Retail

Generali Global Assistance Wins Two 2018 Stevie® Awards for Sales and Customer Service

Company demonstrates continued commitment to customer service and innovation

Generali Global Assistance (“the Company”) today announced that its Travel Insurance division, formerly CSA Travel Protection, has won two Stevie® Awards – a silver in the “Marketing Solution – New” category and a silver in the “Back-Office Customer Service Professional of the Year – Financial Services Industries” category.  The awards were presented at a ceremony in Las Vegas on Friday, February 23 during the 12th annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Generali Global Assistance took silver in the “Marketing Solution-New” category for its new consumer-direct travel insurance website, www.generalitravelinsurance.com, which launched in 2017.  Throughout the design process and since launch, the Company has proactively solicited and responded to user feedback to improve the customer experience. For example, Generali Global Assistance added a hurricane and tropical storm alert to its homepage to address high call volumes during peak hurricane season to alleviate any related issues. Customer reviews are integrated into the website (www.generalitravelinsurance.com/reviews), accentuating the user in user experience. As a direct result of the new, more robust site, the Company’s consumer-direct online sales have increased by 15% since launch.

Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance, North America, commented on today’s news, “I’m incredibly proud of what our Ecommerce team has accomplished this year with the launch of our new site. This recognition is a testament to their tireless efforts in creating one of the leading direct-to-consumer travel insurance websites in the market that provides our customers with unmatched transparency in travel insurance coverages and decision support for purchasing. We are honored to be recognized for our company-wide commitment to customer service and innovation.”

Lupe Zepeda, Customer Service Manager at Generali Global Assistance, has been awarded a Silver for Back-Office Customer Service Professional of the Year – Financial Services Industries.  During 2017, Generali Global Assistance both rebranded from CSA Travel Protection and launched its new, consumer-facing website, both of which led to specific customer service needs.  Ms. Zepeda continued to fulfill her role as a customer service champion in 2017 by leading brand awareness and recognition outreach campaigns that outlined what was new, as well as what was unchanged, for customers and partners.

Bob Chambers, Vice President of Operations at Generali Global Assistance, commented on today’s news, “I would like to congratulate Ms. Zepeda for her much deserved recognition through this prestigious award. We had some significant shifts this year regarding our brand and Ms. Zepeda was absolutely integral in the success of making that transition seamless for our partners. I’d personally like to thank her for her dedication and hard-work – we simply would not have been able to perform at such a high-level without her expertise.”

Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Sales.

Additionally, Generali Global Assistance was recently named a top travel insurance company for 2018 by The Elliot Readers’ Choice Awards. Generali Global Assistance is a member of the US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) and is an A+ rated Better Business Bureau accredited company.

About Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance, formerly Europ Assistance USA, has been a leading provider of travel insurance and other assistance services for more than 25 years.  The Company offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance and emergency services, identity protection solutions, and beneficiary companion services.  Generali Global Assistance is part of the multinational Generali Group, which for over 185 years has created a presence in 60 countries with over 76,000 employees. Our success has been built on the foundation of trust that clients have placed in our ability to provide assistance in the most difficult of circumstances.

Generali Global Assistance offers travel insurance through vacation rental and property management companies, leading travel agencies, online travel agencies, other travel suppliers and directly to consumers. For more information on Generali Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: www.generalitravelinsurance.com .

Media Contact
Jesse Tron
M Group Strategic Communications (for Generali Global Assistance North America)
+1 212 266 0192
jtron@mgroupsc.com

www.generalitravelinsurance.com/press
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/GeneraliTravel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/generalitravelinsurance/
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/generalitravel/

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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Generali Global Assistance Releases 2017 Recap for Travel and Insurance Trends

Generali Global Assistance’s Travel Insurance division (“the Company), formerly CSA Travel Protection, has released its findings on travel and insurance trends – compiled from the Company’s proprietary data on insured travel – from the 2017 season.

For the year, the average cost of a trip that travelers insured was $1,883 – a precipitous drop of 19% compared to 2016. As a result, the average premium also declined to $139 per trip. The average number of people on each plan remained unchanged at 1.75, as did the average trip length which held steady at 9 days per insured trip. The average days between trip purchase and departure dropped slightly from 88 in 2016 to 81 last year.

Commenting on today’s news, Chris Carnicelli, CEO, Generali Global Assistance said “As travel insurance and its myriad benefits become better understood, people are choosing to insure trips at a lower price point than they did in the past. This is encouraging to see as we, and the industry at large, have placed greater emphasis on transparency to clear up misconceptions that surround travel insurance.”

The vacation rental space by contrast was little changed last year in terms of trip cost and duration as “Vacation rentals tend to be a high repeat business and therefore fluctuate very little in terms of average trip cost as families tend to rent the same property for their vacations year in, year out,” said Carnicelli. In 2017, total average trip cost increased 4% – in-line with average rental fee increases – and average duration remain unchanged at 6 days. Unlike general travel, vacation rental travelers were more concerned with purchasing insurance earlier with the average number of days between departure and purchase rising from 86 to 89. “The vacation rental industry is in the midst of tremendous growth and competition for properties is fierce. We expect vacationers to continue to book their rentals further and further out to ensure they get the properties they want,” Carnicelli added.

