At the end of our holiday on Cephalonia, we were told by the holiday rep to leave our luggage in an open porch, until it was collected later that day and taken to the airport. We had expensive sports equipment with us and were not happy at this arrangement, as the porch was open to all and sundry.

I felt the tour operator was asking us to invalidate our travel insurance, as she said that our luggage was left at our own risk. I therefore insisted that the luggage remain in the apartment until it was picked up and the property owner was very accommodating and agreed to this. Is this the norm, or should travel companies provide a secure area for luggage storage? Louise McMenamin

Times Travel Editor Cath Urquhart responds: Well done on sticking to your guns and insisting your luggage was secure. I’ve not heard of this before but if the rep does insist on this, and there is no alternative, ask the rep to put the request in writing. That way, you can prove to the insurer that you were following instructions and had no choice.

Malcolm Tarling of the Association of British Insurers added: “If you had no choice, the insurer would be very mean to turn down a claim for theft, and the financial ombudsman would take a dim view of such a claim being rejected.” Always ensure that you can lock your luggage, too.

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