Will Insurance Reimburse for Missed Flight - Tsunami

[JARcruise]

We were in Hawaii on NCL the day the Tsunami alerts were given. We were to dock that morning at about 7:00 am but the Captain kept us several miles from Honolulu. We didn't get off the ship until around 4:00 pm in the afternoon. It took another hour or so before we got our luggage. We had a flight that left at 3:00pm but of course we missed that. We went directly to the airport to get another flight. Because of all of the people missing their flights we could not get out for 3 days. We had added hotel expense, missed work, etc. Is this something that insurance should reimburse?

[cherylandtk]

That would depend on your policy and whether it describes this situation under Travel Delay and/or Missed Connection. In many policies, but not all, a delay of this type would be a covered event under the definition of common carrier delay, but many policies limit the amount of coverage to about $150-$200 per day. Hotel costs are usually considered re-imbursable up to the policy limits, missed work usually not.

[cruiseco]

Because of all of the people missing their flights we could not get out for 3 days. We had added hotel expense, missed work, etc. Is this something that insurance should reimburse?

 

In a situation like this ALWAYS file a claim. It does no good to ask for opinions as it will depend on the wording of the policy. If someone tells you "yes" it doesn't mean they will and if someone tells you "no" it doesn't mean they won't. Contact the insurer, request the paperwork, and file the claim. Then you'll know for sure. If you've kept all of your receipts, filling out the paperwork for a travel delay claim shouldn't take more than 15 minutes and a stamp.

 

Over the years I've eard many people say that they didn't file a claim because their travel agent said it wouldn't be paid or their neighbor's cousin had a similar thing happen to him 18 years ago and the claim was denied or whatever. Insurance companies LOVE these people who don't even attempt to collect on a claim. Remember that even if the insurer denies a claim you have other means of recourse -- third-party arbitration, appeal the decision to your state's department of insurance, etc.