Insuring Your Football Ticket: Is It Worth The Cost?

If you've splashed out on a football ticket, you'll want to make sure nothing stops you from attending the big match. But life is unpredictable, and sometimes unexpected events can get in the way. That's where ticket insurance comes in. It's an additional option when buying tickets, and it promises to reimburse you if you can't make it to the game due to unforeseen circumstances. But is it worth it? Let's explore the pros and cons of insuring your football ticket.

Should I insure my football ticket?

Pros and cons of insuring football tickets

Pros

• Ticket insurance can offer peace of mind, especially if you've spent a lot of money on the tickets.
• If you can't attend the match due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, airline delays, traffic accidents, or car breakdowns, ticket insurance will reimburse you for the full cost of the ticket, including taxes, convenience fees, and shipping charges.
• Some ticket insurance policies also cover other event-related items, such as parking.
• If you're travelling for the match, ticket insurance can provide additional protection in case of emergencies, which your travel insurance may not cover.

Cons

• Ticket insurance may not be worth the cost, especially if you already have travel insurance that covers cancellations or emergencies.
• The coverage provided by ticket insurance may be limited and may not apply to all situations that prevent you from attending the match.
• The process of claiming a refund through ticket insurance can be complicated and time-consuming, requiring solid documentation and possibly involving litigation.
• There is a risk of falling for scams or purchasing insurance from unreliable third-party companies.
• If the match is cancelled or postponed, you may not be covered by ticket insurance, and your best option for a refund would be if the promoter or venue voluntarily issues refunds.

Travel insurance vs football ticket insurance

When it comes to attending a football match, there are several factors to consider when deciding between travel insurance and football ticket insurance. Both have their advantages and provide different types of coverage. It is important to understand the differences to make an informed decision.

Travel insurance is designed to protect travellers from financial losses that may occur due to unforeseen circumstances, such as trip delays, baggage delays, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations. It provides comprehensive coverage for your entire trip, including transportation and accommodation. This means that if you are travelling to a football match in another city or country, travel insurance can offer financial protection in case of unexpected events.

On the other hand, football ticket insurance, also known as event ticket insurance, specifically covers your ticket purchase for the football match. This type of insurance provides a refund for your ticket if you are unable to attend the match due to covered reasons, such as illness, travel delays, accidents, or issues with your home or business. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your investment in the ticket is protected, and you will not incur a financial loss if you cannot make it to the match.

One advantage of football ticket insurance is that it is designed specifically for the event. It ensures that you receive a refund for the ticket price, which may not always be guaranteed with travel insurance. Additionally, ticket insurance is often a small percentage of the ticket price, making it a cost-effective option for those who want dedicated coverage for their ticket purchase.

However, travel insurance has its own benefits. It provides broader coverage beyond just the football match. If your trip involves other activities or accommodations, travel insurance can offer protection in case of unexpected events or emergencies. It may also include benefits such as medical coverage, which can be crucial when travelling to a different location. Additionally, travel insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellations or delays, giving you flexibility and peace of mind during your travels.

When deciding between travel insurance and football ticket insurance, it is important to consider your specific needs and potential risks. Evaluate the likelihood of unforeseen events that may affect your trip or attendance at the match. Read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of each insurance option to ensure you know what is covered and what is not. By carefully considering your options, you can make an informed decision that provides you with the right level of protection and peace of mind for your football match experience.

When to insure football tickets

If you are travelling to the football match and have purchased travel insurance, it is worth checking if your policy covers cancellations or delays that would impact your attendance at the event. In this case, additional ticket insurance may be unnecessary. It is also important to note that ticket insurance does not cover all situations, and each insurance product has its own exclusions. Therefore, it is crucial to read the fine print and understand the terms and scenarios covered before purchasing ticket insurance.

Additionally, consider the likelihood of unforeseen circumstances arising that would prevent your attendance. If you live locally and do not anticipate any travel delays or emergencies, the added cost of ticket insurance may not be justifiable. On the other hand, if you are travelling a long distance and there is a higher risk of encountering delays or emergencies, ticket insurance may provide peace of mind and financial protection.

