Questions remain over travel insurance claims

News at Gatwick 17/05/2010

BA prepares itself for more strikes : May 2010 : BA strike called off

Confusion continues about whether travel insurance covers ongoing ash chaos.

Weeks after Europe's historic first bout of air-travel chaos and days into yet another round of travel suspension, it remains unclear whether travel insurance should or will cover claims resulting from the Icelandic volcano eruption. With industrial action looming for British Airways, air passengers are likely to be left guessing about the reliability of both travel and travel insurance.

Several days of airspace closures last month left thousands of travelers stranded across the world or scrambling to make alternative arrangements. The travel industry was beset by stories of holidaymakers' losses resulting from insurance confusion.

It hardly helped matters when then-PM Gordon Brown advised Brits to make their own way to ferry ports, where the British government would arrange for their collection. Many who followed his instructions later discovered they were no longer protected by European regulations that require airlines to provide alternative arrangements, including room and board, where flights are canceled.

The insurance industry is now warning travelers that many policies may not cover them for delays or cancellations caused by ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland. Insurance policies typically do not cover pre-existing conditions. Therefore, policies taken out since ash from the Icelandic volcano first started creating problems in Europe may not cover future such disruption. Despite this fact, some insurers may still pay out on a goodwill basis, says the British Insurers Association.

BA prepares itself for more strikes : May 2010 : BA strike called off

Parking at Gatwick

SAVE up to 50% at Gatwick Airport Car Parks. Pre-book to guarantee your booking for at the best price. Pre-book to guarantee the best prices for your booking at .

LGW