Author: deb

Travel Insurance 101: Why Buy?

From sickness to adverse weather to terrorism to natural disasters, travelers are faced with an innumerable number of disruptions that can affect their carefully calculated plans. With so many possible problems on the horizon, your clients may be aware travel insurance can’t take care of everything that could go wrong.

So how can travel insurance help the everyday traveler? Check out our top four travel protection features and discover the ways insurance provides peace of mind for millions of travelers every year.

Financial protection for prepaid expenses

Travel purchases are frequently subject to cancellation penalties. If your clients have to cancel or interrupt their plans, they may only receive a partial refund of their prepaid trip costs. In some cases, they might not be eligible for a refund at all. More than 87% of the travel insurance plans purchased in 2016 included coverages for trip cancellations and interruptions. If your clients have to cancel or interrupt because of a covered reason, travel insurance can reimburse their prepaid, non-refundable trip cost such as airfare, lodging, cruises, tours, event ticketing and more.

Worldwide medical coverages and 24-hour emergency assistance

Whether traveling domestically or internationally, traveling safely means helping your clients make sure they’ll have medical coverage during their trip if needed. Some health insurance plans don’t cover out-of-network costs such as hospitalization and most don’t cover international expenses. Travel insurance offers a unique solution. Generali Global Assistance plans include coverage for medical expenses if your clients get sick or injured on their trip, coverage for emergency evacuations—which can be especially important for cruisers and international travelers—along with access to 24/7 worldwide assistance services for help anytime.

Baggage protection and tracking services

Lost and mishandled bags continue to pose a problem for the air travel industry, a challenge that the International Air Transport Association’s recent resolution attempts to tackle. IATA Resolution 753 requires airlines and airports to track bags more diligently—good news for travelers since a 2017 study conducted by SITA revealed 82% of participants checked at least one bag for their flight. The bad news is only 35% of airlines expect to be compliant with the resolution by this upcoming June. More good news: travel insurance can help if your clients’ bags are mishandled. Baggage coverages can help if your clients’ luggage and personal belongings are lost, damaged, stolen or delayed while 24/7 travel assistance services can help your clients locate and replace their lost or stolen baggage.

Reimbursement for unexpected costs

Delays happen. Approximately 22% of departing and arriving flights in 2017 were delayed. If your clients have a flight delay for 12 hours or more, they may need to buy unexpected meals, use local transportation, find overnight lodging or even pay additional parking or pet kennel fees. Travel insurance can reimburse for these out-of-pocket expenses, provided the delay resulted from a covered event. Generali Global Assistance plans can also reimburse additional costs to get your clients caught back up to their trip or returned home if they’re interrupted because of a covered reason, like a flight delay because of adverse weather. And if your clients’ bags are delayed for 12 or 24 hours (depending on the plan they purchased), travel insurance can reimburse for clothes and other necessary items needed during the delay.

As the travel industry evolves, travel insurance continues to help solve some of travelers’ most commonly encountered problems. Don’t forget to prompt each of your clients to travel smarter and insure their plans this peak season—you’ll earn a commission on each plan sold. To learn more about improving your agency’s travel insurance sales or to set up a customized training, contact your account manager.

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as Generali Global Assistance and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on Generali Global Assistance’s products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali – U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

A5661804

Last-Minute Ski Trips: Why they’re Great and How Travel Insurance Can Help

April may seem a little late in the year for a ski trip, yet while still considered low season for many destinations, the month has a lot to offer mountain-goers—domestically and internationally. Ample deals and lodging opportunities can even make for an ideal, alternative spring break trip to the standard beach vacation. From low season prices to near perfect weather, April’s a great time to encourage your clients to hit the slopes one last time before trading in their winter gear for snorkels and swimsuits.

Here are four advantages of booking last-minute ski trips along with four important ways travel insurance can help your clients enjoy their vacation with fewer worries and more fun.

