Claim declined on travel insurance

MrPez

I think I know the answer, but I wanted to check here.
I had a bag stolen from my car which contained a good amount of stuff (value around £350). I didn't intentionally leave it in the car, but it would have probably been in the passenger side footwell. I tried my car insurance who said I could claim up to £150 for personal items but my excess was that amount. I wasn't covered by my house insurance but I was visiting some friends when it happened and so tried my travel insurance. They said they would have paid out but declined because the bag wasn't locked in the boot. Apparently it is in the terms and conditions, but since I took the policy out a year ago I hadn't remembered that.
Whether or not it is in the T/C, is that a valid reason to decline?

Browntoa

Yes , if it's in their terms and conditions

MrPez

I agree that is what they will say, but just because something is included in terms and conditions doesn't mean it is justifiable. Under EU law (I took out my policy before Brexit) terms and conditions have to be fair. Companies can write anything they like in their terms and conditions, that doesn't mean they would stand up in court.

LABMAN

I think valuables being placed out of sight is both reasonable and common sense. 

MrPez

Well I could be more inclined to go with that argument...

lisyloo

Terms and conditions can be deemed unfair, but this one isn’t.
leaving your items in plain site and unattended is not considered common sense and generally isn’t covered by any insurance policy.

csgohan4

expensive lesson, but could be worse