Music fans heading to festivals like Glastonbury this weekend are likely to take an average of three gadgets with them this summer.
Just under half (43%) will go without insurance too, risking shelling out thousands of pounds in replacing their smartphone or laptop if they are stolen, a GoCompare study finds.
The most popular places people left their items were in a car (13%) and in their pockets and bags (42%), while just a quarter (26%) will store their expensive tech items in allocated lock-ups.
A further issue that could hit your wallet on the way back from a festival is not having insurance, which 17% of the 2,000 respondents admitted to.
Moreover, a tenth (9%) said they hadn’t even considered insurance before going to a music festival.
Heading to a festival is expensive business anyway, with tickets for Glastonbury next week flying over the £350 mark.
To avoid further costs, read YourMoney.com’s top eleven ways to save on your partying in a field.
Ceri McMillan, home insurance spokesperson at GoCompare, said: “We know festivals are all about having fun and living in the moment – but no one wants their good memories soured because they’re out of pocket after dealing with damaged or stolen gadgets.
“There are several things you can do to help protect your belongings while you’re away from home.”
The insurance comparison site has provided a festival guide for your gadgets so you don’t go out of pocket this summer.
Six tips to avoid theft this summer
- Lock up your valuables: use a property lock-up if you can, or hide gadgets away securely in a locked car. Remember that if your belongings are left unattended – for instance, in a tent – your insurance claim could be rejected.
- Avoid outer pockets: it’s safer to keep gadgets and other belongings in a zipped bumbag or inner pocket if you can, rather than an outer pocket.
- Be vigilant at night: make sure valuables are tucked away somewhere safe at night – for instance, the bottom of your sleeping bag, where they can’t easily be reached.
- Avoid taking cash: most festivals are now cashless, so there shouldn’t be any reason to take large sums of money with you. If you do take cash with you, don’t leave it floating in a pocket – keep it secure.
- Consider travel insurance: it isn’t only useful for holidays abroad – travel insurance can help cover the costs of a UK holiday gone wrong too, whether it’s cancelled accommodation or lost and stolen belongings.
- Or, look at contents cover away from home: don’t assume your home insurance policy will cover your gadgets wherever you may be. Cover for your contents while away from home is something you can add to your policy, though, often for an affordable fee.
