Money Help Desk: Will it cost me if I cancel holiday because of Italian earthquake?

Published on Saturday 11 April 2009 13:48

I AM due to visit Italy for a holiday after Easter but am having second thoughts after the devastating earthquake last weekend. If I cancel, will my insurance company refund the cost of the holiday for me?

SD

Ian Crowder, insurance expert at the AA, writes:

For those who still have travel plans to L'Aquila in Italy, it is recommended that they consult with the airline or tour operator prior to travel to see if they can change their travel dates in the first instance. If you have a single trip travel insurance policy, you can normally change the dates accordingly.

Claims arising from a general disinclination to travel to Italy would normally not be covered. Unless the Foreign Office advises against travelling to a particular area, which it currently does not for Italy as a whole, then your insurance will not pay out if you change your plans.

It is worth talking to your insurer as some may take a sympathetic view. At AA Travel Insurance, if a customer is travelling to the affected area and cannot make alternative arrangements with their tour operator, we will consider these claims on a case-by-case basis.

Note that as people are now aware of the incident, policies bought and issued since the earthquake will not provide cover for cancellation or curtailment or other related issues if the customer is either in or travelling to an area directly affected by the earthquake.

We advise all travellers to refer to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's website for further updates on the situation at www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/europe/italy

Timeshare help needed

ABOUT six months ago I contacted the Timeshare Association in connection with the timeshares I was conned into purchasing. I filled out a form and confirmed I was willing to go to court on the matter. They informed me at the time it may take up to six months before they got back to me. I have since refused to pay either the finance company or the exorbitant maintenance fees.

Having spoken to the finance company they have requested that I report the matter to the police. I have lost the contact details for the timeshare association and need to consult them as to whether I should contact the police. Can you help me make contact with them?

KA

Teresa Hunter writes:

I believe you have contacted the Timeshare Consumers' Association which closed about six months ago, which explains why you have not had a reply.

The Office of Fair Trading has ultimate responsibility for timeshare companies and is currently carrying out an in-depth investigation. The watchdog wants to speak to individuals with complaints, and you can contact it via Consumer Direct, at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or call 0845 4040506. A spokesman for the OFT agreed that if you have a serious complaint you should contact the police. Meanwhile, if the timeshare company is based in this country then contact your local trading standards office.

If based in Europe, then there is an equivalent body called the European Consumer Centre. It can be contacted via www.ukecc.net, or by calling 0845 6040503.