Getting a refund from a ticket protection or ticket insurance plan can be a straightforward process as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Most plans allow you to get a refund if you are unable to attend the event due to certain covered reasons such as illness, injury, or transportation issues. Here are some quick answers to common questions about getting ticket protection refunds:
What are the main reasons I can get a refund from ticket protection?
The main eligible reasons for a ticket protection refund include:
- Unexpected illness or injury to you or a family member
- Death in the family
- Jury duty or court-ordered appearance
- Military deployment
- Change in job requirements such as a new schedule or mandatory business trip
- Pregnancy complications
- Severe weather or natural disaster preventing travel
- Traffic accident or breakdown preventing attendance
- Theft of tickets
The specific covered reasons can vary by provider, so check your plan details. Most will require official documentation such as a doctor’s note to verify your claim.
How do I file a claim and get my refund?
The process for filing a ticket protection refund claim is generally:
- Contact the ticket protection provider as soon as possible. There are usually time limits to file the claim.
- Provide details and documentation about your reason for the claim. Proof may be required such as a physician’s statement.
- Complete and submit any required claim forms.
- Wait for claim approval. Processing time can take up to 30 days in some cases.
- Receive your refund check or account credit. Approved refunds are typically for the original ticket purchase amount minus the plan fees.
Most companies allow you to submit the claim by phone, online, email, fax or mail. Keep copies of any documents and records of your interactions. Follow up if you do not hear back in a reasonable timeframe about your refund status.
Can I get a refund if I just decide not to go or change my mind?
No, ticket protection plans do not allow refunds if you simply no longer want to attend the event or changed your mind about going. Refunds are only issued for the specific covered reasons outlined in the policy terms and conditions.
How much will my refund be?
If your ticket refund claim is approved, the amount of your refund will typically be:
- Original ticket price paid
- Minus the ticket protection plan fees
- Minus any processing fees
For example, if your ticket was $100 and the protection plan fee was $15, your refund would be $85. Any processing fees, generally $10 to $25, would also be deducted.
How long does it take to get my refund?
It typically takes 2 to 6 weeks after submitting your approved claim to receive your ticket refund check or account credit. Processing times can vary depending on:
- Method of refund – Check vs. account credit
- Claim verification process
- Provider workload and time of year
Some companies may offer expedited refund processing for an additional fee. Follow up with the ticket protection provider if it has been more than 6 weeks without receiving your refund.
Can I get a refund for partial event attendance?
In most cases, ticket protection plans require you to miss the entire event in order to receive a refund. Leaving an event early or missing part of it would not be eligible unless specified in the policy.
What if my event was rescheduled?
If your event is rescheduled, most ticket protection plans will allow you to either:
- Attend the rescheduled event
- Transfer your ticket to another event
- Receive a refund if the rescheduled date does not work for you
If the event is canceled completely, you will generally receive a full refund including fees under the cancellation coverage provided.
Can I get a refund for other costs like travel or hotels?
Unfortunately most basic ticket protection plans only cover the refund of the event tickets purchased. They do not provide coverage for any other expenses incurred like travel, accommodations, or other costs associated with attending the event.
There are some “cancel for any reason” policies that may allow you to recover up to 75% of your trip expenses. Or you can purchase a separate travel insurance policy for broader coverage of non-refundable costs beyond just the tickets if you need to cancel your trip entirely.
What events or tickets does protection not cover?
While coverage can vary by provider, ticket protection plans often have limitations or excluded events such as:
- Free or donated tickets
- Group ticket sales
- Season ticket packages
- VIP/backstage passes
- Auto racing events
- Rodeos or other professional animal events
- Tickets sold as fundraising donations
- Comedy shows or other adult content events
- Luxury box tickets or suites
Be sure to check your plan details as other exclusions may apply. For high-value tickets, you may need to purchase an upgraded policy.
Should I insure every ticket purchase?
Buying ticket protection on every ticket may not be financially prudent. Consider factors like:
- Cost of the plan fee vs. ticket price
- Your comfort with the non-refundable financial risk
- Likelihood you will not be able to attend
- Coverage gaps like travel costs
Frequent concert-goers may find season-long ticket insurance more worthwhile. For expensive events, the peace of mind may merit paying the plan cost even if you don’t end up filing a claim.
Can I purchase protection after buying my tickets?
Most ticket protection providers require you to purchase coverage at the same time as your event tickets. There is usually only a short window such as 48-72 hours after ticket purchase in which you can still enroll in protection.
Otherwise, you will need to explore a general travel insurance policy which allows post-purchase trip cancellation coverage. Be aware this type of policy likely has more limited event ticket coverage compared to a purpose-built ticket protector plan.
What is the best ticket insurance company?
Some top rated ticket protection companies include:
Company | Highlights |
---|---|
Allianz | Covers over 10,000 sporting events and concerts globally, online claims process, fast refunds within 2 weeks |
Travelers Protect Assist | Backed by major insurer, online claims, upgrade option for lost ticket refund |
TickSurance | Focuses solely on ticket insurance, cover kids’ sports/activities, fast claims service |
Ticketguardian | Broad event coverage, 24/7 customer service, no documentation required under $250 claim amount |
When choosing a provider, look for fast claims handling, an efficient online process, broad event eligibility, and flexibility on plan refund deadlines. Having a long history and insurer financial backing also adds legitimacy.
Is ticket insurance worth it?
For expensive tickets or events you are traveling to attend, ticket protection can provide valuable peace of mind and financial coverage if you are unable to go. Even for lower cost events, the relatively small plan fee may be worth the guarantee of a refund.
Ticket insurance makes most sense when you are at higher risk of having to cancel, for example due to:
- Anticipated travel challenges
- Job obligations that may conflict
- Medical conditions that may flare up
- Pregnancy or family additions
- History of having to cancel events
For someone with a busy schedule or complicated life logistics, the benefit of being able to back out worry-free can outweigh the plan cost. Just be sure to read the policy fine print and exclusions.
Conclusion
Ticket protection provides a safety net so you can get your money back if you can’t attend an event for covered reasons. While it adds a small cost upfront, it can give you peace of mind knowing your tickets are insured against unexpected cancellations. Be sure to submit claims promptly and provide all documentation required by your plan. With an approved claim, you can receive your refund in as soon as 2-6 weeks in most cases. Carefully review your policy for full details on eligibility and coverage.