Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, business traveler or content creator, flying with high-value equipment is a reality of modern travel. Cameras, laptops, drones and gear bags can be essential, but they also come with a higher risk of loss, damage or theft in transit.
Travel insurance can offer a layer of protection, but it’s important to know what’s covered, and where the limitations are. Here’s what travelers need to understand when flying with expensive equipment, and how Arch RoamRight policies can help support your trip.
📦 What Counts as “Expensive Equipment”?
In a travel insurance context, expensive equipment typically includes:
- Professional photography and videography equipment
- Laptops and tablets
- Drones or tech accessories
- Musical instruments
- Specialized business tools or trade equipment
While these items may be packed and checked like regular baggage, their value and careful handling make them more prone to issues.
🧳 What Arch RoamRight Travel Insurance Covers
Most Arch RoamRight plans include baggage loss, damage and delay coverage, which applies to personal belongings lost or damaged in transit. Here’s how it typically works:
- Baggage loss/damage coverage can reimburse you for the depreciated value of items that are lost, stolen or damaged by a common carrier (like an airline).
- Baggage delay coverage reimburses you for necessary personal items (e.g. toiletries, etc.) purchased when your baggage is delayed for a covered number of hours (usually 12–24).
These benefits can help offset the cost of replacing essentials and can apply to damaged or lost high-value items, but with caveats.
⚠️ Important Coverage Limitations
Travel insurance treats high-value equipment differently than everyday items. Before you pack your bag, understand these common limitations:
💲 1. Per-Item Reimbursement Caps
Even if your plan has a baggage loss benefit of $2,000, there may be a maximum per-item limit, often between $250 and $500. That means if you lose a $2,000 camera, your reimbursement could be capped well below its value.
🛠️ 2. Depreciated Value
Reimbursement is based on actual cash value — meaning the current market value of the item, not what you paid for it. A 2-year-old laptop may be reimbursed at a much lower amount than its original price.
📋 3. Exclusions for Certain Items
Some professional equipment, electronics or business tools may be excluded from coverage or require proof of personal vs. commercial use. Policies also may not cover damage due to improper packing, wear and tear or mechanical failure.
📷 4. Receipts and Documentation Required
To file a claim, you’ll need to provide receipts, police or carrier reports, and other documentation to support the value and loss of the item.
🧠 Should You Pack High-Value Equipment in Checked Luggage?
Whenever possible, keep your most valuable items in carry-on luggage. Airlines and insurance providers typically place stricter limits on checked baggage, and you’ll have more control over your belongings in the cabin.
If you must check your bag, use protective cases, trackable luggage tags and pack a full inventory list before traveling.
🛡️ Additional Protection Options
Because of the limitations in most travel insurance plans, travelers with expensive gear should consider additional protections, such as:
- Scheduled personal property coverage through a homeowners or renters policy
- Specialized equipment insurance for professionals (e.g., photographers or musicians)
- Supplemental travel riders for electronics (if available)
These options can complement your Arch RoamRight policy and offer more tailored protection.
📋 What Arch RoamRight Can Help With
|
Scenario |
Covered? |
|
Checked bag with equipment is permanently lost by airline |
✅ (subject to policy limits) |
|
Baggage delayed 24 hours, need essentials |
✅ (clothing/toiletries reimbursed) |
|
Camera stolen from locked hotel room |
✅ (with police report, purchase receipt and limits) |
|
Laptop cracked inside checked luggage |
⚠️ Possibly, but value may be reduced |
|
Drone lost in water during flight |
❌ Likely excluded as misuse/unrecoverable |
Policy terms may vary, so always review your Description of Coverage or speak with a licensed Arch RoamRight representative for specific questions.
✈️ Traveling With Tech? Be Prepared.
Flying with expensive equipment brings its own set of challenges — but with planning and the right coverage, you can help reduce your risk. Arch RoamRight travel insurance helps protect your unused, prepaid and nonrefundable trip costs and provides essential support when things go wrong, even if full equipment replacement isn’t always possible.
Get a travel insurance quote and review baggage benefits before your next flight.