So what do you take with you on your morning rush to work? Briefcase filled with pens, paper and a notepad? It’s just not like that anymore, is it?
In fact the typical commuter is carrying a phone, laptop, other smart devices, jewellery, gloves and a host of other expensive items – so expensive in fact that, according to new research, the typical commuter carries nearly £2,000 of personal possessions to and from work. For brokers of course, this presents an opportunity to stress the importance to clients that their home insurance cover also incorporates coverage for items carried outside the home.
Overall, research from Towergate Insurance, found that the average commuter carries up to £1,815 worth of items – so with a typical commuter train carrying 515 passengers that would mean there’s a staggering £934,725 on-board.
With 40% of commuters taking a tablet or laptop with them on their journey to and from work and 88% carrying a smartphone, the average value of the electronic items is £632 per passenger. On top of this, the items we keep in our bags – such as glasses, make-up and perfumes – are worth £327 and accessories such wallets, purses, jewellery, watches, and other clothing add on another £856.
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“It is alarming to think about the combined value of items we carry to and from work each day without a moment’s hesitation. But with many of us using various modes of public transport to get to and from work, there is a risk of valuable items being left behind and ending up in a station’s lost property,” said Kirsty Wainwright-Noble from Towergate.
“It’s crucial that commuters check they have the right cover in place and if unsure speak to their insurer about what they are covered against outside of the home; otherwise they could find themselves increasing an already costly commute.”
Yet 43% of commuters do not have insurance to cover losing any of their possessions, a figure that is more alarming given 15% have lost their wallet while on a journey and 9% their mobile phone, while others have lost jewellery (11%), umbrellas (17%), gloves (12%) and laptops (7%).
In central London, the value of possessions on rush hour tube journeys is even higher. The Central Line is the ‘richest,’ with the value of laptops, phones and other personal items adding up to a total of £1.5 million. The Metropolitan and Victoria Lines are the next most valuable tube lines.
