In *Escape from Tarkov*, the insurance system provides players with a safety net to recover lost gear after dying in raids. This mechanic is crucial for players who want to mitigate the harsh penalties of death, where all equipped items can be permanently lost. Understanding how long it takes for insured items to be returned is essential for effective gameplay, especially for those who frequently engage in raids.
When players die in *Tarkov*, they have the option to insure their gear before heading into a raid. The two primary traders for insurance are Prapor and Therapist, each with different costs and return times. The insurance system allows players to reclaim items that were not looted by other players after their death. However, the time it takes to receive these items can vary significantly based on the trader chosen.
| Trader | Return Time |
|---|---|
| Prapor | 20-29 hours |
| Therapist | 10-20 hours |
The insurance return process is not just about the time frame; it also involves specific conditions that must be met for players to successfully retrieve their items.
Understanding the Insurance System
The insurance system in *Escape from Tarkov* allows players to protect their valuable equipment against permanent loss. When a player dies, any insured items can potentially be returned if they meet certain criteria:
- Items must not be looted: If another player finds and extracts with your insured items, they will not be returned.
- Death vs. MIA: If you die during a raid, your insured items may be returned. However, if you go “Missing in Action” (MIA) by failing to extract before the timer runs out, your insured items will not be returned.
- Time limits: Once you receive your insured items back, you must collect them from the trader within a specified time frame. For Prapor, this is typically 72 hours, while for Therapist, it’s 144 hours.
The mechanics of insurance add a layer of strategy to gameplay. Players often weigh the cost of insurance against the likelihood of recovering their gear based on their play style and raid experiences.
Insurance Return Times Explained
Prapor’s Insurance
Prapor offers a cheaper insurance option, but it comes with longer return times. Players can expect their items back within 20-29 hours after they die in a raid. This timeframe can vary based on several factors, including:
- Trader reputation: As players increase their reputation with Prapor through successful trades and quests, they may experience slightly faster return times.
- Item value: The more valuable an item is, the longer it might take to return due to higher demand among players.
Therapist’s Insurance
On the other hand, Therapist provides a more expensive insurance service but promises quicker returns. Players can receive their items back within 10-20 hours after death. This option is often preferred by players who engage in frequent raids and want immediate access to their gear.
Key Differences Between Traders
| Feature | Prapor | Therapist |
|———————-|———————–|———————–|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Return Time | 20-29 hours | 10-20 hours |
| Holding Period | 72 hours | 144 hours |
Choosing between Prapor and Therapist largely depends on individual play styles and preferences regarding cost versus speed of item recovery.
Strategic Use of Insurance
Players can maximize the benefits of insurance by employing strategic tactics during raids. Here are some tips:
- Insure lower-value gear: Items that are less likely to be looted by other players should be prioritized for insurance. This increases the chances of getting them back.
- Insurance fraud tactic: Players sometimes use a strategy known as “insurance fraud,” where they intentionally leave insured items in hidden spots during raids. If they find better gear but cannot extract with it, they can retrieve their insured items later.
- Team play advantages: When playing in squads, teammates can help secure insured gear after a player dies. This teamwork increases the likelihood that insured items will remain unlooted.
What Items Can Be Insured?
Not all items in *Escape from Tarkov* are eligible for insurance. Players can insure various types of equipment, including:
- Weapons
- Armor
- Tactical rigs
- Headsets
- Helmets
However, certain categories of items cannot be insured:
- Secure containers
- Keys
- Melee weapons
- Consumables (like food and medical supplies)
Understanding what can and cannot be insured helps players make informed decisions about which gear to take into raids.
Common Issues with Insurance Returns
While the insurance system is designed to help recover lost gear, players may encounter issues that prevent them from receiving their items back:
1. Looted Items: If another player loots your body before you retrieve your gear, those items will not be returned.
2. MIA Status: If you go MIA without extracting, all insured gear will be lost permanently.
3. Timing Errors: Players must ensure they collect their returned items within the holding period set by each trader; otherwise, those items will disappear forever.
4. Map Restrictions: Some maps, such as The Lab, do not allow for item recovery through insurance regardless of whether they were looted or not.
FAQs About How Long Does Insurance Take Tarkov
- How long does it take for insured items to return?
Insured items generally take between 10 to 29 hours to return depending on which trader you use. - Can I insure all my gear?
You can insure most equipment except consumables and certain special items like keys and melee weapons. - What happens if I die without extracting?
If you die without extracting and go MIA, all your insured items will be lost permanently. - Is it worth insuring high-value gear?
It can be worth insuring high-value gear if you believe there’s a low chance of it being looted after your death. - How do I collect my insured items?
You collect your insured items through the trader’s dialogue interface after receiving notification that they are ready.
In conclusion, understanding how long insurance takes in *Escape from Tarkov* is vital for effective gameplay strategy. By choosing between Prapor and Therapist wisely and utilizing strategic tactics during raids, players can significantly enhance their chances of recovering valuable gear after unfortunate deaths in this intense survival shooter environment.