VRMA

Majority of Travelers Have Experienced Winter Delays

Learn more about partnering with CSA

A majority of travelers have direct experience of winter weather throwing a wrench in their travel plans, which sets them up as ideal candidates for purchasing travel insurance. 56 percent of travelers reported experiencing a trip delay or cancellation due to inclement winter weather, according to “Winter Travel Fast Facts” released by TripAdvisor.

When offering travel insurance to clients we suggest using anecdotes to express what could happen to disrupt a trip and how a CSA Travel Protection plan can help in those situations. But, with a majority of winter travelers having experienced a delay or cancellation of their trip first-hand, they’re probably already well aware of the potential impact of unexpected winter weather on their vacation.

What could happen?

Winter is flu and cold season: Guests or their family members could become sick or injured and they could be unable to make the trip or must return home early.

Adverse Weather: A guest’s flight is canceled or roads are closed due to adverse weather such as a snowstorm.
See more real-life scenarios

How can a Guest Protect plan help?

Trip Cancellation coverage can provide reimbursement for unused, non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs if guests are prevented from taking their trip due to a covered reason.

Trip Interruption coverage can provide reimbursement for unused, non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs if a trip is interrupted due to a covered event. Also provides reimbursement for the additional transportation cost to return home or rejoin a group.

Travel Delay coverage can provide reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred such as accommodations, meals and local transportation if travelers are delayed 12 hours or more during their trip due to a covered reason.
See more plan coverages

 

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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Why Travel Insurance is Important for the Holiday Season

Learn more about partnering with CSA

If your guests haven’t already booked their holiday trips, they will be soon. The bustle around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year make it one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Inclement winter weather and the increase in flight delays and cancellations around the holidays can create real travel headaches for your guests.

According to AAA, 2015 was the busiest Thanksgiving travel season since 2007 and the number of year-end holiday travelers topped 100 million for the first time. There’s no sign that that momentum will let up this year. Your guests might rest easier during this busy travel time if they have a Guest Protect travel insurance plan backing them up.

Here are some reasons to offer a CSA plan to your guests when they’re booking their holiday travel:

More Flight Delays and Cancellations

Over the 2015 Winter Holiday travel period 26% of flights were delayed and 2% were canceled, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. That’s about 50% more delays and cancellations than usual! A travel insurance plan with coverage for Travel Delay and Trip Interruption can really help travelers during the holidays.

Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter, with serious infection starting to spread in October—just in time for holiday travel. CSA’s travel protection plans include a number of coverages and services that could help in case of flu or other sickness.

If an insured or one of their family members or travel companions becomes sick and is unable to travel they could be reimbursed for unused, non-refundable pre-paid trip costs under Trip Cancellation coverage. If an insured traveler picks up a bug from a crowded airport while on vacation they could use the Teladoc† service included with CSA’s Guest Protect plan to connect instantly with a network of physicians for information, advice, and treatment, including prescription medication when appropriate. Or, if they need to see a doctor, Medical and Dental coverage is included with the plan.

Winter Weather

56% of travelers have reported experiencing a trip delay or cancellation due to inclement winter weather, according to TripAdvisor. Storms wreak havoc on travel plans, from flight delays to road closures.

When offering travel insurance to clients we suggest using anecdotes to express what could happen to disrupt a trip and how a Guest Protect plan can help in those situations. With a majority of winter travelers having experienced a delay or cancellation of their trip first-hand, they’re probably already well aware of the potential impact of unexpected winter weather on their vacation. You just need to remind them and let them know how travel insurance can help.

Identity Theft

“The hustle and bustle of the holidays creates the perfect environment for thieves bent on stealing your credit cards or other financial information,” said Loretta Worters, vice president, Insurance Information Institute.

Identity theft is something that travelers should be especially wary of, as they’re usually carrying documents, IDs and credit cards in unfamiliar places. Throughout the year, 20% of travelers report that an item with sensitive information has been lost or stolen while on a trip, and chances that a traveler will be pick-pocketed go up when dealing with extra-crowded airports and tourist spots. Also, it’s more likely that busy travelers will connect to unsecured airport WiFi—well-known hotspots for identity theft scammers.

Travelers who buy a Guest Protect plan have access to our Identity Theft Resolution Service* while on vacation and also after their trip, since often times travelers don’t notice the theft until they arrive home. Identity Theft Resolution Service is automatically included for a full 180 days starting on the traveler’s scheduled departure date.