Empty Accommodations

Your clients can expect widely available and affordable lodging options at mountain resorts in April. While vacancies equate to great savings and opportunities for your clients, they can also mean resorts are less inclined to make exceptions if your clients need to cancel their plans within the penalty window. You can help your clients protect their non-refundable plans by offering travel insurance when they book. If they need to cancel or interrupt their trip because of a covered reason, like a sickness or injury of themselves or a family member, the plan can provide reimbursement.

Big Snowfalls

Late season still brings big snowfalls for some destinations, particularly those that are further north or at higher altitudes. On top of a base that’s accumulated all winter, these late season snows can make for favorable conditions on the mountain. But if your clients are unlucky enough to hit bad weather while traveling to or from their destination, they may take on some unplanned costs because of a delayed or cancelled flight. If this happens, travel insurance can provide coverage for additional expenses to help get your clients to their destination as planned or back home, in addition to reimbursing for missed nights at their reservation. Coverage is also included for certain out-of-pocket costs, such as meals, local transportation or even additional lodging or parking charges.

Long Days, Short Lines

Low season vacancies also mean shorter lift lines, discounted passes and all-around quieter slopes. These advantages combined with a few more hours of sunlight than you get during peak season adds up to more time on the mountain for less money, making low season an attractive travel time for ski enthusiasts and beginners alike. While beginners will likely want to rent their equipment for their last-minute ski trip, seasoned enthusiasts checking their gear might travel a little lighter knowing travel insurance provides coverage for their baggage and personal belongings if it’s damaged, lost, stolen or delayed. Travel insurance also provides coverage for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuations if your clients are injured or get sick during their trip—a potentially important safeguard for skiers.

Warm, Sunny Weather

Not everyone trekking to the mountains this spring will be looking to shred the slopes. Fortunately, April’s warm weather, even in northern regions, is ideal for après-ski enjoyment. Whether your clients are seeking some spa time or to dine on idyllic mountain terraces, pre-trip assistance and other concierge services included with all CSA-Generali Global Assistance travel insurance plans can make the perfect arrangements to help your clients enjoy the warmer temperatures and sunny skies to the fullest.

Remind last-minute mountain-goers to pack travel insurance from CSA Travel Protection-Generali Global Assistance this spring and help ensure your clients book their vacation with the peace of mind they deserve while traveling. To learn more about how to improve travel insurance take rates at your agency or to set up a customized sales training, contact your dedicated account manager.

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as Generali Global Assistance and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on Generali Global Assistance’s products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali – U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

A5351803

Making the Most Out of Vacation Rental Damage Protection

Since 2008, we’ve been offering Vacation Rental Damage Protection to help cover your rental properties and your guests if they cause accidental damages. We’re proud to have offered this valuable protection for over a decade—our damage protection plans have even become an ‘essential tool’ for some of our partners as they look for new ways to generate revenue, market their listings and deal with damages that can negatively impact guest satisfaction.

But is your Vacation Rental Damage Protection plan working at its best? Here are a few tips that we’ve acquired over the years that can help property management companies and their managers make the most out of their Vacation Rental Damage Protection offering.

Encourage Guests to Report Damages

Guests who pay traditional security deposits may be less inclined to bring accidental damages to your attention, but if they purchase Vacation Rental Damage Protection guests can rent with fewer worries—that’s why they purchased the insurance. We recommend encouraging your guests to immediately notify your rental office of any accidental damage that takes place during their stay. In some cases, we may need to follow up with guests if more information is needed, but guests can rest assured they will not be penalized because a claim is filed.

Document Damages at Check-out/Check-in

Knowing when damages took place will help us resolve your claim more quickly and efficiently so we recommend checking the property for damages after each reservation. Some of our partners ask their guests to quickly scan the property for damages at check-in and document their findings in order to help inform their rental office of any damages and when they took place.

Take Photographs and File Claims Promptly

Providing thorough documentation and filing claims promptly helps our claims department process cases in a timely manner and minimizes the need for your assigned representative to follow-up with you or your guest for more information. Photographs are always highly desired and other documentation, such as receipts or repair invoices, may also be required to finalize your claim.

