Association of British Insurers: Advice concerning the latest travel disruption caused by volcanic ash cloud

Association of British Insurers: Advice concerning the latest travel disruption caused by volcanic ash cloud

Association of British Insurers: Advice concerning the latest travel disruption caused by volcanic ash cloud

With some Scottish and Irish airports closed due to the latest volcanic ash cloud, and the possibility of further disruption, the ABI has issued the following advice to travellers who may be affected:

. Contact your airline or the airport you are due to be flying from to check the latest information about your travel arrangements. Airlines should offer you either a full refund of your unused ticket or an alternative flight. EU based airlines are required to offer you accommodation and meals if you are delayed getting home.
. If your flight is cancelled and you do not travel, insurers will refund your premium if you took out a single trip policy. If you accept an alternative flight at a later date, travel insurers will amend your insurance policy to cover the changed dates of travel – contact your insurer to arrange this.
. Check your travel insurance policy for any cover that may be available. While volcanic eruption is not a specific insured risk and terms and conditions vary between policies, some cover for delay and subsequent travel abandonment may be available. Payment for any delay, whether outward or return, is usually a fixed sum for a specified delayed period up to a maximum figure.
. Some insurers are currently making claims on a goodwill basis – check with your insurer for details.
. People who have taken out policies since the date of the original airspace closure (15th April) and whose travel plans are affected by the latest closures should contact their insurer for advice on cover availability.

Nick Starling, the ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Heath, said:

“Most policies are designed to stand alongside, and not duplicate, the compensation that people are entitled to from their airline or tour operator. Any cover provided by travel insurance in these circumstances will vary as there is no such thing as a standard travel insurance policy. Customers should therefore check their travel policy and speak to their travel insurer if they are still unsure.

“Travellers who have taken out policies since the date of the original airspace closure (15th April) and whose travel plans are affected by the latest closures may be covered and should contact their insurer for advice.”

Travel insurers expect to pay around £62 million following disruption caused by the recent closure of airspace. This represents 16% of the annual amount paid out by UK travel insurers.

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Notes for Editors

1. Enquiries to:

Nicholas Burke 020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07725 245 841)
Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)
Erfan Hussain 020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)
Kelly Ostler-Coyle 020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)

2. The ABI is the voice of the insurance and investment industry. Its members constitute over 90 per cent of the insurance market in the UK and 20 per cent across the EU. They control assets equivalent to a quarter of the UK’s capital. They are the risk managers of the UK’s economy and society. Through the ABI their voice is heard in Government and in public debate on insurance, savings and investment matters.

3. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.

4. More news and information from the ABI is available on our web site, www.abi.org.uk.