Report criticises price differences and aggressive sales techniques
Yet another newspaper report has accused travel agents of ripping off holidaymakers when they buy insurance.
Research by the data analysis firm Defaqto states that some sellers are charging six times as much as others for the same cover. And, the Daily Express goes on to state, some 80% of travellers buy their insurance through their travel agent when booking a trip, even though there are better and cheaper policies available elsewhere.
The research highlights the case of two high street agents who charged £166 and £147 respectively for cover for a family of four travelling to Europe; it was available for just £27.85 elsewhere. It also is critical of agents’ selling techniques – especially those who refuse to confirm bookings until insurance has been purchased.
While the Consumers’ Association has called for agents to be included in Government plans to regulate the insurance industry, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) defended them. A spokesman reportedly told the newspaper: “If people feel insurance is over-priced they can go elsewhere. People know they could get a better deal.”
