One of the most underused features of a travel insurance plan is actually the range of travel assistance services provided. Let’s say Carl visits Buenos Aires on business, with an international travel insurance plan that features several travel assistance services. When on the trip, he loses his travel documents and credit cards. Typically, travel assistance services include help and reimbursement in case of identity theft.

To get help, the insured must contact the insurance company (the local customer service number should work), and give the details of the theft. Depending on the plan, the insurance company offers advice on the next steps.

It is not uncommon for insurance companies to also help liaise with local law enforcement. I Full post…

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has an excellent website as a resource for those affected by the Gulf Oil Spill. Disasterassistance.gov is complete with information about filing a claim with BP.

There is also links to resources for small businesses seeking Small Business Administration assistance. “The National Incident Command has established the Deepwater Integrated Services Team to coordinate interagency support services for individuals and small businesses impacted by the BP oil spill – designed to provide residents with full, streamlined access to all federal assistance programs.

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