Travel Agency Insurance Policy Information
Travel Agency Insurance. Travel agents make arrangements for airline or railway transportation, cruises, lodging, vehicle rental, and tours for clients. The agency may limit services to individuals and their families, serve commercial and business clients, or specialize in "event" travel, such as destination weddings, family reunions, mission trips for church groups, or sporting events. Services may be combined into one comprehensive vacation package.
Travel agents may be compensated for their services by the individual or company requesting the travel arrangements, or the travel service provider, either on a commission or on a flat fee basis. The agency may offer a money exchange or sell travel insurance. In some states, travel agents are required to be licensed and bonded.
Everyone needs to get away from it all now and then. Problem is, organizing a relaxing time for your clients could mean a stressful time for you. Holidays are expensive and if things don't go according to plan, your clients won't hesitate to point the finger at you. While years of training and experience can take the travel professional far, some things, like the weather and airlines, are uncontrollable.
Similarly, no travel agent is immune to mistakes that can occur doing business with countless travelers. Scheduled airlines, hotels and tour operators can fail to meet the high expectations of clients who may have been planning their trips for months. The threat of global terrorism is part of everyday life and natural disasters can strike sporadically. For this reason, travel agency insurance is a necessity.
Travel agency insurance protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as $27/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked travel agent insurance questions:
- What Is Travel Agency Insurance?
- How Much Does Travel Agency Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Travel Agents Need Business Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Travel Agents Need?
What Is Travel Agency Insurance?
Travel agency insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial protection for travel agencies against potential losses due to various events such as natural disasters, theft, accidents, cancellations, and lawsuits.
It is specifically designed for businesses in the travel industry to help them manage the inherent risks associated with offering travel services, such as booking and selling tickets, arranging transportation and accommodations, and planning itineraries.
The coverage may include protection for business interruption, liability, property damage, and errors and omissions, among others.
How Much Does Travel Agency Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small travel agencies ranges from $27 to $39 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Travel Agents Need Business Insurance?
Following are some of the key exposures that travel agency insurance covers:
- Carelessness in collection of payment for transportation and accommodations from customer.
- Failure to advise on visa or country entry requirements.
- Failure to book transportation and hotel reservations as agreed.
- Failure to examine carrier operating rules, employee qualification guidelines, or carrier training and testing programs for compliance with regulations or safety standards.
What Type Of Insurance Do Travel Agents Need?
Uninsured catastrophic losses can threaten the very existence of the agency you have worked so hard to create. Although there are many types of insurance available, there are a number of travel agency insurance coverages that every agency should purchase:
Professional Liability Insurance: Also know as errors and omissions insurance (E&O). As a travel agent, you could face malpractice lawsuits about the travel services you provide if doesn't meet the promised results. Your customers could also sue you over:
- A travel experience different than what you advertised.
- Mistakes you made with someone's travel.
- Wrong bookings.
- Accommodations that were unsatisfactory.
- Negligence in professional responsibilities.
This travel agency insurance provides coverage for the costs of legal fees, judgments or settlements, and for lost wages. It is the surest way of protecting your good name.
General Liability Insurance: GLI for your travel agency is like liability insurance for your car. In case you have a wreck, vehicle liability insurance only pays for the other guy's damages but not for yours. Similarly, commercial general liability for your agency covers third party injuries and property damage - but not anything you suffered. GLI covers things like product liability or when someone slips and falls in your premises and sues you.
Business Auto Insurance: A commercial auto policy provides coverage for autos owned by your agency. The insurance pays any costs to third parties resulting from bodily injury or property damage for which your agency is legally liable, up to the policy limits. Depending on what kind of coverage you buy, the insurance will pay to replace or repair the vehicle because of damage resulting from accidents, theft, flooding or any other event.
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance: With the increasing emphasis on accountability in today's business world, company board members are under growing scrutiny from regulators, investors and shareholder groups to comply with regulatory and corporate governance standards. This Insurance provides your Executives with protection from financial loss and personal financial loss from wrongful acts conducted in their capacity as corporate officers.
Travel Agencies' Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposures may be minimal if most operations are conducted on premises and most of the client contact is electronic or by mail. If clients visit the premises, they must be kept in customer waiting areas and designated conference areas. All areas must be well maintained with floor covering in good condition. Exits must be sufficient in number, be well marked, and have backup lighting in case of power failure.
Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. Hazards are greatly increased if agents act as guides or conduct tours. They must be aware of travel restrictions and advisories. Taking a group of tourists into a climate of civil, social, political, or environmental unrest can have serious consequences.
Professional liability exposures may be high. If a time, dates, places, or airlines are booked incorrectly, customers could incur additional costs. Other potential problems include overbooking, customer dissatisfaction with a recommended facility or tour, or failure to warn of conditions at the point of destination. Agents are expected to assist travelers during times of crisis such as strikes, air carrier bankruptcies, severe weather conditions, and other situations where passengers may become stranded.
Workers compensation exposure is generally limited to that of an office. Potential injuries include eyestrain, neck strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and similar cumulative trauma injuries that can be addressed through ergonomically designed workstations. If clients are transported, the loss potential increases as drivers may be in unfamiliar areas and could be injured in accidents.
If the insured's employees act as tour guides overseas, the potential for injury can be very high as the agency has little control over other premises. Overseas exposures will require special foreign coverage. If an employee is injured in another country, the cost of returning home could be extremely high. Repatriation coverage, including air ambulance services, should be considered.
Property exposures are generally limited to that of an office. There may be some incidental storage or an area for meetings. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems. Computers and other electronic equipment may be targets for theft. Business interruption losses can be high if the loss of use of equipment should occur during peak travel season.
