Volcanic Ash – How It Affects Your Insurance
As the Volcanic Ash is affecting us again, we wanted to provide you with information that we have received from some of our suppliers in respect of their stance on Travel Claims. However, DO NOT take this as the final word, in all cases we strongly recommend that you contact your supplier directly as each and every claim is reviewed on its own basis.
Axiom
In the 1st instance you are to attempt to recover costs or re-arrange your travel directly with your flight/tour operator. Details on your consumer rights can be found on the CAA Website. If your costs are ir-recoverable, Axiom will consider along with evidence from your tour/flight operator proving your costs are non-refundable.
If you are unable to return to the UK you may be entitled to claim under your Travel Delay Benefit. However, any additional costs for Accomodation etc should be recovered from the Airline.
If your trip/insurance was arranged after 21st May, there is no Cancellation Cover applicable in respect of Volcanic Ash until further notice.
Hiscox
If your policy was purchased after 22nd November 2010 and/or renewed on or after 3rd January 2011, you will have the enhanced wording which provides cover for Volcanic Ash. In the first instance you are to contact your tour/flight operator to attempt to re-claim costs. However, if this is not possible, Hiscox will consider all reasonable costs for your return home journey. Any costs incurred for unused travel and accommodation will be considered on a case by case basis.
Ageas
If your trip was booked and insurance arranged before 23rd May 2011 your policy cover will remain as per normal cover (check your policy wording).
Ageas advises to contact your tour/flight operator to see if alternative arrangements or refunds are available.
Policies arranged for trips after 23rd May 2011 will contain an exclusion for any claims associated with Volcanic Ash, until further notice.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Reading above, you will notice that the initial step is to contact your tour/flight operator to arrange alternative flights/trips or arrange for a refund. Only after this step has been taken are you able to begin a claim via your Travel Insurance.
If you have any queries or are unsure on anything, please do contact Jennifer Baker on 01473 408416 or email bakerj@wmibl.co.uk
