Travel Guard Urges Travelers to Prepare for Hurricane Season

STEVENS POINT, Wis., June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Forecasters are predicting another active hurricane season in the Atlantic, calling for 16 named storms, including nine hurricanes, five of which are predicted to be a Category 3 or higher.[1]

According to the National Weather Service, the 2013 hurricane season will begin on June 1^st, and Travel Guard (www.TravelGuard.com), a leading provider of travel insurance solutions, offers several tips for planning travel during this time of year.

"As summer travel planning kicks into high gear, we recommend that travelers stay prepared for the many unexpected situations that can arise, including hurricanes and other severe weather," said Scott Ackerman, Senior Vice President, Sales, Travel Guard Americas. "By keeping a few key tips in mind and considering the purchase of travel insurance, travelers can head into hurricane season knowing that their trip investment can be safeguarded in the event of the unexpected."

Don't be fooled by your destination: Superstorm Sandy was a harsh reminder that it's not just the Caribbean and Southeastern U.S. that can feel the devastating effects of a major hurricane. Although a major weather event may only affect one geographic area, flight cancellations and airport closures can easily have ripple effects that disrupt flight schedules and travel plans for thousands of travelers across the country, as well as U.S.-based flights to and arrivals from international destinations.

Safeguard your trip investment: If unforeseen severe weather disrupts your plans, a travel insurance solution with trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage may cover your losses. If a trip is cancelled for a covered reason, travel insurance may refund the prepaid, forfeited, non-refundable trip costs up to the limit of coverage.

Purchase in advance: To avoid a last-minute scramble, travelers should purchase insurance at the same time they book their travel plans. Once a hurricane is named, it's probably too late for your travel insurance's trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage to cover losses due to the storm.

Monitor the status of airports, accommodations and driving routes: Before taking off, travelers should research the destination they plan to visit, check the websites and social media sites of hotels or air carriers to monitor real-time updates and call to ask questions directly to a company representative, if needed. Travelers should also sign up to receive flight status alerts on their mobile devices to stay aware of delays and cancellations.

If a storm directly affects travel arrangements or accommodations, insured travelers may benefit from trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage. For example, if an airport is closed due to high winds; or if mandatory evacuations are enforced at an insured traveler's hotel or resort; or if roads are impassable due to high water and alternate modes of transportation are not possible, these coverages may provide protection. Similarly, if a resort, hotel or vacation home is damaged and cannot be used, or if comparable accommodations cannot be provided, non-refundable costs could be covered.

Prepare for delays: If the airport from which flights are scheduled to depart is closed due to a hurricane or other weather event, travel insurance may cover the expenses incurred because of the delay. Additionally, reasonable accommodations and travel expenses may be covered until travel becomes possible.

Hurricane season runs through November 30, 2013. To keep track of the latest hurricane-related news, visit the National Weather Services' National Hurricane Center.

"Hurricane season is long and can be unpredictable, as we experienced with Hurricane Sandy's arrival at the tail end of 2012's season," added Ackerman. "It's best to be prepared and always consider travel insurance."

For more information about Travel Guard's selection of travel insurance solutions and assistance service plans, travelers can talk to their travel agent, visit www.travelguard.com or call Travel Guard's World Service Center at 1.800.826.1300. Travelers can also "like" Travel Guard at www.Facebook.com/TravelGuard or follow the company on Twitter @TravelGuard to stay abreast of travel trends, news and views.

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard is the marketing name for Travel Guard Worldwide, Inc., and Travel Guard Group, Inc. Travel Guard, an AIG company and worldwide leader in travel insurance solutions and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through a network of assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks.  Travel Guard's global reach, service quality and proven operational capabilities allow travelers to receive best-in-class care.  Travel Guard's suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels. For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguardworldwide.com and www.travelguard.com.

Products or services may not be available in all countries or states, and coverage is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties.  In the United States, the insurance products are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 175 Water Street, New York, NY 10038.  It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445.  

[1] http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/hurricane-season-outlook-april-20130408

Contact: Shannon Semmerling / Lori Whitt
Travel Guard
800.826.7791 ext.13085 / 13970
[email protected]
[email protected]

SOURCE Travel Guard