Image: The Chic Incumbent
RAA claims data shows the value of handbags/backpacks and contents are on the rise – and it’s not just the dollar value you have to worry about, with mobile devices adding to the risk of identity theft.
Hayley Cain, Insurance Claims Manager for RAA says many women underestimate the financial impact of having to replace their handbag and its contents and warns that unless you have taken the right precautions you may not be covered by insurance.
“A typical handbag will contain a mobile phone, sunglasses, wallet and make-up, so you could easily be looking at around $1100 to replace them and the bag itself.
“Add a designer bag-tag, reading glasses, ipad or other pricey technology devices that are more popular than ever before, and you could be hit with a replacement bill of $3000 plus – and that’s not accounting for any cash you may lose. Computerised alarm keys are also expensive to recut or recode – on average around $300,”
How your handbag contents can add up:
Designer bag $500, Prescription glasses $200, Leather wallet $100, Cash $100, Mobile phone $700, Car Keys $300, Makeup $250, Medication $30, Perfume $50, Pen/hairbrush $40, Sunglasses $300, Head phones $50, Kindle $130
= GRAND TOTAL $2750
With so much at stake, Ms Cain encourages people to look into insurance policies that cover the loss of contents outside the home.
“Many insurance policies will only cover you if your contents are stolen from within your home but you are most at risk of having your bag stolen while you are out and about, so check if your insurer provides extras cover, sometimes called Accidental Damage cover, to cover your for theft or loss of your bag.”
Most policies also have a limit on certain items or even total contents and insurance companies may require provide proof of purchase for expensive items like designer handbags, so make sure you keep your receipts.
Ms Cain says identity theft is a major concern with most people carrying around at least one item that will give a thief access to their identity or homes.
“Mobile phones can be a goldmine of information allowing access to Facebook, online shopping and even bank accounts – not to mention those private moments you’ve captured with your phone camera!” said Ms Cain.
RAA’s tips for keeping your handbag safe
- Carry your bag securely and on the side furthest from the road – never let the bag or strap hang loosely
- Never leave your bag on the floor or unattended in bars, clubs and restaurants
- Declutter it regularly and remove documents containing personal information, cash or valuables than you don’t need on you for that day
- Password protect all mobile devices and don’t store passwords on them
- Don’t leave your bag on the passenger seat when driving – put it under the seat, in the glove box or strap it in
- Same with shopping – use the child safety harness to secure your bag to the trolley and secure it in your car before loading up the boot with groceries or other purchases.
“Take time to add up the contents of your handbag so you know what is in there if it needs to be replaced and make sure your insurance covers you outside of the home.
If a snatcher tries to take your bag remember that your personal safety always comes first before resisting or taking chase.
“Favourite handbags come and go – but you only get one body”, said Ms Cain
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