Offer the Program with Every Listing

Managers renting units with antique or particularly expensive furnishings may feel more comfortable requiring traditional security deposits from their guests as Vacation Rental Damage protection plans are unable to cover all damages, such as those that are intentional or malicious. Yet, even guests who are paying traditional deposits may still benefit from purchasing Vacation Rental Damage protection—if they cause accidental damage, they can file a claim and seek reimbursement for amounts that your office withholds from their deposit to repair or replace the damages—you can also ask the guest to assign their insurance benefits to your rental office, rather than withholding any of their security deposit. Plus, your office earns a commission on each plan sold.

CSA Travel Protection-Generali Global Assistance is dedicated to continuing to help our partners succeed by adding revenue to your bottom line and improving the guest experience with our Vacation Rental Damage Protection products. Following these suggestions can help your office make the most out of your offering and your dedicated account management team is always available to discuss ways to improve program performance at your agency. To learn more or to set up a customized training, contact your account manager.

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as Generali Global Assistance and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on Generali Global Assistance’s products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali – U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

A5201803

How Travel Insurance Can Help Honeymooners

Valentine’s Day has come and gone but if you’re booking any honeymoons this wave season, you know how important it is to keep your clients happy and feeling the love. While travel insurance may not be your soon-to-be-coupled travelers’ first priority, ensuring that they’re aware of a protection plan’s benefits and how it could help them avoid potentially costly mishaps could help them relax and keep the heart of their honeymoon at the top of their mind.

Here are a few key reasons why honeymooners may want to buy travel insurance:

Non-refundable travel plans

A honeymoon is often a trip of a lifetime and even couples who don’t travel often may venture out to celebrate. Since your clients are likely spending a little more on their honeymoon than they might otherwise spend, insuring their travel plans could be a wise decision if they’ve booked non-refundable reservations or activities. Should they get sick and have to cancel last minute or if their flight is delayed because of bad weather and they can’t leave on time, travel insurance can help them recover their prepaid trip costs. Coverage is included for cancellations and interruptions for a variety of covered reasons.

Essential clothing and gear

No one wants to find themselves stranded in the Caribbean without their bathing suit or at a Colorado ski resort without their ski gear. Travel insurance includes coverages for lost, stolen, damaged and delayed baggage. If your clients’ bags are delayed more than 12 or 24 hours (depending on the plan they purchased), they can buy necessary clothing and other items needed and their travel insurance plan can provide reimbursement.

Far-off destinations

The perfect opportunity to spend a few weeks at sea or trek to the ends of the earth, your clients’ honeymoon may be taking them somewhere where travel insurance is highly recommended or even mandatory. Due to its remote location, all Antarctic travel operators require proof of insurance for emergency air lift evacuations—this coverage comes highly recommended for ocean cruise travel as well. Honeymooners sailing through international waters may also benefit from medical coverage for non-emergencies in case they get sick or injured during their trip as some health insurance providers don’t cover their policyholders internationally.

Trying new things

Your clients may be trying new and bizarre foods on their honeymoon, exploring new activities like surfing or hiking, or traveling to a part of the world they’ve never been to before. Packing a travel insurance plan can help ease some of their worries about stepping out of their comfort zone. If they get sick and need antibiotics or get injured and need to see a doctor, plans include medical coverage. Plans can also reimburse prepaid costs if their arrangements are interrupted due to a covered reason, like a sickness or injury.

Help your clients book their dream honeymoon with confidence by reminding them of the ways travel insurance from CSA Travel Protection-Generali Global Assistance can help protect their vacation investment, ease stress and provide a sense of safety and security while traveling. Did you know our dedicated account management team can work with your agency to help increase plan sales and increase take rates? To learn more or to set up a customized training, contact your account manager.

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as Generali Global Assistance and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on Generali Global Assistance’s products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali – U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

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