JAMES WALKER
YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS CHAMPION
taken a massive hit over lockdown and they need your business. But be cautious.
Mega-cheap deals come with caveats – so it’s more important than ever to check the terms and conditions.
Ask questions before you book about what happens if you are prevented from travelling.
Screenshot Q&A pages, in case they change, and read the T&CS in their entirety on cancellations and refunds.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
THE insurance industry is still reeling from the criticisms it’s faced in recent months about not paying out on existing policies. Be aware that most new policies will now exclude payouts for Covid-19 related cancellations, though you may be covered if you catch the illness abroad.
In short, if you have an existing annual policy that hasn’t yet had to be renewed you may be covered for Covid-19 cancellations.
If your annual policy has renewed check, then for exclusions (ask your insurer if it isn’t clear), and if you have a new or single trip policy, chances are there’s no cover for virus-related cancellations.
CARD PAYMENTS
MANY people will have been told to ‘charge back’ the cost of their holiday when businesses have stalled paying out. Those who paid more than £100 may have been able to make a ‘section 75’ claim on their credit card too – a law that allows you to claim back money from your card provider if goods or services aren’t provided.
However, I’m worried that card providers will eventually say ‘enough’. So while this is still an option, it’s not a guarantee – and chargeback or section 75 claims are likely to be disputed in the future.