In 2017, insured cruise trips decreased by 13% compared to 2016, while insured air travel trips rose by 27%. The top three airlines consumers booked insured travel on were Delta, United, and American and the top three most booked cruise lines were Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Celebrity. The top five destinations for travelers in 2017 remained unchanged from 2016 –  Alaska and Asia swapped spots, Australia moved up one slot, South America dropped out of the top ten and Hawaii edged in.

Top ten most booked destinations by travelers (compiled from the Generali Global Assistance’s proprietary data on insured travel) were:

2016 2017
Caribbean Caribbean
Europe Europe
U.S. U.S.
Bahamas Bahamas
Mexico Mexico
Asia Alaska
Alaska Asia
Canada Canada
South America Australia
Australia Hawaii

Carnicelli continued, “This past year was seemingly dominated by natural disasters, and man-made events, like the Outer Banks power outage, that disrupted travel. On average we saw claims on medical, evacuation, and repatriation services rise by 78% last year compared to 2016. As these types of events continue to become more commonplace, travelers will continue to show more interest in protecting their trip investments. At the same time, we will continue to increase the ease and efficiency of our offerings as well as education on our products to help capture this increased demand.”

About Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance, formerly Europ Assistance USA, has been a leading provider of travel insurance and other assistance services for more than 25 years.  The Company offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance and emergency services, identity protection solutions, and beneficiary companion services.  Generali Global Assistance is part of the multinational Generali Group, which for over 185 years has created a presence in 60 countries with over 76,000 employees.  Our success has been built on the foundation of trust that clients have placed in our ability to provide assistance in the most difficult of circumstances.

Generali Global Assistance offers travel insurance through vacation rental and property management companies, leading travel agencies, online travel agencies, other travel suppliers and directly to consumers. For more information on Generali Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: www.generalitravelinsurance.com .

Media Contact
Jesse Tron
M Group Strategic Communications (for Generali Global Assistance North America)
+1 212 266 0192
jtron@mgroupsc.com

www.generalitravelinsurance.com/press
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/GeneraliTravel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/generalitravelinsurance/
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/generalitravel/

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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Generali Global Assistance Named as Finalist in 2018 Stevie® Awards for Sales and Customer Service

Company demonstrates continued commitment to customer service and marketing excellence

Generali Global Assistance (“the Company”) today announced that its Travel Insurance division, formerly CSA Travel Protection, has been named as a finalist for two awards categories at the 12th Annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  The Company will ultimately be awarded a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Stevie Award winner in both the “Marketing Solution – New” and the “Back-Office Customer Service Professional of the Year – Financial Services Industries” categories.

Generali Global Assistance has been nominated for Marketing Solution-New for its new consumer-direct travel insurance website, www.generalitravelinsurance.com, which launched in 2017.  Throughout the design process and since launch, the Company has proactively solicited and responded to user feedback to improve the customer experience, and updated the site almost daily with content changes that directly address customer questions.  For example, Generali Global Assistance added a hurricane and tropical storm alert to its homepage to address high call volumes during peak hurricane season in order to alleviate any related issues.  As a direct result of the new, more robust site, the Company’s consumer-direct online sales have increased by 15% since launch.

Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance, North America, commented on today’s news, “I would like to thank our in-house Marketing, Web Design and Ecommerce teams for working tirelessly to execute a website designed to educate, inform, and automate consumers throughout their travel insurance journey.  We are honored to be continually recognized for our Company-wide commitment to the highest level of customer service, as well as for marketing innovation.  I am proud to lead a group that maintains this steadfast dedication even as the industry continues to change.”

Lupe Zepeda, Customer Service Manager at Generali Global Assistance, has been nominated for Back-Office Customer Service Professional of the Year – Financial Services Industries.  During 2017, Generali Global Assistance both rebranded from CSA Travel Protection and launched its new, consumer-facing website, both of which led to specific customer service needs.  Ms. Zepeda continued to fulfill her role as customer service champion in 2017 by leading brand awareness and recognition outreach campaigns that outlined what was new, as well as what was unchanged, for customers and partners.  She also led major initiatives including a Lean transformation for Generali Global Assistance’s Customer Service Department.

Bob Chambers, Vice President of Operations at Generali Global Assistance, commented on today’s news, “I would like to congratulate Ms. Zepeda for her much deserved nomination, and also would like to thank her for her integral role in implementing more efficient processes throughout our Customer Service Department.  We have always been recognized for our dedication to service and are continually looking for ways to improve, and we could not have reached where we are today without Ms. Zepeda.  She exemplifies our mission to exceed the expectations of our business partners and the traveling public through quality customer service.”

Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Sales.

About Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance, formerly Europ Assistance USA, has been a leading provider of travel insurance and other assistance services for more than 25 years.  The Company offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance and emergency services, identity protection solutions, and beneficiary companion services.  Generali Global Assistance is part of the multinational Generali Group, which for over 185 years has created a presence in 60 countries with over 76,000 employees. Our success has been built on the foundation of trust that clients have placed in our ability to provide assistance in the most difficult of circumstances.

