The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has issued clarification and advice to travellers affected by the cloud of ash from a volcano in Iceland, which has caused major disruption across the UK’s airports.
BIBA has confirmed that BIBA Protect travel insurance policies, underwritten by Tokio Marine Europe Insurance Limited and purchased from a BIBA broker, will cover travellers for travel delay, or cancellation after 24 hours. All valid travel delay or cancellation claims caused by the volcanic ash will be met by the BIBA Protect travel insurance policy.
Graeme Trudgill, BIBA Technical and Corporate Affairs Executive, said: “In many circumstances your travel agent or tour operator will simply make alternative arrangements but if you have booked independently you should speak to your insurance broker who can advise you during these unusual circumstances. We are confident that all volcanic ash claims under the BIBA policy will be met.”
Steve Foulsham, BIBA Technical Services Manager, added: “Not all insurance policies are the same and travellers are urged to contact their insurance provider to clarify their specific policy coverage as not all insurers will necessarily cover this. Of course disinclination to travel would not be covered.”
BIBA has clarified that travel insurance is normally transferable to any new travel plans and that travellers should speak to their insurance broker.
Q. What is the position for people buying cover now for holidays starting since the original eruption?
A. The current volcano must be declared as dormant before cover will be introduced for claims from that volcano.
Q. If a client has an annual policy that was purchased before the 15th April are they covered for volcanic ash claims?
A. If there holiday was purchased before the 15th April then cover will be provided as above. However, if the holiday was purchased after the 15th April, then there is no cover.
Click here for Guidance to members on travel disruption following volcanic ash cloud
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Notes to editors
1. For further information please contact :
BIBA press office:
Leighann Burtrand, Communications Manager
020 7397 0223
burtrandl@biba.org.uk
2. About British Insurance Brokers' Association
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is the UK’s leading general insurance organisation representing the interests of insurance brokers, intermediaries and their customers.
BIBA membership includes 1700 regulated firms. Insurance brokers and intermediaries distribute nearly two-thirds of all UK general insurance. In 2008, insurance brokers and intermediaries generated £1.5 billion of invisible earnings and they introduce £22 billion of premium income into London’s insurance market each year.
BIBA is the voice of the industry, advising members, the regulators, the Government, consumer bodies and other stakeholders on key insurance issues.
BIBA provides unique schemes and facilities, technical advice, guidance on regulation and business support and is helping to raise, and maintain, industry standards. BIBA works closely with the Chartered Insurance Institute to provide training to those working in the industry and actively participates in helping the industry and its customers deal with some of the major issues of the day.
BIBA members provide professional advice to businesses and consumers, playing a key role in identification, measurement, management, control and transfer of risk. They negotiate appropriate insurance protection tailored to individual needs and operate to a very high standard of customer service with the aim of ensuring peace of mind, security, financial protection and the professional advice required.
To find your nearest BIBA broker visit the ‘Find A Broker' section of the BIBA website, www.biba.org.uk or call BIBA’s consumer helpline on 0870 950 1790
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