Warehouse offers online travel insurance

The Warehouse is aiming to become a major player in the insurance market with the launch of online travel insurance, in partnership with the country's largest insurance company IAG.

The retail giant says it is taking advantage of the under-insurance among travellers recently highlighted by travel disruptions caused by the Icelandic volcano, and the strong trend towards making travel arrangements online.

"Our research indicated that many New Zealanders travel overseas without any insurance - in fact, its somewhere between 20 per cent and 40 per cent of us," Financial Services General Manager Phil Devlin says.

"The events surrounding the recent Icelandic Volcanic eruption have really brought home the importance of travel insurance."
 
Multi Channel Development Head Richard Harrison says the service is another step towards The Warehouse achieving multi-channel retailer status.

"When we launched The Warehouse Online, our aim was to become a true multi-channel retailer - one that empowers customers to purchase goods and services in a flexible and convenient manner," Mr Harrison says.

He says more New Zealanders are now making all of their holiday bookings online, extending beyond flights and accommodation, to include rental cars, show tickets, restaurant bookings, and travel insurance.

- © Fairfax NZ News