Device ban update: Which travel insurance brands will cover your checked devices?
1Cover will cover your laptop if you're forced to check it.
Australian insurer 1Cover has announced it will cover any electronic devices transported in the cargo hold if a passenger is forced to stow the item due to new airline regulations.
"We’re pleased to be the first travel insurance provider to take this positive action. Hopefully, this will set the precedence for other insurers," 1Cover Travel Insurance COO Richard Warburton said.
Last week both the UK and US governments issued a ban on people boarding flights with laptops or personal electronic devices (PEDs) from some Middle Eastern countries. This means anyone taking a flight from one of these nations would need to stow their PED in their checked luggage.
This ruling created concern among people travelling to the area, especially for business, as it's a commonly held truth that travel insurance won't cover electronic devices damaged in checked luggage.
However, finder spoke with Fast Cover CEO Dean Van Es, who said that your insurance should cover you.
He said Section 54 of the Insurance Contracts Act lists circumstances where insurers can't refute claims.
"There seems to be differing opinions amongst insurers, but it's our understanding that travel insurance should provide cover if the airline forces you to check-in devices such as laptops or tablets," Van Es said.
Fast Cover's policies also provide cover for Australians whose travel plans are affected by the device ban.Latest travel insurance headlines
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