Henrico-based firm braces for claims after Iceland volcano Richmond Times Dispatch
Mondial Assistance has started processing insurance claims from travelers stranded or delayed by the ash cloud spewing from the volcano under Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier.
The Henrico County-based travel assistance firm, which owns the Access America brand of travel insurance, said yesterday that claims could total in the millions of dollars. It said thousands of customers are affected.
The company said it won't know the total bill for some time because the volcanic ash still is affecting air travel in Europe.
Mondial said call volumes at its headquarters here have been up by as much as 30 percent since airlines suspended flights last week.
"Not since 9/11 have we seen such widespread disruption of air travel," said Daniel Durazo, Mondial's director of communications.
"These folks have been waiting a long time already. We're working very hard to make sure they don't have to wait long for their claims to be processed."
Most Access America travel insurance plans pay benefits if trips are canceled or interrupted because of a complete cessation of service by airlines.
![Travel insurance may not cover swine flu Examiner.com]("http://nt3.ggpht.com/news/tbn/s5BX-gG53YE40M/6.jpg")
Examiner.comTravel insurance may not cover swine fluExaminer.comSince not all policies void medical coverage during global pandemics or epidemics, it is critical to check with a carrier before buying travel insurance. and more »
