High value travel insurance and your rights around flights
According to BBC News, consumers have certain rights around holiday and business flights. Airlines should provide accommodation, a reasonable amount of food and drink, communication (this can be by refunding the cost of calls), accommodation (if necessary), and transport to and from the accommodation.
The airline should also organise, at no additional cost to you, alternative flights to get you home, or to your destination. However, if your airline cannot provide this assistance, you have the right to claim back the cost of the arrangements you have made yourself. Keeping records and receipts is always advised as this can back up your claim at a later date.
Does it make a difference where the airline is located?
If your airline is UK or EU-based, you will usually be entitled to another flight or a refund. You may also be entitled to accommodation and food and drink if you must remain at an airport following a flight cancellation. If your airline is not based in the UK or the EU, you will need to check terms and conditions with your chosen airline.
If your flight is cancelled with a non-UK or EU airline, and you cannot contact the airline you will need to plan for food and accommodation yourself. Ensure they are reasonably-priced and save all receipts.
While this may seem like good news for travellers, help or reimbursement from airlines never materialises. Anyone who has had a flight delayed or cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather, airline staff strikes or airport incidents, can usually confirm that getting support and help from their airline is often challenging at best and futile at worst. So, what are your consumer rights around flights and how can arranging appropriate travel insurance help you when you need it most?
Can my travel insurance cover delayed or cancelled flights?
High value travel insurance through Private Client insurance services can ensure you receive financial compensation should you encounter issues with your flights. Every insurance product we provide varies, so arranging insurance through our Private Client broker can be far more effective than buying travel insurance online. We can advise on your rights around claiming back for delayed or cancelled flights, which circumstances your policy covers, and what exclusions you might be subject to.
As BBC News states, if your flights are cancelled or delayed your first port of call is to ask your airline provider for a refund or another flight. If you have booked through a travel agent, contact them to see what your rights are.
It is important that you keep records of all contact you have had with the airline or your travel agent. This can be used as proof that you have taken steps to be reimbursed by the airline or travel company as your insurer may ask for proof of communications.
Wider travel disruption
If your flight is affected by “wider travel disruption” such as a crash on the motorway when you’re trying to get to the airport, some insurers will cover you. This will be dependent on you confirming that you gave yourself enough time to reach the airport. If “wider travel disruption” was due to your car breaking down due to unforeseen circumstances, your insurer, depending on the policy, may reimburse you for your missed flight depending on your vehicle being up to date with its MOT.
“Wider travel disruption” can also be because of weather-related incidents such as snow on the take off and landing runways or adverse weather which affects your travel to the airport. In these instances, it is worth asking your insurance broker what weather-related events you’re insured for. Always keep a record of the weather such as photographs and online weather reports, because your insurer may need documented proof of the circumstances in which your flight was affected.
Accommodation
If you need to stay in a hotel while waiting for alternative travel arrangements to be made, your insurer will look at the specific circumstances. In some instances, you might have to bear the cost of the accommodation and receive reimbursement from your travel insurance provider.
If your holiday is expensive, you might need high value cancellation travel insurance. Again, your rights as a consumer will depend on the policy you take out, so do talk to us at the time of taking out your cover to ensure you are properly protected.
It is good practice to keep the claims line contact details i.e. claims line telephone number and email as they will be available 24/7. While your insurance broker can tailor your policy to suit your needs, should you wish to discuss a claim out of office hours, they might not be available.
