Claiming on travel insurance when I didn't make the booking

Jd843

Hi
I've got a holiday booked for next month that is looking increasingly unlikely to go ahead.  A group of us are [supposed to be] travelling together, and one of our group booked the accommodation, just paying a deposit.  There's no cancellation policy on the booking, so I'm not sure if this means they will take the full invoice amount on the due date even if we cancel, or if we'd just lose the deposit.  Either way, we'll lose some money.  

The person who booked does have travel insurance, but I'm not sure if it's a good enough policy to cover the accommodation costs, either if the FCO ban travel to our destination, or if the flights are cancelled.  It's an Admiral policy - MSE's page says they would cover accommodation costs under either of these circumstances, but I'm pretty sure their policy documents say the exact opposite.  

Anyway, I have Nationwide Flex Plus travel insurance, which seems to cover the relevant circumstances.  My question is - would my travel insurance reimburse me for my "share" of the accommodation, even though I didn't personally book it (i.e. a fifth of the total cost)?  I've never had to make a travel insurance claim before, so I wasn't sure if they'd require an invoice with my name on it?

Thanks

Cez23

I'm also enquiring about this, hopefully someone will reply and provide some clarity. My bf is going away in April, one person paid it all but he is unsure if the country gets locked down who can claim back the money. The person who booked or the individuals going? Thanks 

CombatClaret

I'm no expert but he's what I believe.
The person who made the bookings and paid the airlines/hotel etc would have to claim it all on their insurance. If the cover is not high enough that's their mistake. Contact the accommodation and tell them you are canceling, that way they can't say they laid on a service which you chose not to turn up for. Tell your friend to call his card company If he think the accommodation will try to take the full amount, they may be able to cancel/block it. 
Depending on your personal policy you might be able to claim back other expenses you've directly incurred, such as event tickets provided they also can't be refunded directly. But any agreement between you and your mate I doubt they will cover. 

CombatClaret

FYI I'm in the same boat, I've paid for flights for my girlfriend & I. We don't live together which means 'couples' insurance was not available. 
For example the cancellation claim form among other things asks you for proof purchases and for the names of all those cancelling along with you.