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Insurance for Independant Travellers

Having had our fingers burnt with insurance this year, we are now looking for a travel insurance policy that suits our needs better.

We always book independent flights/hotels/car hire.

Under normal insurance if a flight is cancelled and you are out of the hotels cancellation time, you would lose the hotel amount to be charged.
The same can be said about Alamo. Modifications can only be made up to 12 hours before pick up if paid in advance.

Can anyone recommend a company?
Loved our trip to the West Coast USA. Death Valley is the place to go!

Comments

  • Quentin
    Quentin Posts: 40,405 Forumite
    Google independent traveller insurance for lots of options
  • northwest1965
    northwest1965 Posts: 2,135 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Quentin wrote: »
    Google independent traveller insurance for lots of options

    I have done this, but I can't seem to find something suitable.

    Lots cover new flight tickets/accommodation while new flight is arranged. For instance from an independent policy
    Extension covers additional accommodation and travel expenses if traveller fails to make it in time to board ANY onward connecting public transport including UK connections.
    Loved our trip to the West Coast USA. Death Valley is the place to go!
  • huckster
    huckster Posts: 5,590 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Having had our fingers burnt with insurance this year, we are now looking for a travel insurance policy that suits our needs better.

    We always book independent flights/hotels/car hire.

    Under normal insurance if a flight is cancelled and you are out of the hotels cancellation time, you would lose the hotel amount to be charged.
    The same can be said about Alamo. Modifications can only be made up to 12 hours before pick up if paid in advance.

    Can anyone recommend a company?

    In 2008 Axa launched independent traveller option cover and this was available on many Axa underwritten products. But having looked at what cover is available, it would appear that the scope of cover has been reduced.

    It might be worth speaking to a few companies. Direct Travel, Essential Travel, M&S Travel. These are just a few that offered independent traveller options, but you would need to ask whether the type of situation you encountered would be covered.

    PJ Hayman are Travel Insurance specialists and it might be worth asking them whether they offer the cover you are looking for.
    The comments I post are personal opinion. Always refer to official information sources before relying on internet forums. If you have a problem with any organisation, enter into their official complaints process at the earliest opportunity, as sometimes complaints have to be started within a certain time frame.
  • mufi
    mufi Posts: 656 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper
    Sainsbury's used to do it - no idea if they still do. Try ringing them, or a broker.
  • rs65
    rs65 Posts: 5,682 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Direct Line policy says

    We will also pay up to £500 for each insured person for any unused accommodation and travel expenses (including any excursions up to £150) if you are late arriving at your destination as a result of a delay of more than 12 hours beyond the time shown on your travel itinerary.


    They also mention they cover independent travel but they use this term for insured persons travelling independently of each other.

    Need to check that they cover separately booked parts but I don't see why not.
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