Page 8 - AAA Now! – AAA Northway – Winter 2021

Pandemic Prompts More Americans to Consider Travel Insurance
AAA Travel survey finds 31% of travelers are more likely to purchase travel insurance due to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Americans’ travel plans. How they plan — and protect — those trips also has changed. According to a recent AAA Travel survey, more than half (55%) of American adults are planning a vacation of at least one overnight stay before the end of next year and those travelers are increasingly turning to travel insurance to protect their vacation investments.
One-third (31%) of U.S. travelers say they are more likely to purchase travel insurance for their trips planned between now and the end of 2022, specifically because of the pandemic.
“Travel insurance is relatively inexpensive for the large amount of peace of mind it affords, and that’s more valuable than ever in light of the pandemic,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA
Travel. “Americans have seen how important travel insurance is to protect their vacation investment and are prioritizing this purchase at the start, now more than ever.”
The ability to cancel a trip and get a refund is by far the most frequently cited benefit of travel insurance, with 69% of travelers saying this is most important
to them when considering travel insurance for an upcoming trip. AAA advises these travelers to look into travel insurance policies that include a “cancel
at any time” component, which could offer more flexibility and protection in the event a traveler needs to cancel their trip.
While travel insurance policies have historically not covered epidemics or pandemics, in response to shifting consumer expectations, some providers have started to introduce plans that cover some losses because of COVID-19 or other epidemic diseases. AAA recommends travelers consult the expertise of a knowledgeable travel agent to help plan their trips and evaluate the various travel insurance options available on the market.
Recent AAA Travel bookings have increased 11% above 2019 levels and interest in travel insurance has increased in turn. AAA’s travel insurance sales have increased more than double digits year-over-year
as members return to travel and see the value of protecting that investment. Choosing the right policy is important and increasingly travelers want policies that protect against common covered reasons for trip cancellations and interruptions, as well as other travel- related incidents including change fees, delays or lost/ damaged luggage, to name a few.
Also, it’s important to note that some international destinations may require visitors to carry travel insurance, to help cover any unexpected medical costs
that may be incurred while visiting. A knowledgeable travel agent can help travelers navigate these and other evolving travel requirements.
The AAA Travel survey also found that six in 10 Americans (60%) see the benefit of working with a travel agent to plan their upcoming trips. Travelers’ top benefits of working with a travel advisor reflect the important role they play in today’s more complex travel environment, including:
• To save time when researching or planning a vacation (40%)
• For help with complicated new travel restrictions/requirements (34%)
• To find the best deals (33%)
“Travel insurance options vary greatly, but a
knowledgeable travel agent can help you navigate through those complexities,” said Twidale. “A trusted travel advisor serves as your advocate before and during your trip. Partnering with a travel advisor to review your travel insurance options offers another level of protection, so you can focus on making lifelong vacation memories.”
AAA Travel agents are available to help members evaluate travel insurance offerings and plan their vacations, when they are ready. For more information and to get started, visit AAA.com/Travel.
Ranked #1 AAA Club Owned Repair Facility in the nation in TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION...THANKS TO OUR MEMBERS
Request an appointment
518-831-1861
ALL SERVICES PERFORMED AT AAA’S CAR CARE CENTER 36-Point Visual Vehicle Safety
Inspection
• Four-wheel tire rotation
• Top off of all fluids under the hood
• Vehicle battery test print out
(voltage & cold cranking amps)
• Tire tread depth measurement & pressure test
• Check of all vehicle filters, wipers and bulbs
• Check brake pads, calipers & rotors
• Check suspension and joints
• Check of all drive belts & hoses for
cracks, wear & proper tension.
Free Wi-Fi & Internet Cafe Large Screen, Cable TV Saturday Hours
1647 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-831-1861 | AAA.com/CarCare
Spacious, Clean Waiting Area Complimentary Keurig® Coffee Bar & Bottled Water Fridge
8
WINTER 2021
include a
AAA members receive a
10% DISCOUNT
on labor & a
24 MONTH/24,000 MILE
GUARANTEE
on all repairs.