Crime exposures include employee dishonesty, and money and securities. Hazards increase without proper background checks, monitoring procedures, and securing of all records to prevent unauthorized access. Employees may take unauthorized trips or work with a third party to defraud the agency through improper discounts or similar theft techniques.
All job duties, such as ordering, billing and disbursing should be separate and reconciled on a regular basis. Audits should be performed at least annually. Money and securities risks increase without frequent deposits. While travel tickets are highly negotiable instruments, the increased usage of electronic tickets (e-tickets) has greatly reduced the potential for theft.
Inland marine exposures can consist of accounts receivable if the agency offers credit, bailees customers (for tickets that have been purchased but not yet picked up), computers, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Causes of loss include lightning, power surge, wiring and overheating. Duplicates should be made and kept in an off-site backup facility for easy reproduction following a loss.
Commercial auto exposure is often limited to hired and non-owned, but may include the use of rental cars. If the agency transports clients, the exposure increases. If the insured conducts tours in the U.S., the contractual arrangement should prevent bus company exposures from transferring to the agency.
Company vehicles are supplied to employees, there should be written procedures regarding personal use by employees and their family members. All drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be maintained, and records kept in a central location.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 4724 Travel Agencies, 4725 Tour Operators
- NAICS CODE: 561510 Travel Agencies, 561520 Tour Operators
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8810 Clerical Office Employees NOC, 8742 Salespersons or Collectors - Outside
4724: Travel Agencies
Division E: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services | Major Group 47: Transportation Services | Industry Group 472: Arrangement Of Passenger Transportation
4724 Travel Agencies: Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing travel information and acting as agents in arranging tours, transportation, rental of cars, and lodging for travelers. Tour operators primarily engaged in arranging and assembling tours for sale through travel agents are classified in Industry 4725.
- Tourist agencies for the arrangement of transportation, lodging, and
- Travel agencies
4725: Tour Operators
Division E: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services | Major Group 47: Transportation Services | Industry Group 472: Arrangement Of Passenger Transportation
4725 Tour Operators: Establishments primarily engaged in arranging and assembling tours for sale through travel agents. Tour operators primarily engaged in selling their own tours directly to travelers are also included in this industry.
- Tour operation (travel)
- Tours, except sight-seeing buses, boats, and airplanes
- Wholesale tour operator
Travel Agency Insurance - The Bottom Line
Romance. Relaxation. Adventure. As a travel agent, you're in the business of selling all this and more. But what happens when travel turn into misadventure? Perhaps an incorrect departure date. The wrong itinerary. A forgotten passport... It only takes a client who believes you have erred to file a case against you, whether or not the facts actually support their allegations. travel agency insurance provides valuable coverage in the event of any claims.
Additional Resources For Retail Insurance
Read valuable small business retail insurance policy information. In a retail business, you need to have the right type of commercial insurance coverage so that your store, employees, and inventory are protected.
- Adult Novelty
- Antique Dealers
- Appliance & Electronics Store
- Army Navy Surplus Stores
- Art Dealers
- Art Gallery
- Arts & Crafts Supply Stores
- Bicycle Shop
- Boat Dealers
- Book Store
- Bridal Shop
- Candy Confectionery Store
- Carpet Store
- Cell Phone Stores
- Clothing Store
- Collectibles Memorabilia Store
- Consignment Stores
- Convenience Store
- Cosmetics Store
- Costume Stores
- Dry Cleaning
- Embroidery Services
- Equipment Rental
- Fabric Stores
- Fish Markets
- Flea Markets
- Florist
- Funeral Home
- Furniture Store
- Gift Store
- Greeting Card Stores
- Hardware Store
- Harness & Saddle Shops
- Home Improvement Store
- Infant, Baby & Children's Clothing Stores
- Jewelry Store
- Lamp Stores
- Lingerie Store
- Luggage Store
- Meat Market & Butcher Shop
- Men's Clothing Stores
- Music Store
- Newsstand
- Office Supply Store
- Paint & Wallpaper Store
- Pawn Shop
- Pet Store
- Pharmacy Liability
- Plumbing Supplies Fixtures Store
- Poultry Dealers
- Rent To Own Stores
- Scrap Metal Dealers
- Sewing Store
- Shoe Store
- Sporting Goods Store
- Stationary Store
- Thrift Store
- Ticket Agency
- Tire Store
- Tobacco Store
- Toy Store
- Travel Agency
- Trophy Stores
- Tuxedo And Formal Wear Rental Store
- Vape
- Vending Machine Operators
- Wig Store
- Women's Clothing Stores
- Specialty Retail Stores
The retail industry is a vital sector of the economy, providing goods and services to consumers across the globe. It is also a sector that is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging on a regular basis.
Despite its importance, the retail industry is not without its risks. Retail businesses face a variety of threats, including theft, damage to property, and liability issues. These risks can have significant financial consequences for retail businesses, which is why commercial insurance is so important.
Insurance can provide retailers with protection against financial loss resulting from unforeseen events. For example, if a retail store is damaged by a natural disaster, insurance can help cover the cost of repairs and help the business get back on its feet. Similarly, if a retail employee is injured on the job, insurance can help cover their medical expenses and any lost wages.
In addition to protecting against financial loss, commercial insurance can also help retail businesses protect their reputation. If a retail business is sued or faces other legal challenges, insurance can provide financial support and legal representation. This can help to protect the business's reputation and maintain customer trust.
Overall, insurance is an essential component of a successful retail business. It helps to safeguard against financial loss and protect against potential legal challenges, which can be especially important for smaller businesses that may not have the resources to absorb these types of losses.
By investing in business insurance, retail businesses can ensure that they are well-equipped to handle the many challenges that come with operating in this dynamic industry.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Equipment Breakdown, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Bailees Customers, Goods in Transit, Jewelers Block, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.
