Luggage mishaps happen more often than travelers expect. More than 36 million bags were mishandled in 2024, meaning that delayed, damaged, and lost luggage is still a very real part of modern travel. While airlines provide limited compensation, travel insurance is what fills the gaps. It can reimburse you for the inconvenience itself, essentials during a delay, and help replace what’s lost for good.
We’re here to break down how baggage coverage in a travel insurance policy works and how Faye brings modern protection to modern travelers.
What baggage coverage usually includes
Travel insurance is designed to safeguard your personal belongings whenever you’re on the move. Most plans cover four main scenarios:
Lost baggage
When the carrier cannot return your suitcase, insurance can reimburse you for the value of what was inside, up to the policy limits. You’ll usually be asked to list what you packed and provide the airline’s lost luggage report.
Stolen baggage
If your belongings are taken, insurance can reimburse you once you file a police report and document what was stolen.
Damaged baggage
If the airline or carrier damages your suitcase or the items inside it, most policies help pay to repair or replace what was affected.
Delayed baggage
If your suitcase arrives hours or days after you do, insurance can reimburse the cost of emergency purchases, such as toiletries or a change of clothes, as long as you keep your receipts.
Limits and exclusions
All insurance plans have caps. Typically, you’ll see:
- A total baggage limit per traveler
- A per-item limit for individual belongings
- Sub-limits for high-value items like jewelry or electronics
Note: common exclusions include unattended belongings, normal wear and tear, certain fragile items, and extremely high-value equipment without additional coverage.
How Faye’s baggage coverage works
Faye provides travelers with whole-trip protection and fast digital support when bags go missing.
What’s covered
- Up to $2,000 per trip for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage (capped at $150/item)
- Baggage delay coverage starting at 6 hours
- Up to $200 after 6 hours for the inconvenience alone, sent right to your Faye Wallet
- Up to $300 in essentials if your bag is delayed 12+ hours
How to file a claim
- Report the issue to the airline or local authorities and get a written report. Pro tip: if you arrive at your destination but your luggage doesn’t, don’t leave the airport without a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
- Document what you packed and save receipts for anything you buy because of a baggage delay.
- File your claim directly through the Faye app.
- Get reimbursed digitally through your Faye Wallet if your claim is approved. When approved, funds are sent straight to your phone so you can tap and pay for things you need most, rather than paying out of pocket (think a change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc).
Why travelers choose Faye
Faye takes the stress out of baggage mishaps with easy and digital claim filing, 24/7 real human support, quick reimbursements on approved claims, and clear coverage limits. It’s simple, transparent protection for your trip and your stuff.
Tips to maximize your coverage
A little preparation can make a big difference if your bags go missing.
Declare valuables when possible
If you travel with items that are especially valuable or important, check your coverage limits before you go. Whenever you can, keep high-value items in your carry-on instead of your checked bag. If something is worth much more than the per-item limit, consider arranging extra coverage.
Keep documentation handy
Before you leave, take photos of what’s in your suitcase. Keep receipts or proofs of value for more expensive items, and save your baggage tags and boarding passes. Pro tip: store digital copies of photos, receipts, and important travel documents right inside the Faye app with Safekeeping.
Use tracking apps and devices
Placing a luggage tracker, like an AirTag, in your suitcase can help you see where your bag went if it’s misrouted. In many cases, travelers know their bag is at the wrong airport before the airline does. Combined with the Faye app for real-time flight alerts and support, this gives you more control if your luggage decides to wander.
Real Traveler Scenarios
Lost suitcase on arrival
You land in London, but your bag doesn’t. After filing a report, you submit a claim through Faye. You’re reimbursed up to the policy limits for the value of your belongings and receive money in your Faye Wallet ASAP. You add your Faye Travel Card to Apple Pay or Google Pay and tap & pay as you please.
Baggage delayed overnight
Your bag misses a connection and arrives the next day. You buy essential toiletries and a change of clothes, then submit receipts in the Faye app. You’re reimbursed up to $300, depending on how long your bag was delayed.
Theft abroad
Your backpack was stolen at a busy market. You file a police report and submit a claim. Faye reimburses you for your stolen items up to the per-item and total limits, helping soften the blow so you can continue your trip.
Feel secure from takeoff to touchdown
Luggage problems are stressful, but dealing with them doesn’t have to be. With modern, fast, and traveler-first coverage, Faye makes it simple to get reimbursed and get back to enjoying your trip.
FAQs: baggage coverage, simplified
What counts as delayed baggage?
Your checked bag has not arrived at your destination and remains missing for the minimum delay period. With Faye, that is 6 hours or more. Delay coverage does not apply when returning home.
Are electronics covered?
Yes, and they fall under the $150 per item limit. If you travel with high-value tech, keep it in your carry-on or insure it separately.
Do I need extra cover for expensive items?
If an item is worth significantly more than $150, consider specialized coverage or a separate personal articles policy. Faye does not currently offer an add-on for high-value items.
What should I do if my bag is missing?
Report it immediately to the airline. Get written documentation at the airport – this is referred to as a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). File a claim directly in the Faye app once all proper documentation is in your possession. Contact Faye through the app or support line if you need assistance. Save receipts for anything you need to buy.
Am I covered on trains, buses, ferries, or road trips?
Yes. Faye can protect your belongings throughout your insured trip, regardless of how you travel.
How soon can I file a claim?
As soon as you have the required documentation. Faye allows you to submit claims right from the app and often resolves them within a few business days.
