Hurricane Season Update:

Storm Watchers Predict "Uncertain" 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Travel Guard insurance helps vacationers navigate weather-related
delays, changes and cancellations

Stevens Point, WI – August 12, 2009– The National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) Administration says current weather patterns are imposing “a greater uncertainty in the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season outlook” compared with past years, and the agency predicts a “70 percent chance” of one to three major hurricanes this season*. As a result, Travel Guard (http://www.travelguard.com/) is advising travelers planning vacations this summer and fall to cover their hard-earned travel budget by purchasing insurance coverage before a severe storm emerges.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center points out that severe storms and hurricanes “can occur whether the season is active or relatively quiet,” and urges citizens to “prepare for every hurricane season regardless of the seasonal outlook,” adding “It only takes one hurricane to cause a disaster.”

“Late summer and early fall are great times to travel, but they’re also the prime seasons for tropical weather conditions that can impact your travel plans,” said Dan McGinnity, Travel Guard Vice President.  “Especially for those departing from or traveling to beachfront destinations, travel insurance can help take some of the ‘what ifs” out of their vacations.  A typical insurance plan from Travel Guard can provide coverage for trip cancellation or interruption if the insured’s travel is impacted by a hurricane or other severe weather. Our most popular plans also provide emergency travel services for our customers in transit, so they can call us 24/7 to help rebook flights and escape harms way.”

For losses to be covered, travel insurance must be purchased before a hurricane is named, McGinnity said. Once a warning is issued, losses resulting from a named hurricane on, before or fewer than 14 days after the effective date of coverage are excluded.

Travel Guard’s retail travel insurance plans cover vacation investments if severe weather directly affects arrangements or accom¬mo¬dations. For example, if a traveler is forced to cancel a trip due to a named hurricane, travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage can reimburse pre-paid nonrefundable expenses, up to the limit of coverage purchased. If a covered severe weather condition forces the evacuation of the traveler’s hotel or resort, travel insurance can provide reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses and additional travel expenses.

For more information about Travel Guard’s selection of travel insurance and assistance service plans, travelers can visit http://www.travelguard.com/ or call Travel Guard’s World Service Center at 1-800-826-1300.

* = See http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane.shtml for the NOOA forecast data.