Direct Travel Insurance to pay claims for travellers impacted by the volcanic ash cloud

19 Apr 2010 Press Release from Direct Travel

"Direct Travel Insurance to pay claims for travellers impacted by the volcanic ash cloud"

Direct Travel Insurance has confirmed that they will cover claims from customers that are either stranded abroad or cannot travel due to the volcanic ash.

European aviation officials are allowing limited air traffic to resume in so-called ‘caution zones’ following a five-day hiatus that has cost the aviation industry more than a $1 billion. The massive ash cloud caused by a volcanic eruption in Iceland has left travellers scheduled to fly to and from Europe stranded at airports worldwide.

According to the International Air Transport Association approximately 81,000 flights were cancelled, creating a massive backlog. The impact on British travel has been immense, with the Daily Mail reporting over 1 million Britons stranded.

UK travel insurance provider Direct Travel has confirmed that they will cover claims from customers that are either stranded abroad or cannot travel due to the volcanic ash. Many travel insurance policies do not cover such situations, but in light of these extraordinary circumstances Direct Travel Insurance is treating this as an ‘adverse weather event’. This means customers may be able to make a claim for Travel delay, Abandonment or Missed departure under their policy.

Paul Thilo, Vice President – Consumer Marketing at Direct Travel Insurance said: “We have received calls from a lot of distraught customers. Some are concerned about their forthcoming holidays, while others are stranded abroad. Whilst our travel insurance does not normally cover this kind of situation, we wanted to do what we could to help those that have had their holidays affected. Unfortunately the knock-on effects of the Icelandic volcano eruption are likely to be felt long after the planes take to the skies once more.”

In relation to abandonment, claims for costs that cannot be recovered from another source such as the airlines, tour operators or hotels will be met for policies purchased before 13th April 2010, when the event began. Normal policy limits and conditions will apply.

Please Note:
Direct Travel Insurance policies include a 24 hour medical emergency service, Medical expenses up to £20m per person, Missed departure up to £1,000, Delayed departure up to £350 and Abandonment up to £6,000 per person.
Direct Travel Insurance will automatically extend cover, at no extra cost, for single trip policyholders that are stranded abroad due to the travel disruption.

Want to find out more about Direct Travel Insurance? Follow this link http://www.direct-travel.co.uk/?AID=jmlproperty