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My experience with Trip Insurance Store


zitsky
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I found the people very helpful, especially Deanna on chat.  The email they sent says they are "an online insurance agency".  They give you a nice quote with different options.  When I clicked on the BUY NOW option I went to an insurance company website, but I had to enter the information all over again.  Not what I was expecting.  In future I might just go directly to the insurance company because I have used them a few times (not with claims) and I like their prices and documentation.

 

Also I never figured out why but when I tried to email myself the chat transcript, I never received it.

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Z not sure what info you had to enter all over, as on TIS's website it is basic info to get a quote i.e. ages, cost of trip p/p, where your travels are taking you and dates.

 

Then the potential client is provided with a group of options which may or may not fit your requirements.

 

Select the best option and be taken to the website to complete the actual application and purchase your insurance.

 

Unless I have missed something???

 

bon voyage

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11 minutes ago, Bo1953 said:

Z not sure what info you had to enter all over, as on TIS's website it is basic info to get a quote i.e. ages, cost of trip p/p, where your travels are taking you and dates.

 

Then the potential client is provided with a group of options which may or may not fit your requirements.

 

Select the best option and be taken to the website to complete the actual application and purchase your insurance.

 

Unless I have missed something???

 

bon voyage

 

Yes you have missed something.

 

I had to fill out ALL information on broker's website to get a quote.

 

That quote included a link to pay.

 

Upon clicking the link I was taken to insurance company website where I had to enter ALL information a second time.

 

 

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1 hour ago, zitsky said:

 

Yes you have missed something.

 

I had to fill out ALL information on broker's website to get a quote.

 

That quote included a link to pay.

 

Upon clicking the link I was taken to insurance company website where I had to enter ALL information a second time.

While I believe you, we have had very different experiences at that website.

 

bon voyage

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@zitsky While some other insurance broker sites are a lot more modern and prettier, I have always received better information and advice from TIS.  On the other hand I have been given wrong information when I called another popular broker for clarification on a policy they sold.  TIS only deals with a handful of companies and they know their policies inside and out.  I have even had Steve recommend a policy that he did not sell when I had some unique requirements.

 

That said, if you want to buy online from TIS, I have only experienced what @Bo1953 describes. Here is the ONLY info I have had to enter (cost, dates, ages and state).  I then click on "Get Quotes" and I get a list of policies. If I choose to "Buy Now", I am taken to the insurance company's website.  I am then asked to enter all of my detailed information including the few items I have entered before.  Yes it requires a little bit of double entry, that ideally should not have to do.  It only takes a few seconds and is not a big deal.

 

When you say you had to enter ALL information, I am assuming it went beyond the few pieces of information on the quote screen below. I have never experienced having to enter any more details. While you have probably spent enough time on this already, if you can remember the steps you went through, I bet they would try to fix it.

 

804358045_ScreenshotTIS.jpg.8d6da939100bade4b716cf3670dfffa9.jpg

 

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I had to retype all information in that form in addition to

 

Passengers names

 

Address

 

Contact information

 

Optional insurance information such as Cancel for any reason?

 

I think TIS should make it clear that you will need to reenter all information to buy a policy.

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5 hours ago, zitsky said:

I found the people very helpful, especially Deanna on chat.  The email they sent says they are "an online insurance agency".  They give you a nice quote with different options.  When I clicked on the BUY NOW option I went to an insurance company website, but I had to enter the information all over again.  Not what I was expecting.  In future I might just go directly to the insurance company because I have used them a few times (not with claims) and I like their prices and documentation.

 

Also I never figured out why but when I tried to email myself the chat transcript, I never received it.

Hi zitsky,

 

Thank you for your feedback.

 

 

> but I had to enter the information all over again.  Not what I was expecting.

 

It's on purpose that we don't ask for personally identifiable information on our quotes. It's not necessary to create a quote, plus I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable when they give us their information.

 

> Also I never figured out why but when I tried to email myself the chat transcript, I never received it.

 

I didn't know this was a problem until you mentioned it, so we're fixing it.

 

If there's anything else you didn't like, either add it to this thread or you may email me at steve@tripinsurancestore.com

 

Steve Dasseos

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6 hours ago, zitsky said:

Also I never figured out why but when I tried to email myself the chat transcript, I never received it.

I never thought about complaining about something like this. I always just took a screen shot or copy and pasted into a word document and saved.

However, after reading Steve's response, I can see why it should be brought to a merchant's attention.

