Loud promise to pay out for ash cloud claims quietly changed

AA Travel Insurance has reneged on a promise to cover volcanic ash cloud claims because its underwriters changed their mind, the Guardian reports.

The AA said: "Given the exceptional circumstances, and as a gesture of goodwill, AA Travel Insurance extended cover during the main period of the volcanic ash incident to consider claims arising from it, even though it was not actually covered under the terms and conditions of the policy.

“When we extended cover, this was in contrast to the majority of insurers who declined to consider claims from the outset."

Exclusion

"As the incident drew to a close, it became evident that the legal requirement on the airlines to consider claims was being upheld, so the AA reverted back to its normal terms and conditions, ie treating it as an exclusion."

It said it sees this as a "very complicated situation" and will still consider claims from customers who had inquired before the cover was withdrawn.

Nobody from the AA responded to enquiries this morning.

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