Should I bother making a travel insurance claim?

Status
Not open for further replies.

smit0847

Established Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2011
Posts
4,041
I’ve just returned from Ishigaki, Japan. I booked 3 nights non-refundable at the Intercontinental. On Day 2 we realised there was a super typhoon due to hit the island on the day we flew out and our carrier (ANA) was already issuing travel warnings that flights on that day were likely to be cancelled. We Skyped ANA several times, moved our flights 24 hours earlier for no charge and flew out 24 hours earlier without a problem. We obviously lost the final nights accommodation and the IC and had to pay for an additional nights accommodation in Tokyo for that last unexpected night. We also had to return the hire car a day earlier for which we receive about 50% of the last days rate back (the other 50% being a cancellation fee). No other expenses (we counted ourselves quite lucky). Ishigaki airport was closed the day the typhoon hit so our original flight was definitely cancelled.

My travel insurance has a $100 excess. The only relevant expenses were:
- Forfeit of last night accomodation in Ishgaki (approx $260)
- Additional accomodation night in Tokyo ($60)
- Cancellation fee for hire car (~$50)

Are all 3 of these things likely to be covered? I would have thought they would not cover both hotels for the same night (as I would have had to stay in one of them regardless) and if they don’t have the Ishigaki accom there won’t be much point just claiming the other two)
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

I’ve just returned from Ishigaki, Japan. I booked 3 nights non-refundable at the Intercontinental. On Day 2 we realised there was a super typhoon due to hit the island on the day we flew out and our carrier (ANA) was already issuing travel warnings that flights on that day were likely to be cancelled. We Skyped ANA several times, moved our flights 24 hours earlier for no charge and flew out 24 hours earlier without a problem. We obviously lost the final nights accommodation and the IC and had to pay for an additional nights accommodation in Tokyo for that last unexpected night. We also had to return the hire car a day earlier for which we receive about 50% of the last days rate back (the other 50% being a cancellation fee). No other expenses (we counted ourselves quite lucky). Ishigaki airport was closed the day the typhoon hit so our original flight was definitely cancelled.

My travel insurance has a $100 excess. The only relevant expenses were:
- Forfeit of last night accomodation in Ishgaki (approx $260)
- Additional accomodation night in Tokyo ($60)
- Cancellation fee for hire car (~$50)

Are all 3 of these things likely to be covered? I would have thought they would not cover both hotels for the same night (as I would have had to stay in one of them regardless) and if they don’t have the Ishigaki accom there won’t be much point just claiming the other two)
I wouldn't bother claiming for this small amount...whilst you are likely covered (for some of it), repeated insurance claims can have a negative impact in the long term...just my 2c :)
 
Will obviously depend on the policy wording. If its like "Costs associated with changing your plans due to weather" then you might get everything included, less excess. An important thing I would think is the evidence of the necessity for you to change the flights etc. Its pretty obvious on what you've said, but trying to convince an insurer who's natural inclination is not to pay might be more difficult. You'll probably have to include all sorts of documentation on weather, actual flight cancellations, why delaying Vs going before couldn't be done etc.

If its anything like my own insurer Covermore (who has a good record of paying out to me :) ), you'll have to include documents:

* Itinerary

* Hotel reservation / car confirmations

* Credit card statement where you bought the tickets / accommodation / car

* Relevant correspondence (ie did you try to get the penalties waived)

I'd make the claim (kpc: Covermore policies are new policies every year, not a renewal or update; a claim this year has no bearing on my standing next year :))
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!

From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.

And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)


Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..

Recent Posts

Back
Top