Ultimately, the decision to insure football tickets depends on your individual circumstances, the cost of the tickets, and the specific coverage offered by the insurance provider. It is always recommended to carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance product before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs.

How to claim a refund on insured football tickets

When it comes to football tickets, it is always a good idea to insure them. Ticket insurance gives you peace of mind and protects your investment in case of unexpected cancellations. While it is an additional expense, it can save you from losing the entire cost of the ticket.

Now, if you need to claim a refund on your insured football tickets, here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Understand the Coverage

Before initiating a refund claim, carefully review the terms and conditions of your ticket insurance policy. Different insurance providers offer varied coverage, so it is essential to know what your specific policy covers. Some common reasons for ticket refunds include illness, airline delays, traffic accidents, and car breakdowns. However, it is important to note that ticket insurance typically does not cover situations where the event is cancelled or delayed by the venue or promoter.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

In most cases, solid documentation is required to support your refund claim. Depending on the reason for your cancellation, you may need to provide items such as doctor's notes, police reports, or a signed letter from your employer explaining why you can't attend. Having these documents ready will streamline the claims process.

Step 3: Contact the Insurance Provider

To initiate the refund claim, contact your insurance provider. Many insurance companies offer online claim forms on their websites, making it convenient for you to submit your request. You will likely need to provide details about your policy or claim number, so have that information readily available.

Step 4: Follow Up

After submitting your claim, keep a close eye on your emails for any updates or requests for additional information. The insurance provider may take several days to review your claim and make a decision. If your claim is approved, they will provide further instructions on receiving your refund.

Step 5: Dispute or Appeal

In the event that your claim is rejected, you may have the option to dispute or appeal the decision. Contact the insurance provider and inquire about their appeals process. For example, if you have Allianz Global Assistance, you can email [email protected] and include your policy or claim number.

Remember, it is always a good idea to carefully consider the terms and conditions of your ticket insurance policy before purchasing. Weigh the pros and cons, and decide if the coverage meets your specific needs. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively navigate the refund claim process and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Football ticket insurance scams

With the football season kicking off, many fans will be buying tickets to watch their favourite teams in action. However, scammers want to cash in on their excitement. According to Lloyds Bank, the number of people being scammed when buying football tickets rose by around a third (+32%) during the 2023/24 season compared to the previous season. Last season, victims lost £177 on average, with some losing over £1,000.

Football ticket scams often start with criminals creating fake posts on social media or online marketplaces to advertise tickets that don't exist. They usually include pictures of real tickets to convince buyers of their authenticity. More than half of all football ticket scams (56%) reported during the 2023/24 season started on Facebook (including Marketplace). A further 23% of cases began on Twitter. Victims are then tricked into making a payment, usually by bank transfer. Once the money has been transferred, the fraudster disappears, and the victim receives nothing.

To avoid falling victim to football ticket insurance scams, it is important to be cautious when purchasing tickets. Always buy from official sources, such as Ticketmaster, the official ticket vendor for the New England Patriots and most NHL teams. If you're buying through an accredited reselling platform, carefully read the terms and conditions. Get a refund guarantee from the seller in case of a scam. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they probably are. Double-check the URL of the website and avoid clicking on links in emails or social media posts. When buying from someone in person or through a resale app or a social media post, ask to see the original proof of purchase and walk away if something doesn't feel right.

In addition to football ticket scams, there are also scams related to ticket insurance. Ticket insurance is offered as protection against unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from attending an event. However, it is important to carefully read the fine print before purchasing, as different insurance policies offer varied coverage. Some ticket insurances cover illness, while others cover car breakdowns but not stolen tickets. It is also worth considering if you already have adequate coverage through travel insurance or other means. Be cautious of phishing emails offering too-good-to-be-true deals on cheap ticket insurance, even if they appear legitimate. Always research the insurance company and look for customer reviews and complaints before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions