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Martin Lewis: Holidaymakers should always follow this crucial advice when seeking refunds
Martin Lewis has shared a vital piece of advice for Britons currently seeking various refunds from travel firms that many people often miss. Appearing on ITV‘s This Morning the financial journalist explained that holidaymakers need to explain what type of reimbursement they believe is acceptable.
Though speaking specifically to a customer about her unused travel insurance policy due to her holiday being cancelled, this top tip can be applied to other holiday cancellations too.
He explained: “Whenever people make complaints, I always get this, people come to me and say, ‘They have offered me this – it’s not fair’.
“When you make a complaint one of the first things to work out is what you want and tell the company what it is you want.
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Martin explained that travel insurance starts working as soon as it is purchased, and will provide cover in the case that an airline cancels but will not pay out for flights.
However, he did note that a huge portion of the payment covers the time spent abroad.
He added that given the unprecedented nature of the coronavirus pandemic, “no one can actually adjudicate this unless you were to make a formal complaint and take it to the ombudsman”.
Given that involving the ombudsman would incur a further expense for the travel firm, Martin suggested writing a formal complaint to the company and suggesting exactly how much of a refund feels adequate for the individual situation.
“Go ask them and say if not then you’d like the ombudsman to adjudicate which is a process that you’d then have to go through, but it is free.
“It’s expensive for them, it is probably better for them to give you three quarters and that seems a fair balance on it,” he said.
Martin added: “Hard and fast rules on this, there aren’t I’m afraid.”
Speaking on the Martin Lewis Money Show last week, the financial pro offered another nugget of information for those looking to avoid losses on travel insurance policies.
If a holiday has been moved to a new date, rather than being cancelled and refunded, Martin suggests transferring the policy to the new dates.
He explained: “You can’t definitely transfer it to the new date, but many insurers do allow you and it’s a lot better than paying out for a cancellation.
“Absolutely get in touch. Assuming it’s a single-use policy, get in touch with them and say, ‘Can I move the date?’
“In most cases, I am hearing they are saying yes. They don’t have to but many are so that would be the first thing to try.”
Published at Mon, 06 Jul 2020 11:56:00 +0000
