New research from Go.Compare reveals that while the average festival-goer brings three gadgets with them*, just under half (43%) may not have insured their tech at major events this year – and some are taking far fewer precautions than others when it comes to protecting their gadgets.
As we gear up for amazing music festivals this summer, including Glastonbury, Leeds, Reading and the Green Man, research from Go.Compare has revealed that some attendees may be putting their gadgets at risk.
The survey revealed that while a quarter of people (26%) will use locked locking mechanisms at festivals they attend and 13% will hide them in their car, others aren’t as cautious. More than one in ten (13%) admit to leaving valuable tech in a tent, and four in ten (42%) say they plan to take their gadgets with them during festivals.
The survey also revealed that almost half (42%) of festival-goers may not have insurance to cover their gadgets and other belongings while they’re away from home: while 57% said they’ve bought a dedicated policy or already have travel insurance, many are unsure or don’t have the right cover.
17% admitted they don’t have insurance, 13% assume their home insurance will cover their belongings but don’t check the fine print, and 9% revealed they’ve never even considered music festival insurance.
Ceri McMillan, home insurance spokesperson for Go.Compare, said: “We know festivals are all about having fun and living in the moment, but no one wants their happy memories to be ruined because their gadgets have been damaged or stolen and they’re left with no money.”
“There are several things you can do to protect your belongings while you are away from home, and we always recommend the following:
- Keep your valuables locked up: If possible, use a lockable area in a building or hide your gadgets safely in a locked car. Keep in mind that leaving your belongings unattended (in a tent, for example) could result in your insurance claim being denied.
- Avoid outside pockets: If possible, it’s safer to store gadgets and other belongings in a zippered waist bag or inside pockets rather than outside pockets.
- Be careful at night: At night, make sure you store your valuables in a safe place that is out of easy reach, such as the bottom of your sleeping bag.
- Avoid accepting cash: Most festivals are now cashless, so you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash with you. If you do bring cash, make sure it’s kept safe and not in your pocket.
- Consider travel insurance: It’s not just useful for travelling abroad: travel insurance also covers the costs of anything going wrong on your UK holiday, like accommodation being cancelled or belongings being lost or stolen.
- Or check out our content coverage away from home. Wherever you are, don’t assume that your home insurance will cover your gadgets, but coverage for your household contents while you’re away can often be added to your policy for a reasonable fee.”
For more information about coverage for personal possessions outside the home, visit https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/guide/personal-possessions-insurance/.
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