Concerns over next year's bookings

[Sezkalkan]

A question for owners...
I've just had an enquiry and have been asked 'what if something awful happens a few days before travel and the government warn no travel to Turkey', would I give their money back? 
Surely in that situation they would be covered by their travel insurance wouldn't they? What are other owners saying? Would you be prepared to lose all rental for next year?
Just wondering what I should tell any other worried potential renters.
Thanks in advance.


Linkback: https://www.enjoykalkan.com/forum/index.php?topic=13484.0

[HEATH]

They would only be covered for the travel insurance on the flights, not for the private rental of the villa/apartment. So think the money should be returned.

[Anne]

While I am not disagreeing that people should get their money back, I think it will depend on their travel insurance as to whether their accommodation costs are covered, our travel insurance clearly states that if there is a Foreign Office advisory notice in place against all or all but essential travel to your destination then both travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed.

We have already had one cancellation for next year citing unrest and as a goodwill gesture I refunded their deposit.

[alantj]

We always ask guests to ensure that they take out their travel insurance at the same time as booking. It doesn't cost any more and that way they are covered for such eventualities.

All the travel policies I have seen, include cover for non-refundable travel costs. So if you do refund the accommodation costs you are really only helping the insurance company avoid having to honour their policy.

[Sezkalkan]

Thanks for your replies, that's made me feel a little better and that's a good idea alantj about making sure they have insurance booked straight away.

[Cosetta]

You are all assuming the renters are all British.  Travel insurance is not available to citizens of many countries, and in most cases covers only acts of war. For example, US citizens resident in another country cannot purchase travel insurance except for health coverage only.  US citizens likewise cannot purchase a policy in the UK because they are not residents. I've tried many times with many companies without success.  Best to ask your non-British renters to provide proof of travel insurance or be prepared to refund their rental costs.

As an owner, I would refund the renter's money if such a warning were in effect.  In fact, the US Dept of State is currently advising Americans not to travel to Turkey unless really necessary and has allowed many family members and non-essential gov workers to return home.  Americans, however, are just now in a higher risk category than other nationalities.

[si18665]

I recently read a travel insurance terms & conditions where act of terrorism was excluded. If it becomes common for all insurance companies, then it will make visits to Turkey very difficult.