Weddings and honeymoons take months of planning. And just when you think you’ve attended to the last of the details, you learn that the bridal store where you ordered the dress of your dreams is closed.
It happened in Fort Collins. In Boston. In Charlotte. Even in Glenrock, Wyo.
A good question to ask, considering that the average wedding costs $28,000: Will wedding and travel vendors be around for the Big Day?
If you’re concerned, consider wedding and travel insurance. According to Travelers Insurance, more than 40 percent of its wedding insurance claims filed during the past two years involved unforeseen problems with vendors and venues, some of which went bankrupt.
Aside from the gown, wedding insurance can provide coverage for many wedding-day mishaps including vendor no-shows, foul weather, military deployment and health issues affecting key participants.
And even if you make it through the ceremony, there’s always a chance that you’ll miss your honeymoon flight, the flight is canceled, the resort is overbooked, or you become ill or injured.
BBB tips for purchasing wedding insurance:
- Research insurance companies by reviewing BBB Reliability Reports free of charge online at wynco.bbb.org
- Shop for wedding insurance before paying deposits on any wedding services to make sure all expenses are covered. Policies range from $125 to $400. Like any insurance plan, there are limits on claims and deductibles that must be met.
- Avoid purchasing overlapping coverage. Some vendors might already be insured or coverage might be provided by the credit-card company.
- Keep good records and all receipts for the insurance company in order to justify any reimbursements.
BBB tips for travel insurance:
Various types of travel protection are generally — but not always — included in a travel insurance policy. Policies and insurance firms differ in what they cover, so be sure to ask.
Types of insurance available include:
- Trip cancellation/interruption in case you cancel or end your trip early — but only for reasons stated on the policy.
- Emergency medical evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility if treatment is not available at a local hospital.
- Baggage loss coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags. Before packing, make a list of everything; if your bag is lost, you may be reimbursed for some contents, but not all.
Don’t go a day without your BBB. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. For more consumer information or to check out the BBBlog, visit wynco.bbb.org or call 970-484-1348 or 800-564-0371.