Navigating Travel Disruptions: The Ripple Effects of LA Wildfires on Your Journey

As tragic wildfires carry on to influence Los Angeles, numerous travelers are left pondering how their arrangements — and their travel insurance — might be affected.

Jeff Rolander, Vice President of claims at Faye Travel Insurance, stated that individuals who are affected by mandates and secured a standard travel insurance policy beforehand might be eligible for trip coverage.

“Should a mandatory evacuation be ordered, that could be a valid reason to cancel the trip or disrupt the trip,” Rolander remarked. “If the destination or the residence you inhabit becomes unlivable that would represent another valid reason.”

Accommodations may also be influenced by the fires, as reduced availability might arise due to individuals being displaced by the fires. Rolander indicated that this inability to secure lodging at a hotel or Airbnb is generally not included in a travel insurance policy, except for what Rolander referred to as “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Although most travelers probably don’t view a travel insurance policy as essential, Rolander emphasized that one should seriously contemplate obtaining it. Whether it arises from technical complications or severe weather incidents, a travel insurance policy can assist in covering unforeseen circumstances.

“It’s particularly crucial to safeguard that [travel] investment and yourself with a travel insurance policy,” Rolander asserted.