Brits at risk if gadgets are grabbed

BRITS AT RISK IF GADGETS ARE GRABBED

Article date: 10/06/2005 : 11:43:28

British holidaymakers' travel insurance is insufficient to cover their love of gadgets, according to research.

Direct Line's study found that around ninety per cent of Brits take electronic equipment abroad, with one third estimating its value at more then £500.

However with most travel policies covering single items to a maximum of £200, many could find that a lost laptop, phone or mp3 player may not be protected.

The study also found that holiday theft is on the rise and a growing number of people are not bothering with insurance. More than a third of people who were robbed of electronic equipment while abroad last year had no cover at all.

Chris Price, head of Direct Line Travel Insurance, said: "As the Direct Line research shows, holiday theft is on the increase as holidaymakers are becoming more and more reliant on gadgets such as mobiles and iPods and want to be able to use the technology whether at home or abroad."

"However, while they're spending a small fortune on these gadgets, many still don't take out the necessary insurance cover to protect them while they're away," he added.

According to the insurance provider six out of seven Britons take a mobile on holiday with them, a have an iPod with them and three quarters carry a digital camera.

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