insurance companies

FH_Brit

annod27 wrote: »

hi fh brit-sorry if its of topic you mention you have disscussed insurance on here for years is there a forum you can post a link to please i have searched for a forum on travel insurance advice but other than martins main info i cant find anything,i am travelling in 8weeks and normally would have just gone with travel agent but this year decided to do it myself and now im finding some companies are saying if you buy insurance after the 15/04/10 they will NOT pay out for claims to do with the volcanic ash as it is now a known event. thanks for any help.

Not some companies - you'll find ALL will exclude (at least) this volcano's erruptions. As you say a known event. It's like not insuring you car until after you have an accident.

If you have booked ANY part of your holiday you should get insurance. The cancellation of a holiday will not be covered if you already know it is going to be cancelled.

Get adequate insurance (depending on detination) and do not always shop on price.

FH_Brit

poet123 wrote: »

I *think" that Fortis underwrite Direct Line. We had a claim for theft a couple of years ago through direct line and I am almost sure the company that we dealt with was Fortis....they were excellent. Will try and check the docs.

It is not Fortis.

I beleive they were RBS and possibly they are now independent.

virgo149

This is on the HSBC website for anyone with their insurance.

HSBC TRAVEL INSURANCE PROVIDES COVER FOR CUSTOMERS FOLLOWING VOLCANIC ASH DISRUPTION HSBC has today confirmed that, although volcanic eruptions are not usually covered under travel insurance policies due to being outside an insurer's control (commonly known as 'Acts of God'), they will, on this particular occasion, allow claims from customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights.*
Although airlines will refund or rebook flights, many passengers face the cost of hotel rooms and car hire that have not been taken up. Customers should in the first instance contact their airline or tour operator to see what help and assistance is available from them.
Today's announcement will ensure that travellers with HSBC policies can have the reassurance that they can now claim for their disrupted travel. Customers with HSBC Premier and Advance current accounts are also covered.
Paul Thurston, Chief Executive of HSBC UK, said:

'The volcanic ash disruption is an unprecedented event and has left thousands of travellers disappointed. Not all insurance policies are the same and some will not help customers on occasions like this.'
'Standing behind our customers on this extraordinary occasion is the right thing to do, as they rely on us to be there for them at times of need. Today's announcement will help our customers overcome the disappointment that their travel plans have been disrupted'
Customers are advised to read their policy document and submit claims in the usual way. Customers are also reminded that airlines have a responsibility to assist their passengers if their flight is cancelled or delayed and in certain circumstances are obliged to pay compensation.
*Subject to usual claims assessment and other normal terms & conditions.
Extended cover is only available to customers who purchased a policy by midday on Thursday 15th April 2010.

HSBC travel insurance is available as a standalone product and as part of HSBC Premier and Advance current accounts.
Claims Unit Contact Details

HSBC Premier customers 01243 621 407 HSBC Advance customers 01243 621 408 HSBC standalone travel insurance customers 01243 621 408 Student travel insurance 01603 603 034 Private Bank travel insurance 020 7662 4012 Gold Mastercard travel insurance 020 7662 4012 Platinum Card travel insurance 020 7662 4012 All the above numbers/lines are open: 8.00am to 6.00pm Mon - Thurs and 8.00am - 5.30pm Friday. Calls may be monitored and recorded.