Staying in a Hotel for Work - Are Your Personal Belongings Insured?

Home insurance can protect your personal belongings from theft or loss at home and even whilst you are staying in a hotel. Some home insurance companies may even protect your personal possessions anywhere in the world. However, if your belongings are taken from an unlocked hotel room, you may find that your insurance policy will not offer you any compensation.

Personal possessions are classed as valuables, money and personal effects which belong to, or for which you or your family are legally responsible and are used mainly for private purposes. This may include personal effects which you wear or carry around with you (including clothes, MP3 players, mobile phones, sports equipment or pedal cycles) or valuables (including costume jewellery, gold, silver or other precious metals, cameras, camcorders and digital cameras, watches, paintings and other works of art). Money may also be protected, but a limit usually applies for cash, credit cards and unspecified articles.

You can take certain precautions whilst staying in a hotel room to prevent theft in the first place. You should always lock your hotel room door, even whilst you are in the room and especially whilst you're sleeping. You can also use the individual safe in a hotel room, or give your valuables to reception staff at the hotel if your room does not have a safe. You should also not leave any valuables out in plain sight in the hotel room; this is especially true for cash which could be mistaken as a tip for the hotel staff.

If you're going away for an extended period of time, you may want to consider holiday insurance to protect your belongings more comprehensively. Home insurance can protect your personal belongings up to a point, but it is always better to be fully insured against theft or loss. Your home insurance should be able to protect your precious belongings both at home and whilst you are away - but you should always take as many precautions as possible to prevent theft from happening in the first place. Locking your hotel door is just the first step.