Opinion
Here’s what to do if you’re robbed overseas (I speak from experience)
By Katie Dundas
You haven’t really lived until you find yourself in the back of a police car overseas, I think to myself.
We are strolling through one of South America’s most beautiful cities, completely content from an afternoon of meandering through local markets. As our party crosses an intersection in a chic, vibrant neighbourhood, full of tourists and locals, a man jumps off a motorbike and literally onto the back of my travelling companion. In seconds, the thief rips the watch right off my mate’s wrist and jumps back on the bike, his getaway driver tearing off into the distance. We’re all left shell-shocked, staring at each other in disbelief on the footpath.
Being robbed while on holiday can be a traumatic experience.Credit: iStock
Overseas theft happens everywhere. But once you realise it’s just happened to you, it feels like a punch in the guts.
As savvy travellers, our group were all aware of how to stay safe when travelling, but if something does go wrong, how should you handle it?
If you’ve had an item stolen overseas, the first thing to do is remain calm. If you’re in imminent danger, move somewhere safe before calling police or emergency services, seeking medical attention if needed. Even if you’re not physically injured, the emotional whirlwind of a robbery can take its toll, so draw in a few deep breaths – it’s normal to feel anger, fear, or anxiety after a traumatic and unexpected event.
Professional thieves around the world have their technique perfected to a fine art, and as an unsuspecting tourist, it’s easy to make mistakes that put you at risk. We know we should be careful, but in the excitement to start exploring, it’s easy to forget to leave valuables in the hotel safe, or to toss your handbag under a restaurant chair without thinking, so try not to blame yourself.
Save the local emergency number in your phone’s contacts before you travel (112 works in many countries, including Australia, but there’s plenty that don’t use it), along with the details of Australia’s nearest consulate, just in case.
Or, if passersby are around, ask for assistance if you need help phoning the police in the local language. After the watch theft, we’re assisted by some bilingual legends who not only ring the police on our behalf but stick around to help us translate.
In a city of millions, the police may not be able to track down stolen passports or purses, so in all likelihood, your items are gone forever. Always cancel any credit or debit cards immediately after a theft, if your wallet was taken, rather than hope for the police to return them. Your nearest consulate can assist with passport replacement, and although this may force you to delay flights or accrue additional hotel costs, these expenses can be claimed through your travel insurance.
However, the police do still play a vital role after a theft, even if your items are never returned. A police report is essential information for your travel insurance claim, providing details on the incident – although it might mean a ride to the station on the plastic bench seats of a patrol car that’s seen better days. We arrive at the police headquarters and, while it’s not a quick process, we obtain a police report that my companion could take home and send to his insurer.
A police report is just one of the supporting pieces of evidence you’ll need before filing your claim. A spokesperson from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says, “Supporting paperwork such as police reports, proof of ownership of items being claimed, and photos of lost or stolen items will be required to complete a claim. The more organised the claim with supporting documentation the faster it can be processed.”
They also recommend that policyholders obtain additional coverage for high-value items such as laptops or camera equipment before they travel, as travel insurance doesn’t offer unlimited coverage. In some circumstances, your home or contents insurance may cover items stolen overseas if you’ve added on portable contents coverage. This is an optional add-on to contents insurance that covers jewellery or high-value items that you’ve taken with you.
Once you’re back home, don’t put your heels up for too long before filing a claim. “Travel insurance claims usually need to be lodged within 30 days of arriving home from the insured trip,” says ICA’s spokesperson.
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.