AA Travel Insurance Urge Customers To Look Beyond The Star Rating

Promotional star ratings used by travel insurance companies to sell their brand were called into question, after a Guardian article revealed that extra stars don't necessarily equal better cover.

The article focused on the five star Defaqto-rated annual worldwide travel insurance offered by NatWest to its Advantage Private account customers. Despite the insurance policy's £160 price tag it fails to cover scheduled airline failure; something that Mr Seager found to his cost when the collapse of Zoom Airlines left him and his family stranded in Canada last year.

Mr Seager's subsequent appeal for compensation to the Financial Ombudsman proved futile. In a blow to the Defaqto rating system, ombudsman Reidy Flynn described the term 'five star' as having "no specific meaning" and essentially being nothing more than "puff". She found in favour of NatWest, saying that the complainant should have referred to the policy's small print rather than relying on promotional material.

While Mr Seager's position is unfortunate, it certainly isn't uncommon. According to a spokesperson from AA Travel Insurance, the majority of travel insurance policies omit to cover airlines failure.

"AA Travel Insurance is one of the few providers offering airline failure cover as standard, but many policies do not. If you're purchasing travel insurance, it's crucial not to be misled by promotional claims. Always read the fine print before committing, and consider investing in cover from a specialist provider rather than relying on a standardised policy included as part of another financial product."
In addition to full financial failure holiday protection, AA customers can benefit from instant response emergency medical assistance, medical expense cover of up to £10,000,000 and cancellation cover of up to £5,000. With discount insurance for couples and families and a 'kids go free' offer, AA Travel Insurance offer peace of mind at prices you'll love.

About AA Travel Insurance
At AA Travel Insurance our goal is make sure that you get a good deal on travel insurance, so that whether you are travelling for business or pleasure you will always be covered.

Visit us online today for a range of travel insurance option including single trip insurance.
Our secure website allows you to quickly and easily order your travel cover.

AA Travel Insurance is a division of Drakefield Insurance Services Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. (Firm Registration No. 312317). Drakefield Insurance Services Limited is part of The AA.

AA Travel Insurance is a division of Drakefield Insurance Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Drakefield Insurance Services Limited is part of The AA.

For more information please visit www.aatravelinsurance.com.