Holiday bookings - beware!

[Dave Taylor]

A word of warning to anyone booking a holiday for a group.

I booked a trip to the Red Sea for seven members of my branch two years ago. One of the party sufferred an injury on the trip and subsequently submitted an insurance claim (which is still ongoing). I tried to book another holiday with the same operator this year. The booking was accepted over the phone and I expected to receive the confirmation in the post. However, two days later I got a note that said simply: We cannot confirm the reservation and are not able to extend our services to you. After a couple of phone calls, I was told that because the compensation claim is still outstanding and as I'd made the original booking, the company's insurers would not allow them to accept my business. I have been effectively 'blacklisted' and I haven't done anything (the girl who made the claim has since married and changed her name, and would therfore be able to book with the company without any problems).

My advice is therefore simply not to book group holidays. Any views? Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Regards
Dave

[Keith L]

A word of warning to anyone booking a holiday for a group.

Sounds a bit harsh to me personally Dave - "if anybody in your party dares to have an accident then don't come back!". It is their product to sell as they wish, they don't HAVE to supply you with a holiday. But maybe you should name the company?

Keith L

[David Dixon]

A word of warning to anyone booking a holiday for a group.

I booked a trip to the Red Sea for seven members of my branch two years ago. One of the party sufferred an injury on the trip and subsequently submitted an insurance claim (which is still ongoing). I tried to book another holiday with the same operator this year. The booking was accepted over the phone and I expected to receive the confirmation in the post. However, two days later I got a note that said simply: We cannot confirm the reservation and are not able to extend our services to you. After a couple of phone calls, I was told that because the compensation claim is still outstanding and as I'd made the original booking, the company's insurers would not allow them to accept my business. I have been effectively 'blacklisted' and I haven't done anything (the girl who made the claim has since married and changed her name, and would therfore be able to book with the company without any problems).

My advice is therefore simply not to book group holidays. Any views? Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Regards
Dave

I agree with Keith, this sounds rather tough, unless there is some evidence of negligence or culpability on your part. A complex PI claim may take sometime to settle though and I assume it was against the travel company/tour operator and not made on your friend's personal insurance. I would be interested in hearing more details from you please, especially the name of the travel company. Thanks- David Dixon, BSAC Travel Club CO-ordiantor.

[Bill Bird]

This seems well out of order! However, if it's the insurers who are putting the blocks on, why don't you shop around for some other insurance, and tell the agency that you'll arrange your own cover! Perhaps you should refer the company to the appropriate Ombudsman and/or travel company to ABTA. Let us know how you get on!

:=A word of warning to anyone booking a holiday for a group.
:=
:=I booked a trip to the Red Sea for seven members of my branch two years ago. One of the party sufferred an injury on the trip and subsequently submitted an insurance claim (which is still ongoing). I tried to book another holiday with the same operator this year. The booking was accepted over the phone and I expected to receive the confirmation in the post. However, two days later I got a note that said simply: We cannot confirm the reservation and are not able to extend our services to you. After a couple of phone calls, I was told that because the compensation claim is still outstanding and as I'd made the original booking, the company's insurers would not allow them to accept my business. I have been effectively 'blacklisted' and I haven't done anything (the girl who made the claim has since married and changed her name, and would therfore be able to book with the company without any problems).
:=
:=My advice is therefore simply not to book group holidays. Any views? Has anyone else had a similar experience?
:=
:=Regards
:=Dave

I agree with Keith, this sounds rather tough, unless there is some evidence of negligence or culpability on your part. A complex PI claim may take sometime to settle though and I assume it was against the travel company/tour operator and not made on your friend's personal insurance. I would be interested in hearing more details from you please, especially the name of the travel company. Thanks- David Dixon, BSAC Travel Club CO-ordiantor.

[Dave Taylor]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, it is well out of order. There were a few serious gripes with the way the dive centre handled the situation, which I don't want to go into here. On the question of fault or blame, the dive centre (believed to be owned by the operator) were potentially at fault due to what we considered to be inadequate equipment on the boat.

Since you asked the operator was Explorer Tours. (Good prices, but not so hot on the service)

I've been led to believe that this policy is down to the company's insurers... but who knows.

[Dave]

A word of warning to anyone booking a holiday for a group.

I booked a trip to the Red Sea for seven members of my branch two years ago. One of the party sufferred an injury on the trip and subsequently submitted an insurance claim (which is still ongoing). I tried to book another holiday with the same operator this year. The booking was accepted over the phone and I expected to receive the confirmation in the post. However, two days later I got a note that said simply: We cannot confirm the reservation and are not able to extend our services to you. After a couple of phone calls, I was told that because the compensation claim is still outstanding and as I'd made the original booking, the company's insurers would not allow them to accept my business. I have been effectively 'blacklisted' and I haven't done anything (the girl who made the claim has since married and changed her name, and would therfore be able to book with the company without any problems).

My advice is therefore simply not to book group holidays. Any views? Has anyone else had a similar experience?

They are not allowed to force you to use their insurance. If the insurance is the issue, book the holiday with them and the insurance elsewhere. The insurance will probably be cheaper that way too

Dave

[Dave Taylor]

Just to clear the insurance matter up: the insurance I referred to is the policy of the operator to protect themselves from compensation claims, not individual travel cover.

They were'nt trying to force me to use their cover - they simply refused to accept any business from me.

[Dave]

Just to clear the insurance matter up: the insurance I referred to is the policy of the operator to protect themselves from compensation claims, not individual travel cover.

They were'nt trying to force me to use their cover - they simply refused to accept any business from me.

How mean of them. I suppose they are entitled to do so if they desire.
Dave

[Dave Covey]

:=Just to clear the insurance matter up: the insurance I referred to is the policy of the operator to protect themselves from compensation claims, not individual travel cover.
:=
:=They were'nt trying to force me to use their cover - they simply refused to accept any business from me.

How mean of them. I suppose they are entitled to do so if they desire.
Dave

Hi From the Far East,

Re Insurance, I find the Divers Alert Network offer adequate coverage (inc Recompression treatment and repatriation) and will include non diving accidents for a little extra. My Non Diving Spouse is also covered for accidents/illness.

Re Shoddy treatment, I live on Koh Samui and spend some of my time looking after UK Divers (Mainly Ex Forces). Clubs thinking of visiting Thailand are welcome to contact me.