US government shutdown

[QFflyermelbourne]

Here is an interesting dilemma:

I’m in NYC currently and am due to go down to DC on Sunday for four days. The sole reason for this trip was to visit attractions which will now be closed thanks to this epic failure in Congress.

Travel insurance experts: what chance do you think I have of getting my hotel and train tickets refunded so I can just stay in New York a few more days?

 

[kermatu]

My assumption is zero. The train and hotel reservations have not been missed or denied, and unless you had tickets to a particular event that now won't happen - I reckon an insurer would be well within its rights to say you haven't suffered any loss.

But I'm not an expert!

 

[Hvr]

I have no idea but why not ask them? They hopefully have an email and will respond promptly.

Of course keep any receipts for actual attractions so you can seek a refund. If you paid by credit card and are denied entry then seek a charge back. I did this in 2016 when the Washington Monument was closed for repairs.

 

[amaroo]

You might have some luck with hotels. With the recent "bomb cyclone" hitting NYC we missed/lost two nights at the Park Hyatt and UN tour tickets.... they were pre-paid, non-refundable bookings.

I sent an email to both requesting a refund.... Park Hyatt refunded immediately, and the UN have sent a reply saying they have processed the refund and it should take 5 days to hit the account.

They had no obligation to refund, as the city still functioned and the UN tour was operating that day.... who knows? you might come across the same nice gesture.

 

[I love to travel]

Any thoughts on impact on USD to AUD if shutdown lasts more than a few days?

 

[kermatu]

The Smithsonian has confirmed all its sites will be open at least on Monday.

 

[UP4014]

You're unlikely to have an insurer refund your train and hotel because the place you wanted to visit is closed.

Having said that some travel polices (usually corporate) include 'cancelled meetings or functions' but usually only after you have started the trip,so if you had a pre planned meeting you could claim your out of pockets after you get there and find it cancelled. You'd be paying extra for this on the policy so unless you asked for it you won't have it.

Amtrak although govt will still be operating at least for the present so it would take them cancelling to trigger an insurance claim which would only give you back he hotel costs as Amtrak would refund the ticket.

Enjoy DC.