A recent travel insurance survey is warning consumers to check that their insurance policy is adequate for their needs. This survey found that consumers are travelling up to 4 times a year between holidays and weekend breaks. The website also found that this figure jumped to 8 times a year when including business trips. As a result, consumers have now switched from the traditional Single Trip policy to the better value Annual Multi Trip product. Recent figures show that Annual Multi Trips now account for 80% of direct holiday insurance sales. The survey found more and more consumers are putting together their own packages, flights, hotels and car hire etc..(also known as Dynamic Packaging) either directly with a tour operator or through various websites. Unlike tour operators and travel agents, third party suppliers such as accommodation providers, car hire companies, ferries, coach companies etc… are not required under legislation to be financially bonded. This can cause major problems for the consumer especially as some of these companies are based abroad.
In the event of any of these companies going into liquidation this can cause major problems for a consumer who will have no recourse due to the lack of a financial bond unless they have Dynamic Packaging Protection Cover (Third party insolvency cover) on their travel insurance policy. With more and more natural disasters happening throughout the world today, it is essential that the consumer has cover for an event caused by an act of God. Many travel insurance policies do not cover this type of eventuality also known as Catastrophe Cover. This cover will allow the insured to move to another resort or fly home if the trip cannot be continued, in the event of an act of god whilst they are there. Things don’t always go to plan when connecting with long haul flights from the UK, especially with low cost airlines.