11 Types of Lost Baggage Coverage You Can Claim (What To File & How Much)

3. Travel insurance — baggage loss coverage

A trip insurance policy can cover baggage loss beyond what airlines pay. Policies vary: some reimburse the actual value of lost items, while others pay a per-item or total trip limit. You usually need to have purchased the policy before the loss occurred. To file, report the loss to the airline first and obtain any required PIR or reference numbers. Then contact your insurer and follow their claim instructions. Insurers commonly ask for receipts, photos, serial numbers for electronics, and a copy of the airline’s report. Policies also list exclusions and caps; some exclude high-value items without prior notice or require a receipt for items above a threshold. If you believe an item is worth more than a standard cap, check whether the policy offers optional “scheduled” coverage where you list expensive items in advance. Because policy wording determines coverage, read your insurer’s baggage section carefully and flag any amounts that require verification with the insurer before filing a claim.