Generali Global Assistance offers travel insurance through vacation rental and property management companies, leading travel agencies, online travel agencies, other travel suppliers and directly to consumers. For more information on Generali Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: www.generalitravelinsurance.com .

Media Contact
Jesse Tron
M Group Strategic Communications (for Generali Global Assistance North America)
+1 212 266 0192
jtron@mgroupsc.com

www.generalitravelinsurance.com/press
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/GeneraliTravel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/generalitravelinsurance/
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/generalitravel/

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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Caribbean Travel Guide: Common Mishaps that Call for Trip Insurance, Plus the Region’s Top Resort Destinations

For your clients who are wanting to relieve the winter cold with a dose of sunshine—whether they’re simply relaxation-seekers wanting to enjoy a laid-back beach retreat or adventure-seekers who enjoy water-based sports like scuba diving—there seems to be something for everyone in the Caribbean. A favored vacation region, the Caribbean includes 25 countries and hundreds of resorts that are a short flight from the East Coast United States.

Caribbean travelers are frequently choosing to stay at resorts for overall comfort and convenience, as many are all-inclusive without compromising luxury—and smaller, private resort beaches tend to be less crowded than other island beaches. As you book trips to the Caribbean this season, don’t forget to remind your clients why travel insurance can be a valuable add-on to their vacation package. Plus, check out our list of four Caribbean countries with some of the best beach resorts.

Why Travel Insurance for a Caribbean Beach Vacation?

Here are a few common mishaps that your clients might experience during a Caribbean vacation and the ways a CSA-Generali Global Assistance travel insurance plan can help:

  • Hurricanes and natural disasters.

    Travel insurance is especially important when traveling during hurricane season, as your clients may encounter travel disruptions. Although many Caribbean destinations go years unscathed by hurricanes, there are always risks involved with natural disasters—particularly if they’re heading to an island located in the hurricane belt. Travel insurance can help your clients recoup their trip investment if they have to cancel or interrupt their plans due to a mandatory hurricane evacuation or a flight delay or cancellation due to bad weather. They can also be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses, such as meals and overnight lodging while delayed.

  • Petty crime.

    Research shows that popular destinations such as Jamaica and the Bahamas experience more criminal activity—mostly petty crime— than other islands in the region. CSA-Generali Global Assistance plans include Baggage Coverage to help protect your belongings from theft, loss or damage. Coverage for cancellations and interruptions due to a theft of passports or visas is also included.

  • Health hazards.

    Most medical plans don’t cover international medical expenses—so if your clients’ Caribbean vacation is taking them outside the US, they may want to consider purchasing a travel insurance plan with Medical and Dental Coverage. Such coverage may be of particular interest to those planning active vacations but could also come in handy for any traveler worried about getting sick or injured while traveling (IE: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking tap water in the Caribbean could be hazardous).

Best Caribbean Beach Resorts: Jamaica, Bahamas and Beyond

Turks and Caicos Resorts

With miles of white sandy beaches and pink coral reef, Providenciales, called Provo by locals, is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos—and most resorts here are family friendly. There’s also country-wide policy to keep mass development at a minimum, so your clients won’t have to worry about over development. And here’s a fun fact: although Turks and Caicos is under British-rule, it uses the American dollar.

When to Go: (December – May) Like other Caribbean beach resort destinations, Turks and Caicos’ busy season is from December to March as most activities are available then. Your clients will avoid larger crowds in April and May, right before rainy hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Jamaica Resorts

If you’re working with active travelers, they may find that Jamaica has a lot to offer. From water-based activities like scuba diving to land-based mountain hiking—there’s plenty to do. And if your clients need to squeeze in some R&R, there’s a wide variety of spa services and beach lounging opportunities.

When to Go: (November – March) Early season, from November to mid-December, is recommended as weather is best—but January through March is considered peak booking season. Hurricane season lasts all summer into early autumn.

Bahamas Resorts

The Bahamas has a wide reach. With 700 islands, 23 inhabited, there’s everything from pink sandy beaches, historic landmarks, busy cities to exclusive golf courses.

When to Go: (December – April) Like most Caribbean destinations, rainy season starts in May and peak hurricane season is from June to late November.

Dominican Republic Resorts

The Dominican Republic is the most visited island in the Caribbean; it’s also one of the region’s most geographically diverse countries with beaches, colonial architecture, mountainous terrain and even desert scrublands.

When to Go: (December – May) Peak season is December through March, but April and May are best for those wanting to avoid major crowds. Keep in mind, the Atlantic Ocean’s hurricane season lasts from June to November.

Introduce these popular destination and reasons for purchasing CSA-Generali Global Assistance travel insurance to your next Caribbean-bound clients and give them a sunny trip to look forward to complete with the peace of mind they deserve. We appreciate the continued opportunity to serve your customers while boosting your business with competitive commissions on each plan sold. To learn more about how to increase CSA-Generali Global Assistance plan sales at your agency, 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.

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