Trip Insurance

[bom_noite]

Does anyone have any recommendations or insight in to Trip Insurance for DVC? I read on another site that the WDW Insurance offerering was not recommended.

Also, when I insure should I insure for the rack rate of the room?

We are going in September this year and have many folks flying in - I am just worried about the affects of a huricane on the vacation.

THanks.

 

[M&C]

I called the trip insurance company today. I was surprised how reasonable the price was. The cost is based on the amount of the reservation. They have 3 tiers: accommodations only, air add-on (straight $30 per person) and medical insurance (if you need it). Here's info from the website:
TRAVEL GUARD® International has designed a travel insurance package for Disney Vacation Club Members. For more information, call (800) 826-3899.

 

[DebbieB]

But the reimbursement on the DVC insurance is only $5 per point.

 

[JimMIA]

I think trip insurance works a lot better for folks renting ressies from DVC owners than for us. The $5 per point coverage is the reason. However, I have to say that I have not used the insurance with DVC, and I haven't read the dreaded fine print, so I don't know if it is possible to collect the $5 and still keep your points or if that only applies when you completely lose the points. You'd really have to look at the fine print to see exactly what the coverage is to know whether it's a good deal or not. I think we all assume the $5 reimbursement is a deal-killer, but if you can collect and still keep your points, it might not be.

For renters, Travel Guard is a great option as long as it is clear that the reservation is non-cancelable, non-refundable. In fact, I think the combination of "all-sales-final" and Travel Guard is the best protection a renter can get. If I were renting, I'd rather have that than an owner who told me "We'll work it out if you have a problem."

I've used Travel Guard on several occasions for non-DVC trips and have had to file claims twice. They were very prompt and very professional to work with. Good company.

One of the things to remember about trip insurance, however, is that most companies require you to buy the insurance within a short time of making your ressies -- you can't wait until there is an issue and then rush to buy the insurance.

 

[bom_noite]

The reason I am looking in to this is because I am afraid a Cane will come storming through and we will be stuck in our rooms for 2 days. Or, the flights are delayed at the beginning of the trip. Will the insurance cover this?

I am using frequent flier miles - which have no value - but can be adjusted with a phone call.

 

[JimMIA]

The reason I am looking in to this is because I am afraid a Cane will come storming through and we will be stuck in our rooms for 2 days. Or, the flights are delayed at the beginning of the trip. Will the insurance cover this?

I am using frequent flier miles - which have no value - but can be adjusted with a phone call.

Getting stuck in the room -- I don't think so. You'll be using your points -- maybe not the way you hoped, but using them nonetheless. You should check with Travel Guard to be sure.

On the bright side, we held an informal vote here in the Sunshine State the other day and unanimously decided not to host any hurricanes this year. We've had enough the last two years, so we're going to let other areas of the country enjoy them for a decade or two.

Flight delays -- yes, you'll be covered. Again, check with the company to be sure exactly how they handle that.

With DVC, the difficulty with flight delays is if you don't check in the day you are scheduled to arrive, the reservation is used up and all the points are gone. So if you find yourself in that situation, be sure and call both MS and the resort to let them know you are still coming, just delayed. They should work with you. The absolute worst-case sceanario is to arrive and find that you have a) lost all the points, and b) have no place to stay! So be sure to call them.

 

[bom_noite]

I know you guys have been hammered - but - believe it or not here in Atlanta we get the after affects of those 'Canes that decide to come up the Gulf! So - I will vote Yes on the no Hurricane ticket!

Actually, my family and I are driving down - then - am bringing down another crew on a flight from Ohio. I am not so concerned about us - but - those that will be coming down from the Buckeye state. We have planned this for 2 years - so - it would be terrible if it was interrupted.

 

[DebbieB]

I think trip insurance works a lot better for folks renting ressies from DVC owners than for us. The $5 per point coverage is the reason. However, I have to say that I have not used the insurance with DVC, and I haven't read the dreaded fine print, so I don't know if it is possible to collect the $5 and still keep your points or if that only applies when you completely lose the points. You'd really have to look at the fine print to see exactly what the coverage is to know whether it's a good deal or not. I think we all assume the $5 reimbursement is a deal-killer, but if you can collect and still keep your points, it might not be.

I don't believe you keep the points. You can rent distressed points for more than $5 minus the premium (it really comes closer to $4.50 when you count the premium cost).

The reason I am looking in to this is because I am afraid a Cane will come storming through and we will be stuck in our rooms for 2 days. Or, the flights are delayed at the beginning of the trip. Will the insurance cover this?

Being stuck in your room is not covered, I don't think flight delays are either unless it is over 24 hours. Be sure to read the fine print first. It's mainly for medical emergencies.

 

[byoung]

We don't do the insurance bit.

 

[RedFamilyLuvDisney]

On the bright side, we held an informal vote here in the Sunshine State the other day and unanimously decided not to host any hurricanes this year. We've had enough the last two years, so we're going to let other areas of the country enjoy them for a decade or two.

 

[fishermouse]

My father-inlaw is mid 80's and not in the best of health, so we get the insurance just in case there is a medical emergency. It covers immidiate family emergencies. Not sure about weather, does the park have to close or take a direct hit. WDW normally does not get it bad, may get rain and wind enough to make it miserable, but not enough to qualify for insurance. Recent exceptions aside WDW has historically done quite well during Hurrican seasons, I believe 04 was the first time they closed the parks.