 

I learned something today. Thanks.

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34 minutes ago, klfrodo said:

I never thought about complaining about something like this. I always just took a screen shot or copy and pasted into a word document and saved.

However, after reading Steve's response, I can see why it should be brought to a merchant's attention.

 

I learned something today. Thanks.

 

It's called feedback.   You're welcome.  🙃

Edited by zitsky
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1 hour ago, klfrodo said:

I never thought about complaining about something like this. I always just took a screen shot or copy and pasted into a word document and saved.

However, after reading Steve's response, I can see why it should be brought to a merchant's attention.

 

I learned something today. Thanks.

 

And did I die, typing stuff twice?  No, I did not.

 

I just think it would be nice if some info was transferred over but I understand Steve's perspective.

 

I learned something too.

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4 hours ago, zitsky said:

Well they offer a chat service, so I used it.

 

Are you saying you paid Steve directly?  I wasn't given that option.


We ALWAYS speak directly with Steve (or one of his associates).

Early on, when we were first using travel insurance (thanks to reading about it here on CC; we were more than a bit late to the party), they answered so many of our questions.  "What if X happens?" "What about Y?"  Those questions included all sorts of things, such as elderly relatives staying home, what about political upheaval, what if we need to return early... etc.

And they asked us questions, to help them get us more accurate answers.

 

We give them our charge information, but I'm pretty sure (but I need to double check) that they pass it along to the insurer and the insurer then bills us directly.  I do know that we get a copy of our policy directly from the insurer.

Any difficulties while traveling, and we email them, not the insurer, or that's how it's been thus far.

Usually, we just get receipts for anything, and then send it in with a claim form directly to the insurer.  The first time was with our first insured trip, and it was an expensive one.  So I did ask Steve to double check that the form was correct, etc.

 

There are just too, too many bits of "fine print", and online summaries just can't capture every "what if..."


Even now, after many policies and also quite a few claims, I *always* call them to discuss our trip and the type of coverage, although now it's usually, "Should we just get that same policy?"

 

GC

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Well I had all my questions answered with chat.  It wasn't explained to me that I could pay them directly.

 

As for speaking to them, well I don't trust this new technology they call a telephone.  I'll stick with the telegraph, thank you very much.

 

🙂

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  • 2 weeks later...

Had my first experience with The Insurance Store. Had a lot of questions they patiently answered. Thought they were totally knowledgable and able to offer me exactly what I needed. Great CC Forum referral. 

 

Also, went to Med Jet Assist online and also called them. Was never told they offer a $50 discount for AARP. Deanna at The Insurance Store made sure I was aware of that. While I'm not an AARP fan, $50 is $50. 

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  • 4 weeks later...

I just had my first experience with Trip Insurance Store after a frustrating week of trying to get clarification from my usual insurance companies.  I was so confused-posted on CC- got recommendations from Jane Starr and Geezer Couple for Trip Insurance Store -talked to Steve twice. He was so knowledgeable.  I booked insurance through him. No need to book on line. Get personal excellent service by calling. 

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On 1/23/2022 at 6:47 PM, luv4cruises said:

I just had my first experience with Trip Insurance Store after a frustrating week of trying to get clarification from my usual insurance companies.  I was so confused-posted on CC- got recommendations from Jane Starr and Geezer Couple for Trip Insurance Store -talked to Steve twice. He was so knowledgeable.  I booked insurance through him. No need to book on line. Get personal excellent service by calling. 

I totally agree!  I "found" Steve in late Dec 2021 and found he is not only quite knowledgeable, but takes the time to talk and explain things!

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 4 months later...

I just had a conversation with Deanna at the Trip Insurance Store about a cruise we have coming up in November. I had done the online comparison but with the right questions she helped narrow it down to the right plan for us. Our biggest concern was also for the medical coverage.  We're in our 70's and 80's. 

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Also using TIS for several years.  Thank you GeezerCouple.  You had recommended them on a CC Ins. Forum.  1st policy -- purchased from TA.  TIS had same policy -- same Administrator -- same Underwriter --  but, with much improved liability limits, and some other extra coverages. Was within time limit to cancel TA policy , so cancelled that, and purchased from TIS -- and have never looked back !  Have spoken with Steve a few times -- always polite  -- answers all questions -- takes plenty of time to explain things -- never rushes conversation -- points you to the correct policy -- helps to avoid having to spend extra premiums.  Also, the above comments apply to Deanna, Kim (and Becky -- not there anymore).  

