Biggest Hit: £1,000 Festival Claims Steal the Spotlight

• As the gates open on festival season, Admiral Home Insurance urges festival-goers check their policy, as new data reveals average festival claim exceeds £1,000 - often more than the cost of the ticket
• The insurer’s data reveals that 53% of festival-related claims are from accidental loss, while theft makes up 47%
• The most expensive claim made following a festival was for over £9,000
• Phones are the items to keep safe this summer, accounting for more than half (55%) of claims
• Admiral advises how to protect your personal belongings, and how to make a claim should the worst happen

With Glastonbury set to attract over 200,000 music lovers this month, festival season is officially in full swing. 

While many will be enjoying the highs of summer, hundreds risk being left to sing the blues, as new data from Admiral Home Insurance reveals that the average cost of claims for items lost or stolen at a festival  exceeds £1,000 - often more than the cost of the ticket.

When dancing and moving through busy crowds, items can be easily dropped or lost, and Admiral’s data shows that loss accounts for 53% of festival claims. With 47% of claims made for stolen items, theft of valuable items can also dampen the fun.

The insurer’s data reveals multiple cases of jewellery loss or theft, which often carries a hefty price tag. The most expensive claim last year was for an eye-watering £9,000 watch, and other claims involved earrings and necklaces in excess of £2,000. However, mobile phones are by far the most commonly claimed for item, accounting for more than half of claims (55%). 

The top 10 most commonly lost or stolen items at festivals are:

Other claims include a wedding ring lost in thick mud and glasses lost while navigating a route between the tent and toilet. One particularly unusual claim involved an A-lister - one person tried to spice up their life with a video of the pop star, but failed to make it last forever, losing their phone.

As festival-goers start penning their ‘what to pack’ list, Noel Summerfield, Household Director at Admiral, warns Brits to check their home insurance cover, and explains how to make a claim:

“Festival season is all about fun and excitement, but nothing spoils the experience faster than losing your belongings or falling victim to theft. Having the right insurance can keep you protected, but it’s important to check your cover.

“A small number of claims are rejected - where this is the case, it’s mostly due to not having the correct cover. 'Cover away from your home' is usually an add-on to your home insurance, and split into two sections: ‘Personal Possessions’ which provides cover for portable items, and ‘Specified Items’ which requires you to identify high risk items worth over £2,000. It’s also a good idea to check your policy excess – the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before your insurance kicks in to cover the rest -  as the value of the items lost or stolen might be below the excess.

“If you need to make a theft claim, report it to the police as soon as possible and get a Crime Reference Number. Then, get in contact with our claims team with the following information ready:

• Your policy number
• Address
• Date and time of the incident
• The value of the item
• Details of the crime and a Crime Reference Number if relevant

“Taking a few moments to review your policy now can help ensure you’re fully protected, so you can enjoy your next festival without worry."

Ahead of the upcoming festival season, Admiral is issuing advice to help keep your belongings safe:

• Try not to take too many valuables - where possible, leave any expensive jewellery safely concealed at home, consider using a safe, and ensure that your doors and windows are locked.
• Keep valuables in your possession - if you do take valuables to a festival, don’t leave them unattended in your tent. Consider investing in a secure bag that can be closed and fastened within your eyeline.
• Keep cash or cards in the foot of your sleeping bag while you sleep - take care to conceal expensive items from prying eyes in your tent at night time.
• Take care to protect unattended motor vehicles - always lock your doors, roll up your windows, and hide possessions in either the glove compartment or boot. For more information, visit Admiral’s guide on preventing car theft.