Keep your festive gifts safe when travelling or posting

The festive period is a time for giving. As the big day approaches, you may buy a present for your family or friends. But what happens if you have to travel with your gift or need to send it by a courier or postal service.  What precautions can you take to keep your present safe?

There are some basic tips to ensure your presents get to their destination in on piece:

Package your gift correctly

• Use sturdy gift boxes: Even if it’s a small item, place it in a solid box rather than just wrapping paper.
• Cushion fragile gifts: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, tissue paper, or soft cloth before putting them in the box.
• Seal properly: Use tape to secure the box and wrapping so it doesn’t come undone during transport.

Travelling with your gift?

• Use a protective lockage bag: A backpack, or duffel bag works well. Consider adding a small lock to the zipper for extra security.
• Separate breakable gifts from other items: Keep away from food, drinks, or heavy items that could crush them.
• Avoid extreme conditions: Heat, cold, and moisture can damage some gifts. Take care with items such as chocolates, flowers, electronics, or candles.
• Keep an eye on them: If traveling by car, place gifts where they won’t slide around (such as the footwell or boot with padding).
• Travelling by plane? Always try to keep gifts in carry-on bags if flying. Checked luggage is more likely to get jostled or lost.
• Travel discreetly: Don’t bring out your gifts in public areas or post on social media – this will help reduce the risk of theft.

Sending your gift by a courier or post?

If you’re unable to meet up with your loved ones in person, you may consider posting or using a courier service.

If posting – use a signed for service, which includes compensation for lost or damaged parcels, to ensure they are protected during transit.

Can your Home Insurance or Travel Insurance help with lost or damaged items?

Home Insurance

Your home insurance typically covers items while you’re at home, and sometimes temporarily away – this will depend on your policy.

• Accidental damage: If a gift or valuable item is broken inside your home (e.g., dropped or knocked over), home insurance may cover repair or replacement costs.
• Theft or loss at home: If a gift is stolen from your house, your policy could compensate you for the loss.
• Away from home: Many home insurance policies provide limited coverage for items temporarily away from your home (e.g., at a friend’s house, in your car, or during travel), but usually for a lower value or with restrictions.
• Check your limits: Some policies have caps on valuables like jewellery, electronics, or art, so you should consider including “personal possessions” or “high-value item” coverage.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covers items while you are away from home, whether on holiday or travelling for the holidays.

• Loss or theft: If a gift is stolen from your luggage, hotel room, or rental accommodation, travel insurance may cover replacement costs.
• Accidental damage: Some policies cover breakages to gifts in transit, for example, a fragile ornament in your suitcase.
• Courier or baggage delays: Certain policies reimburse you if your gifts are delayed and you need to replace them.
• Coverage limits: Similar to home insurance, there are usually limits per item, so if travelling with expensive gifts, these may need to be declared separately.

If you do need to make a claim for a lost or stolen item of property, please be aware that every travel insurance policy will contain a condition that such a loss must be reported to the Police authorities from where the loss occurred and the appropriate reference obtained. Failure to fulfil this condition is likely to result in your claim being refused.

Remember that most insurance claims come with a policy excess. This is the amount you must pay yourself before the insurer covers the rest. Before making a claim, check whether your gift’s value justifies paying the excess. Also, consider that claims can affect your future insurance premiums, as insurers take your claim history into account when quoting for subsequent years.

If you are renewing your home insurance or travelling for the holidays, contact us today and ensure your policy covers you for all eventualities.

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