Consumer Affairs Victoria can help with travel and holiday arrangement issues in a disaster, such as a storm, flood, bushfire or earthquake.
People facing disruption or cancellation of their travel plans should contact their airline or other travel provider for the latest information.
Refunds and rescheduling of flights
Contact your airline prior to your flight date to check whether your flight has been delayed or cancelled. If it has, some airlines offer options including refunds and rescheduling.
Accommodation and tours
If you have to cancel accommodation because of a flight disruption, contact your travel agent or accommodation provider as soon as possible to inform them of the situation and negotiate a refund or re-booking. You should also contact the provider of any other holiday bookings (for example, tours and car hire).
Travel insurance claims
If you cannot resolve a dispute directly with your airline or accommodation provider, contact your insurer. You should check the terms and conditions of your policy to see whether you are covered for individual circumstances.
Rental vehicle damage
If your hire car has been damaged during a disaster, you will need to check the rental car contract – it will include terms about damage and your liabilities.
Credit card deductions for damage should only be made after the hire company provides an itemised bill and a reasonable opportunity for you to dispute any charge.
Any insurance or excess fees you have paid in hiring the car will not fully cover you for damage – it will only reduce the amount you may have to pay if the car is damaged in your possession. This fee will limit your liability to a particular amount – usually between $3000 and $5000.
These ‘damage reduction’ options only reduce your liability in limited circumstances – often, you will not be covered for natural disasters.
If possible, take photographs of the car before you return it. Make sure you are present when it is inspected.
If you have booked the car through a travel agent, check whether your travel insurance covers any excess or damage.
How Consumer Affairs Victoria can help
We cannot tell travel-related businesses, including airlines, how to manage their business but we can help resolve disputes. For more information, view our Resolve a dispute page.
Travel insurance disputes can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service on 1300 780 808 and free legal advice is available from the Insurance Law Service on 1300 663 464.
If you paid with a credit card for services that were not provided, you may be able to claim a ‘charge back’ through your credit card provider. Time limits may apply to credit card charge backs.
Last updated: 07/05/2012