Music to thieves’ ears: more than 1 in 10 will leave gadgets unguarded at festivals this summer

New research from Go.Compare has found that, while the average festival-goer takes three gadgets with them*, just under half (43%) might be going without insurance for their tech at top events this year - and when it comes to protecting their gadgets, some are taking far fewer precautions than others.

While we gear up for Glastonbury, Leeds, Reading, Green Man and other great music festivals this summer, research from Go.Compare has found that some attendees might be putting their gadgets at risk.

The survey found that while a quarter of people (26%) will be taking advantage of property lock-ups at the festivals they attend, and 13% will hide them in the car, others are not being as cautious. More than one in ten people (13%) admitted they will leave valuable tech unattended in their tents, while four in ten (42%) plan to simply carry their gadgets around the festival.

The research also revealed that nearly half (42%) of festival-goers might not have insurance in place to cover their gadgets and other belongings while they are away from home. While 57% stated they have either purchased insurance specifically or are already covered under a travel policy, many are either unsure or without the correct cover.

17% admitted they don’t have insurance, while 13% assume their home policy will cover their belongings - but haven’t checked the fine print. 9% revealed they hadn’t even considered insurance for a music festival.

Ceri McMillan, home insurance spokesperson at Go.Compare, 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. We always recommend:

• 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.”

For more information about covering personal possessions outside the home, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/guide/personal-possessions-insurance/.

-Ends-