As now category 2 Hurricane Irene bears down on Florida and cruise ports scattered around the Caribbean, those with end of summer travel plans are watching carefully and some are wishing they had bought travel insurance. Some might be even be asking “Why did I plan to travel during hurricane season?”. Travel insurance company Travel Guard North America is reporting a 30% increase in call volume in recent days as a result of Irene. Travel Guard also recently polled travel agents to learn more about their clients who book getaways during hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) to destinations within the hurricane belt.
Braving the Storm: Much of hurricane season falls within the summer months, which makes it a popular time for vacations, regardless of potential disruptions. In fact, 49% of travel agents’ clients book trips this time of year because it is the most convenient for them. Lower cost was also a popular reason with 40% of agents noting this as the number one factor for booking during hurricane season.
Surf and Turf: During hurricane season, most clients (44%) are booking cruises rather than spending time at one destination within the hurricane belt. Clients choosing one destination this time of year typically pick Mexico, with 26 percent of agents noting this as the most popular within the hurricane belt.
Stretching the Dollar: When booking travel to hurricane prone destinations, agents noted that most clients (57%) will spend $2,000 – 4,999. A smaller percentage (29%) tend to spend less than $2,000.
A Family that Travels Together: The majority of vacationers during hurricane season tend to be families (38%) as the season falls in line with summer break. Following close behind are young couples (34%) who are often honeymooning this time of year.
Anticipating The Best, Preparing for the Worst: Most clients (89%) who travel during hurricane season are likely to purchase travel insurance. Agents noted that 64% of these clients typically choose a comprehensive plan such as Travel Guard’s Gold Plan.
Already have travel insurance for your upcoming trip? Be sure you know how to use it with these quick tips that I learned from being a travel agent and having to deal with the ugly, reimbursement side of it.
- Know what is covered. The travel insurance company will send a disclosure of coverage which may be boring to read but better to read it before you need it. All travel insurance companies also have toll-free 800- numbers to call with specific “What if?” questions. A good one to know the answer to right now: “What coverage do I have for hurricane-related travel delays or cancelations?”
- How to file a claim. The process normally involves a telephone interview between you and the travel insurance company to get the ball rolling. This is one reason why I like and recommend Travelguard: They make us jump through fewer hoops than other travel insurance companies.
- Document, Document, Document. Remember, travel insurance reimburses you for covered expenses. The travel insurance company loves you but won’t take your word for this. Doctors, taxi cabs, meals enroute and other expenses may be covered with adequate documentations. Save receipts/get receipts for everything.
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