially with items stolen from a rental car, you might be able to file a claim with your homeowners insurer.
If you have travel insurance, you should be able to file a claim for items stolen from a rental car or hotel room.
How long does it usually take for a claim to be processed and reimbursed?
Depending on the insurer and your documentation, you might be reimbursed in less than a week. However, it’s more likely that it will take two to four weeks for your claim to be processed.
TL;DR: Filing a Claim for Lost or Stolen Items
When your items are lost or stolen while traveling, contact your insurance provider straight away and file reports with relevant authorities.
Homeowners insurance typically covers theft (not loss), while travel insurance often covers both. Your credit card may cover luggage that’s lost by the airline.
Keep your receipts, proof of ownership, and photos of valuables stored in the cloud for easy access, and file your claim quickly. If you don’t hear back within a few days, follow up to keep the process moving.
Learn With Erika
- Free Travel Secrets Workshop
- Learn how to use the fine print to book your next vacation practically for free with Erika's step-by-step system
- Free 5 Day Investing Challenge
- Learn how to get started as a beginner investor and make your first $10,000
- Free 5 Day Savings Challenge
- Discover how you can save $1,000 without penny pinching or making major life sacrifices
- Join Erika Kullberg Insiders
- Ask investing questions, share successes and participate in monthly challenges and expert workshops
. . .
Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
