Ombudsman ruling accepted ~ Ash Cloud claims to be paid

Written on: 08/02/2012

Review of Europ Assistance Travel Insurance

" Ombudsman ruling accepted ~ Ash Cloud claims to be paid"

After fighting settlement of the 2010 Volcanic Ash Cloud claims for the last 20 months all the way to the High Court, Europ Assistance have finally conceded that payments to customers should be made. It is now clear in law that an ash cloud, just like any other cloud, contributes to weather conditions. My policy was issued by Insure and Go, Europe Assistance were the underwriters. Back in the spring last year the Financial Ombudsman reported there were 700 disputed claims on their books. http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/technical_notes/travel-insurance.htm#fd Following their adjudication most Insurers settled. Europ Assistance did not and insisted in prolonging the matter for 300 claimants by wanting a High Court ruling. We now have that judgement. They cannot continue to wriggle out of their responsibilities to the consumer. Insure and Go are not the only Insurer who use, or have used, Europ Assistance as their underwriter. If anyone in the future wants to avoid getting embroiled with this company they need to read the small print of the policy. Don't be misled by a quick, hassle-free sales pitch. The Insure and Go policy looked to be well drawn up and documented. Sadly you get the policy and after sales service you pay for.