That seems to mean the captain should have made a mistake or two instead of saving the day so the passengers would receive what´s due to them. Amazing.
What is due to them? The airline should refund the cost of any lost item, and than claim to the insurance. If the insurance does not pay is a problem of the airline. However I do not see any big money on this, other than the value of the plane.
Why the passengers shall claim more?
FSLF