If your baggage is not located within five days of your flight, you will need to provide a detailed description of the bag and its contents to assist in a deeper search. Should your baggage not be returned within 21 days of arrival, it may be considered legally lost.
At that point, compensation for lost luggage can be pursued, typically via your airline or travel insurance provider. The key word is documentation. Airlines and insurers will ask for proof of what was in the bag and what it was worth.
If you incurred expenses due to delayed baggage, such as buying clothes or toiletries while waiting, submit a claim within 21 days of receiving your bag. Keep your receipts. These are separate from any claim for the bag's contents and are often overlooked.
Having your items registered in ItemRecover before you travel means you already have the documentation you need. The serial numbers, purchase receipts, and photos are stored and ready to share with an insurance adjuster without any scrambling.