Travellers urged to check insurance small print

TRAVELLERS grounded by the volcanic ash cloud have been urged to check their rights amid confusion over the cover provided by insurers.

The first port of call for those affected by flight cancellations is to contact their airline or tour operator to arrange an alternative flight or a refund of the flight costs. Most travel insurers will agree to amend their policies accordingly to ensure they cover the revised travel arrangements.

Those with travel insurance policies should contact their insurer as soon as possible to clarify whether their policies cover them for the disruption.

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Many travel insurers will cover the extra costs incurred as a result of cancellations, such as car hire and accommodation, provided travellers have proof from the airline that the flight was cancelled due to the conditions. However, customers are advised to check the small print of their policies and contact their insurer to clarify their position.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) warned that volcanic eruptions are not always covered by travel insurance for cancellation and delay.

Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance and health, said:"There is no standard set of conditions which applies to a situation of this kind. Customers should speak to their travel insurer to understand what their policy covers them for."

Travellers without insurance but who booked their flights on a credit card have rights under the Consumer Credit Act to make a claim with their card provider for a refund of the flight costs.

Those stranded overseas and unable to secure flights home should contact their travel provider or airline to ask what options are open to them. The Association of British Travel Agents yesterday urged customers to liaise directly with their travel provider or airline regarding their travel plans and warned that the unusual circumstances would mean that different companies would have different policies.

People whose travel plans are disrupted over the coming days but who bought their travel insurance after the disruptions began will not be covered under those policies.

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