What are my rights on a non-refundable booking?

AbiMuddiman

I booked an apartment in Dublin for March 20th - 22nd. Obviously our flights were cancelled and all non-essential travel was banned so we were unable to attend. The booking was non-refundable and Booking.com asked the accommodation if they would waive this and they said no! 

I find this to be so outrageous and borderline stealing, to take over £800 of our money when we had no way of attending the booking. The accommodation phone number directs to the maintenance man (strange) and all emails are ignored. 

My travel insurance also had a clause which means I’m not covered. Does anyone know what my rights are with this? It feels like a lost cause but really doesn’t seem right to just let go of £800 through no fault of our own. 

Mrsn

Non refundable means just that.... lockdown here didn’t start until the 23rd March so I’m wondering if booking.com are arguing that they service was still available to you at that point?

Its isn’t your fault absolutely but it’s not theirs either, something that your insurers must partially agree with since it had a particular clause in place to stop claims being made.