What is a Common Carrier?

When it comes to travel insurance, your Common Carrier is the airline, cruise line, train operator, bus operator, or other transportation company you are traveling with.

Most travel insurance policies offer specific coverage for disruptions related to a common carrier, including cancellations, travel delays, baggage delays, financial default, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D).

Common Carrier Cancellations

While rare, your common carrier may completely cancel your journey without notice, leaving you scrambling to continue your trip.

This could be due to inclement weather, mechanical issue, or something less common like staffing shortages. If you are no longer able to travel as planned, you may be eligible to cancel your trip entirely and receive full reimbursement of your prepaid trip costs.

To be eligible for this coverage, you will need to purchase a comprehensive policy that includes the Trip Cancellation benefit.

Common Carrier Travel Delays

Significant delays often result in added stress and unexpected expenses. Fortunately, most travel insurance plans offer coverage for food and accommodation costs if your common carrier disrupts your travel schedule.

The most common covered reasons for delays include:

  • Inclement weather
  • Mechanical breakdown
  • Natural disasters

Common Carrier Luggage Delays

Airlines and other common carriers mishandle millions of bags each year. If your luggage is delayed en route to your destination, you can be covered to buy necessities while you wait for your belongings to arrive.

This can include essentials like:

  • Clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Laundry costs

Financial Default Coverage

Common carriers aren’t exempt from financial hardships. In the event your common carrier suspends operations due to bankruptcy or other financial circumstances, you may be reimbursed your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.

To be eligible for this coverage, you will need to purchase a comprehensive policy that includes coverage for Financial Default cancellations.

Common Carrier AD&D

For added protection while traveling, some travel insurance providers offer Common Carrier AD&D coverage. This medical benefit provides a cash payment in the event of accidental loss of life or limb occurs while aboard a plane, train, bus, cruise, or other type of common carrier.

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