Rental Car Damage and Roadside Assistance

If your client is renting a car or driving their own, keep in mind that the Guest Protect plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage in case the rental car is damaged due to collision, fire, flood, theft, vandalism, windstorm or hail, and 24-Hour Roadside Assistance with services such as towing, battery jump, vehicle extraction, locksmith, flat tire change and fuel delivery.

If you’re a vacation rental manager interested in partnering with CSA to build a valuable and profitable travel insurance program for you and your guests, fill out this contact form or reach out to us at clientservices@csatravelprotection.com or (800) 989-8684.

*ID Theft Resolution does not include assistance for thefts involving non-U.S. bank accounts.

†Teladoc services may not be available in all states, and international services may be limited.

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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Visit CSA at the VRMA National Conference

Visit CSA at the VRMA National Conference

Learn more about partnering with CSA

An Industry Leader

• 1.8 million policies sold in 2015 and looking to exceed 2 million in 2016

• 1,852 active partners offering our insurance

 

We want to help you grow your vacation rental business by partnering with you to offer your guests travel insurance and damage protection plans.

You can earn commission for plans your guests purchase, which can become an additional revenue stream for your business. Travel insurance can also help reinforce your cancellation policy. Plus, when you offer your guests travel insurance and an unexpected mishap occurs during their vacation that is covered under the plan, you can be part of helping to save the day!

Your business is not focused on travel insurance and it shouldn’t be. So, as your partner and premier provider of travel protection solutions for the vacation rental industry, we’ll keep you up-to-date and informed about the travel insurance industry and offer selling tips, marketing solutions and top-notch customer service.

If you’re attending the VRMA 2016 National Conference we’d love to talk to you in person about how we can help your business. Stop by our booth to play our Spin to Win game*, chat about travel insurance and you could walk away with a $50 gift card!

How can we help your business?

  • Additional revenue stream
  • Seamless software integration
  • Sales and training support
  • Increased guest satisfaction
  • Travel insurance marketing materials

If you’re not at the VRMA Conference, you can still learn more about our travel protection plans and see if your business is the right fit for partnering with CSA.

*While supplies last. Limit one round of spins per person.

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.

38% of American Travelers Interested in Staying at a Vacation Rental This Summer

Learn more about partnering with CSA

A majority of Americans are planning a vacation this summer, but did you know that 38% are interested in staying at a vacation rental? Or how many travelers consider issues like the Zika Virus when choosing a destination? Those are just some of the questions answered in a recent survey about summer travel habits, recently released by our 24-Hour Emergency Assistance provider, Generali Global Assistance.

See if these statistics about summer travel plans match what you’re seeing in your business. You may even notice an insightful travel trend you hadn’t seen before!

  • 61% of Americans intend to go on a trip this summer, for one week (39%) or two (26%).
  • The average budget is $1,771. Less than half of Americans consider summer trips to be a category in which they want to cut costs, slightly for 25% or even significantly for 17% of them. However, their intended budget plays a major role in their choice of destination (55%). Opportunities for leisure or cultural activities also play an essential role (52%).

  • 27% of Americans consider health risks to be an essential factor in the choice of destination.

  • When they think of their ideal vacation, they want to get together as a family, with their spouse or with friends (30%), as well as rest and find peace of mind (21%).
  • The seaside (44%) and the city (43%) are the favorite destinations for their summer trips.
  • As far as their practices are concerned, the preferred way for Americans to book accommodations is by computer (77%), mainly for the convenience (37%) and also because they usually book this way (21%).
  • While 55% intend to book a hotel, 35% would choose to stay for free with friends or family, or at their vacation home.
  • They show interest in renting an entire private home (38%) and in renting a room or shared space (20%).
  • 35% of Americans would not completely switch off from work during their vacation. Half of them would spend between 30 min and 2 hours per week on it.

Read more about the survey findings

Learn more about partnering with CSA

Note: Conducted by Ipsos at the request of Generali Global Assistance on a sample of 3,000 Europeans (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Belgian and Austrian), the aim of this reference survey — carried out by telephone and published for the 16th year running — is to offer an annual estimate of the vacation plans of the citizens of the countries in question, in addition to their motivations, destinations and preferred types of trips. The 2016 survey was also carried out in the United States and Brazil with a view to comparing practices (samples of 750 individuals surveyed online in each country).

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 0821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as CSA Travel Protection 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 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.