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6 hours ago, FetaCheese said:

Also using TIS for several years.  Thank you GeezerCouple.  You had recommended them on a CC Ins. Forum.  1st policy -- purchased from TA.  TIS had same policy -- same Administrator -- same Underwriter --  but, with much improved liability limits, and some other extra coverages. Was within time limit to cancel TA policy , so cancelled that, and purchased from TIS -- and have never looked back !  Have spoken with Steve a few times -- always polite  -- answers all questions -- takes plenty of time to explain things -- never rushes conversation -- points you to the correct policy -- helps to avoid having to spend extra premiums.  Also, the above comments apply to Deanna, Kim (and Becky -- not there anymore).  

 

 

We continue to be really impressed with Steve (and Deanna and Kim) and their patience in answering questions or just providing thorough information.

 

Very soon after that first claim the first time we used travel insurance, when we were both really eager to reschedule traveling for about 6 months into the future.  I called to get another policy.  (We had just received a nice check from Travel Insured, so we knew it "worked".)   Steve had helped us a bit with that first claim.  He started to take the information, and then he stopped.  He asked something like, "Is <DH's name> able to travel today, is he all recovered?"  Me:  "No, he still can't travel *now*, but this is in 6 months, and his doctor is *certain* that he'll be recovered long before then!"  Steve:  "He needs to be fit to travel on the day the insurance is started, and it doesn't seem like that's the case."

I thanked him and cancelled our brand new, refundable deposit.

About 2 months later, we had a signed note from the specialist stating something like:  "<Name> is cleared to travel as usual, without any medical limitations, starting today."  And we came up with a different trip, and called Steve back, started the coverage, and that next trip went just fine. 🙂 

 

Steve once talked us out of buying a policy.  

I'll never forget that.  He had learned a bit about us from the conversations we'd had, plus the help he provided with that first large claim.  Anyway, I called to purchase "the same policy again, please", etc.  He started to take the information, and then he said something like,  "But don't you already <some information about us>?"   I discussed it with him some more to make sure we both understood the situation, and... he was absolutely correct.  For that particular trip (and no other, at least not yet), we did not need a travel insurance policy.

Keep in mind, had *he* not brought it up, he'd have sold us a policy he was thinking we probably didn't need, when we wouldn't have realized that.  I think that speaks volumes!

 

And yes, the time they all take to answer questions still impresses us.  I must have driven them crazy with the... "Well, what if X happens?"  "But what if Y happens?"  "And if X and Z both happen when we are at such-and-such?"  I really did want to be as sure as possible that we'd really be "covered".

 

I'm someone who feels free to complain if I think it is warranted.  But because of that, I also think I should give credit where due!

(I've called supervisors/managers/etc., to compliment a particular rep at times, and they almost always seem startled that it's not a complaint.)

 

GC

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Please add my name to the list of new , and now lifetime, customers  of Steve and the TIS!  In the past I have used other websites.  Yesterday I saw some information that  "Jersey 42" posted about the TIS.

I sent them an email and received an immediate and very informative response from Steve himself.

I have peace of mind for several trips coming up over the next 12 months.

Thanks again Jersey42 and Steve!

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On 12/16/2021 at 1:22 PM, Ashland said:

I prefer to do all this directly over the phone with Steve or one of his team...that way I give them the info and they do the rest...what could be easier !!

I just got my first travel insurance from them and I called and gave them all the info. That way if they or I had questions, I could deal with it on the phone. Very easy and very pleasant people to deal with. I will book with them again.

 

Laura

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  • 2 weeks later...

I must have called them at a busy time. Steve answered the phone, told him I wanted trip insurance, he referred me to Kim who gave me one quote and said she will email the quote to me. I felt rushed and they never asked if I had any questions. I will call them back to give them a second chance.

 

Edited by westcoastmom
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2 hours ago, westcoastmom said:

I must have called them at a busy time. Steve answered the phone, told him I wanted trip insurance, he referred me to Kim who gave me one quote and said she will email the quote to me. I felt rushed and they never asked if I had any questions. I will call them back to give them a second chance.

 

Hi westcoastmom,

 

> I felt rushed and they never asked if I had any questions.

 

I'm sorry about that. If it was this past week, it was "one of those days" everyday. I'm working now and also tomorrow if you want to call.

 

Steve Dasseos

Edited by iamtrustworthy
typo
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