Before you Go! - Travel Tips - What do you do if your bags are lost or stolen?
Travel Tips: Part 3 - What do you do if your bags are lost or stolen?
If your possessions are lost, stolen or damaged while you are on holiday follow these steps which will help when making a claim.
Theft
Report any theft of personal possessions and any loss or theft of money to the police within 24 hours of discovery and obtain a written report
Lost possessions
If you lose any personal possessions report this to an appropriate authority such as your holiday representative or Hotel management and request a written report.
Break-in
If a theft occurs as a result of a break in to your accommodation or vehicle ensure that details of the forcible entry is recorded in the police report. If any repairs are required following the break in retain a copy of the repair invoice or take photos of the damage as this will help to support your claim.
Baggage Delay
In the event that your baggage is delayed in transit on your outward journey report the delay immediately to the airline and obtain a property irregularity report (PIR). Retain receipts for all emergency replacement items purchased together with the baggage check tags and remaining portions of your flight tickets. You will also need to supply evidence of the length of the baggage delay.
Lost or damaged luggage
In the event that your baggage is damaged or items are lost whilst in transit you should report the matter to the carrier in writing and in the case of an airline, a property irregularity report should be obtained.
Damaged items should be retained until any resulting claim has been finalised.
More Travel Tips
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> What to do if you are ill on holiday - Our top tips
> 8 ways to avoid being a victim of crime on holiday
> What to do if you do become a victim of crime - Our top tips
> 10 tips to keep your valuables and baggage safe on holiday
> What do you do if your bags are lost or stolen
> 8 tips for taking care of your passport



Online travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office