Flyers Warned Of Insurance Pitfalls

Travellers have been warned to check the details of their home contents insurance before purchasing extra travel insurance in order to avoid paying for the same cover twice.

According to European Commission statistics, on average, one piece of luggage is lost for every 64 passengers who travel by air.

Those who are unfortunate enough to become one of the statistics can expect to receive a maximum of £800 for baggage that is lost for longer than 21 days, however, industry experts have warned holidaymakers not to rely on an airline's good nature, adding that independent travel insurance or home contents insurance is the only way to ensure adequate compensation.

The economic downturn has resulted in an increase in the number of cash-strapped holidaymakers rejecting travel insurance in order to save money.

A spokesperson for AA said: "Many home insurance policies include cover for your possessions when they are out of the home. If your possessions are covered by your home contents policy you can save money by excluding baggage and money cover from your travel insurance.

"Customers can save approximately 15% off their travel insurance bills by opting to exclude personal belongings and baggage cover."