I turned my back for 30 seconds to order a latte in Medellin. My backpack—containing my M4 MacBook Pro, iPad, and Sony camera—vanished. Total loss: $6,500. My travel insurance check? $500. I learned the hard way about “Per Item Limits.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Per Item Limit”: Standard travel insurance (World Nomads, SafetyWing) has a max payout per item, usually $500 or $1,000. It doesn’t matter if your laptop cost $4,000.
- The “Unattended” Clause: If you left the bag on the floor or a chair while ordering coffee, it is considered “left unattended in a public place.” Claim denied. It must be on your person or locked away.
- Depreciation: They pay “Actual Cash Value,” not “Replacement Cost.” Your 2-year-old laptop is worth 50% less to them.
- Specialist Insurance: You need “Inland Marine” or specialized “Gadget Insurance” to cover full value.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Baggage Coverage vs. Electronics Coverage.”
“Baggage coverage: $3,000” sounds great. But the fine print says “Max $500 per article.” Also, “Electronics” are often a sub-category with even lower limits. Travel insurance is designed for clothes and toiletries, not professional workstations.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- World Nomads: The “Explorer” plan has higher limits ($1,500 per item), but it costs almost double the standard plan. Still not enough for a new MacBook.
- InsureMyEquipment: This is a broker for photographers/filmmakers. They quoted me $350/year for $10,000 of gear. Coverage includes theft, accidental drops, and water damage. Global coverage.
- Lemonade (Renters Insurance): I asked, “Can I keep my US renters insurance?” Yes! If you add the “Portable Electronics” endorsement, it covers your laptop worldwide for theft. Cost: ~$15/month.
Comparison Table: Tech Insurance
| Feature | Standard Travel Insurance | InsureMyEquipment | Lemonade (Renters) |
| Max Per Item | $500 – $1,000 | Full Value | Full Value |
| Unattended Theft | Excluded | Covered (Usually) | Covered |
| Accidental Damage | NO | YES | YES (With add-on) |
| Cost | Included | ~$300/yr | ~$180/yr |
[IMAGE: Photo of an empty chair in a cafe with a ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ text overlay]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Keep Your US Renters Insurance: This is the cheapest way. Keep a US address, pay $15/mo for Lemonade or State Farm, and ensure it has “Worldwide Coverage” for theft.
- Serialize Your Gear: Take photos of the serial numbers of every device. Upload them to the cloud. You cannot claim without proof of ownership.
- Buy a “Personal Articles Floater”: Ask your insurer for a specific rider for the laptop. It guarantees replacement cost, no deductible.
- Use a Cable Lock: In coffee shops, lock your bag to the table. It defeats the “Unattended” exclusion because you took “reasonable care.”
FAQ
Does SafetyWing cover laptop theft?
They have an add-on for “Electronics theft,” but read the terms. It often requires forced entry (e.g., locked hotel room) and a police report within 24 hours.
What if I drop it?
Travel insurance: No coverage.
AppleCare+: Yes coverage (Global repair).
InsureMyEquipment: Yes coverage.
Do I need a police report?
ALWAYS. No police report = No claim. Even if the police in Colombia don’t want to write one, force them to give you a slip of paper.