Will this be covered??

[traceycooper]

Been reading with interest about the TSA locks.
If we used cable ties instead (thick plastic strips that you have to cut to open) on our case would we be covered on our insurance, if they got broken into??
I'm sure they are just as easy to cut as a lock!!

 

[Laurafoster]

You would have to check your insurance policy as they all vary but mine specifically says that my insurance will be invalid if i do not LOCK my case.

Therefore cable ties would not be covered.

 

[jna]

Is a TSA locked case actually locked in the eyes of an insurer? Possibly not. With rules in place that demand that cases are left open for strict security reasons it does leave the door open for a loss assesors to refuse more claims.

It means that we all have to think carefully before putting valubles in cases, and, if unfortunate enough to suffer a loss, how one answers the relevant question on the claim form!

 

[snookhams]

but if you made a claim surely you would just say that you locked your cases and that was that you would not be asked the make, model etc of the lock, lets face it some suitcase locks can be opened with bare hands they are such soft metal. We have the TSA locks that we have bought over the last couple of years and it has not been a problem - we have also never had our cases inspected.

 

[Laurafoster]

Is a TSA locked case actually locked in the eyes of an insurer? Possibly not. With rules in place that demand that cases are left open for strict security reasons it does leave the door open for a loss assesors to refuse more claims.

It means that we all have to think carefully before putting valubles in cases, and, if unfortunate enough to suffer a loss, how one answers the relevant question on the claim form!

I was told that a TSA lock DOES count as locking your case as in theory only airport secuity should be able to open it. But like i said all insurance companies are different - and lets face it if they can get away without paying out for a claim then there going to!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

but if you made a claim surely you would just say that you locked your cases and that was that you would not be asked the make, model etc of the lock, lets face it some suitcase locks can be opened with bare hands they are such soft metal. We have the TSA locks that we have bought over the last couple of years and it has not been a problem - we have also never had our cases inspected.

To make a knowingly false claim is a prisonable offence.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Is a TSA locked case actually locked in the eyes of an insurer? Possibly not. With rules in place that demand that cases are left open for strict security reasons it does leave the door open for a loss assesors to refuse more claims.

It means that we all have to think carefully before putting valubles in cases, and, if unfortunate enough to suffer a loss, how one answers the relevant question on the claim form!

Agreed - on our last trip to the US (January), both cases left my house with TSA locks on them. By the time we got there (ok, one of the cases was a week late in arriving...) one of the locks was missing. When we got back to the UK, the other one was missing too.

The whole US luggage security thing is a complete shambles as far as I am concerned - luggage is not secure and God only knows what happens once it leaves your hands (i.e. what could be taken out OR put in!).

The case that went missing for a week (spent about 4/5 days on a rack at Heathrow, then was sent to Colorado, then couriered up to our ski resort), the handle on the case was broken, the TSA lock was missing, the zips weren't even closed properly, the contents had been RIFFLED through (TSA, customs, baggage handlers, airline staff, or the courier??? Who knows...). There were only clothes and shoes in the case, so nothing went missing. If something had gone missing, could I have proved it was locked? Hhhhmmm...

As jna says, never check-in anything REMOTELY of value in your cases...

Boo

 

[Miffy2003]

Thank Goodness I never have anything worth pinching in my luggage

 

[Amyrlin]

Been reading with interest about the TSA locks.
If we used cable ties instead (thick plastic strips that you have to cut to open) on our case would we be covered on our insurance, if they got broken into??
I'm sure they are just as easy to cut as a lock!!

Very very unlikely, I have never yet seena a policy that would cover it. TSA locks only cot a few £'s so it is not worth the risk not doing it.

Yes, TSA locks do count as securing and locking the luggage as it is only those with the special keys that can open them. Anyone could pull off a cable tie.

 

[traceycooper]

Thanks guys!
So i suppose my next question is - where is the cheapest place to buy TSA locks??
I dont put valuables in my case, but this trip is my wedding so my dress may be packed (still hoping to get it boxed up small enough to take on as hand luggage! - but thats another thread!!)
Saw them in Asda but where £6 for one, is that expensive, seemed a bit to me!

 

[daipp]

Sorry to post this but I have read in previous threads of TSA locks being cut off as well.

David

 

[Amyrlin]

Sorry to post this but I have read in previous threads of TSA locks being cut off as well.

David

Yes, it is possible, but it is less likely as they do not need to and at least if it is cut off and you loose anyting it will be insured.

 

[dee slack]

Thanks guys!
So i suppose my next question is - where is the cheapest place to buy TSA locks??
I dont put valuables in my case, but this trip is my wedding so my dress may be packed (still hoping to get it boxed up small enough to take on as hand luggage! - but thats another thread!!)
Saw them in Asda but where £6 for one, is that expensive, seemed a bit to me!

slightly Congratulations! Where are you getting married and who are you travelling with?

 

[jna]

Do any of the well known manufacturers of cases incorporate TSA locks as a standard fitting?

 

[traceycooper]

slightly Congratulations! Where are you getting married and who are you travelling with?

Thanks
We are getting married at clearwater, on the beach.
Not sure who you mean 'travelling with' booked with Virgin & my parents are coming & we are having a party when we get home
I see we are from the same neck of the woods

can anyone out there tell me where to get a good deal on these TSA locks?????

 

[Claire L]

Do any of the well known manufacturers of cases incorporate TSA locks as a standard fitting?

Yes Samsonite and American Tourister do ranges that are approved.

Claire

 

[jna]

Ah, thank you. I think I shall have a look at their ranges. The instances when straps/locks have been cut off is a little concerning.

I 'd also like to see how well the cases are marked. What I mean is that if you had a case with TSA locks fitted, the security bods wouldn't, in their ignorance, still force the lock, would they?

This will sound daft, but I also wonder if they actually have these keys available all the time?

There's no completely 'safe' way I guess.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

The TSA may or may not have the keys available - whether they can be bothered to use them is a different matter.

If people (like myself) have TSA locks cut off (and/or go missing) from cases... Then it is highly possible that cases with built in TSA locks will be treated with the same care and consideration (there is a, at least, very realistic possibility that the built in locks could be forced/broken).

If you do go for TSA approved locks, you have two choices:
- to buy a £5 TSA approved padlock from ASDA or over the internet etc.
- to buy a £100/£150+ suitcase with a built-in TSA approaved locking mechanism.

Both have a reasonable chance of being forced/broken (infact the TSA approval of the suitcases may be less obvious/recognisable to the TSA agents... so may be more likely to be forced open).

I know that I would rather have a £5 lock busted than a £100/£150 case busted... so buyer beware.

Boo