In certain cottages (those supplied by the local holiday cottage agent 'Manor Cottages') a basic level of Cancellation Protection is included within the rental price. In these instances, the following 'Questions and Answers' apply. Please note that any cottages offered by owners direct do NOT include any form of Cancellation Protection and therefore it is advised that you make your own arrangements
1. Are customers covered if any one of the party cannot travel (illness) and then they wish to cancel the whole booking because of these circumstances?
A common situation. Yes, you can claim provided the cause is not excluded (eg pregnancy). You must provide proof e.g. a doctor's or hospital note to confirm this.
2. Are customers covered if any one of the travelling party's immediate relatives are taken ill / hospitalised, and then they want to cancel the trip as a result? If so what is considered an immediate relative?
Again, a common situation. It must be reasonable for the whole party to cancel if one of them has to attend to an ill person and that the attendant is sufficiently close to the ill person that they would reasonably be expected to cancel a holiday as a result of the person's illness.
3. Are customers covered if they lose their job and therefore wish to cancel the holiday due to a change in their financial well-being?
If the covered persons lose their job within two months of the start of the booking, (assuming employment has been on a continuous full time basis with the same employer for at least 24 months) then the covered persons can cancel and receive re-imbursement under current legislation.
4. What happens if one of the travelling party is faced with divorce proceedings subsequent to the booking being made?
An unusual request but unfortunately one that is NOT covered.
5. Am I covered if there is accidental damage within or to the holiday cottage?
NO. If damage occurs during your stay, you will be liable to refund the owner directly. (Please note your 'Booking Contract' is with the owner of the cottage, not the holiday cottage agent 'Manor Cottages')
6. What is the basic cover for me and my party? I find all the various forms of cover confusing - can you put it in layman's English please?
Basically you must start from the premise that Cancellation and Curtailment claims can be made from "any cause beyond the holidaymakers control". This is wide cover. In principle the party can claim provided they have complied with all the Cover conditions and the reason for the cancellation is not one of those excluded. Also bear in mind, that you must consider carefully the fact that the exclusion includes those that the insured party were aware of, particularly circumstances which could reasonably have been expected to give rise to a claim, including circumstances arising to people not travelling.
7. Is the cover worth it?
It all comes down to 'piece of mind'. The cost of £15.00 is actually included within the Rental (although we are required for tax purposes to separate the costs in your confirmation) The fee of £15.00, in our opinion, is great value for money which could get you back the entire cost of your holiday. Our experience tells us that it is a small price to bear for those unforseen problems that can occur.
(PLEASE NOTE: There are limitations to the Cover offered, check this link for details. Alternatively please seek private cover or advice.)
8. What happens if I need to cancel before I am due to pay the Balance?
Once a customer confirms a booking, by paying the deposit, then he or she is liable for the full cost of the holiday, this is a fact for ALL cottage bookings. In the instance that your booking is with the local agent, at the point of needing to cancel the holiday in the above example, we recommend that you pay the outstanding balance and then make contact with Cotswold Retreats to claim back the full cost of your trip. (In the event that we re-let the cottage in question, you will receive your refund as specified in the full Terms and Conditions of the cover.)
PLEASE NOTE: If the reason for cancellation is NOT covered by the terms, the holiday cost must be paid in full. As the local agent supplying properties in the Cotswolds, Manor Cottages will endeavour to re-let the cottage and if successful will refund the cost of the holiday minus the £12 booking fee and a £35 handling fee.