Access America Travel Insurance Claims From Ash Cloud Could Rival 9/11 Payout
Company says thousands of customers impacted
Access America, the U.S. travel insurance brand of global travel assistance company Mondial Assistance, announced today that it is already processing insurance claims from customers affected by the closure of European airspace due to the volcanic ash cloud. The company says thousands of customers have been impacted and claims could easily reach seven figures. Total exposure will not be known for some time due to the fact that the ash cloud continues to wreak havoc on global air travel. Mondial Assistance, through its travel insurance brand, Access America, provides insurance for millions of travelers through its partnerships with major airlines, as well as traditional and online travel agents.
“A-“ (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 or 52.401, or Jefferson Insurance Company, rated “A”
Call volumes at Mondial Assistance’s headquarters in Richmond, Va., have been up as much as 30% since travel was suspended in Europe last week. Many of the company’s operations associates are working overtime to accommodate increased call volumes. To receive coverage for this event, policies must have been purchased prior to the volcano eruption becoming a “known event” on April 15, 2010.
“Not since 9/11 have we seen such widespread disruption of air travel,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications for Mondial Assistance. “There are a lot of travelers right now who are very thankful that they purchased travel insurance for their trips. They may be the only ones who get any reimbursement for their lost trips or extra hotel and food expenses.”
Most Access America travel insurance plans provide coverage for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption. Both benefits are being triggered by the “complete cessation of services” by the airlines. Customers with Travel Delay benefits will also be able to file claims for additional food and lodging costs incurred as a result of the ash-cloud-related delays.
Due to the high volume of claims that are expected, the company is recommending customers file their claims online at www.accessamerica.com. “This is the fastest way to file with us, plus you can check on the status of your claim without having to pick up the phone,” says Durazo. “These folks have been waiting a long time already. We’re working very hard to make sure they don’t have to wait long for their claims to be processed.”
About Mondial Assistance
Mondial Assistance, part of the Allianz group of companies, is a global leader in specialty insurance and emergency assistance services. In the United States, Mondial Assistance is a brand name of World Access Service Corp., which is best known for its Access America
