As a record 72.2 million people gear up to hit the road or take to the skies for this year’s Independence Day vacation period, travel chaos could be just around the corner. From long airport lines to unpredictable weather, this holiday weekend promises to be one of the summer’s busiest, and travel hiccups are more than likely.
To help travelers prepare, leading travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth has identified three common disruptions people may encounter during the Fourth of July rush and explains how having the right travel insurance plan can make all the difference.
1. Flight Delays and Cancellations
With more than 18.5 million Americans expected to fly over the holiday, it’s no surprise that delays and cancellations are top concerns. In fact, Squaremouth reports a 55 percent increase in travelers searching for delay-related coverage.
If your flight is significantly delayed, most travel insurance plans will reimburse you for meals, hotel stays and other out-of-pocket expenses under the Travel Delay benefit. And if the delay causes you to cancel your trip altogether, Trip Cancellation coverage can refund your prepaid, non-refundable expenses.
“Look for a plan that covers delays of three hours or more and applies to any common carrier,” Squaremouth advises.
2. Severe Weather and Hurricanes
Whether you’re headed to the coast or passing through the Northeast’s busy airspace, summer storms could derail your travel plans. Concerns about weather are growing, with Squaremouth reporting that user searches for Hurricane & Weather coverage are up 58 percent year-over-year.
Most travel insurance plans offer protection if your trip is impacted by severe weather — but specific conditions need to be met. Coverage may apply if:
Your flight is delayed due to a storm (usually between 6–48 hours)A hurricane warning is issued for your destinationA mandatory evacuation order is issued at your destinationYour home or travel destination becomes uninhabitable
In such cases, you could be reimbursed for your non-refundable trip expenses.
3. Traffic Accidents and Road Delays
With many travelers opting for drive-to destinations closer to home this holiday weekend, it’s likewise a smart move to have travel insurance in place in case any unexpected detours or disruptions come up along the road.
Most travel insurance plans won’t cover typical traffic jams, but there’s an important exception: if you’re in a car accident on your way to your trip, you could be eligible for coverage. In these cases, many policies will reimburse you for missed portions of your trip and any extra transportation costs needed to get back on track, as long as you can provide documentation showing the accident directly caused the delay.
Plan Ahead for a Smoother Trip
While travel disruptions aren’t guaranteed, they’re certainly more likely during peak holiday weekends. A little preparation, including choosing the right insurance policy, can help you avoid a summer getaway turning into a logistical nightmare.
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