24 June 2005 DIY travellers need to check insurance
The Trading Standards Agency is urging travellers who have organised their own trips to check their travel insurance before they go overseas.
According to the Agency, people who buy package holidays are normally covered if something goes wrong on their holiday and can receive refunds, but those creating 'DIY holidays', buying flights or accommodation individually, are not protected in the same way.
The Daily Telegraph reports that many holidaymakers are unaware that their travel insurance may be insufficient.
With 23 million out of the 64 million people who went overseas last year doing so with a DIY holiday, it is clearly an important issue.
The growth of DIY travel has been sparked by the internet, but the law has failed to keep up to pace with the rapidly evolving industry.
Bruce Treloar, the author of the Trading Standards Institute report, said: "Existing legislation protecting consumers is ineffective and outdated as it does not take into account this new trend."
Mr Treloar added: "Many people assume they will be covered in the event of insolvency, either by the holiday provider, airline, their credit company or through their travel insurance. Often, however, this is just not the case."
© DeHavilland Information Servic
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