Last month, I took Empire Builder from Seattle to Milwaukee, one way, flying return. I chose Milwaukee as the destination so I could grab a rental car at Milwaukee airport, travel to visit family, and return car at airport to fly home. The only iffy part is that the train stops at intermodal in Milwaukee, not the airport, so I would need to go one stop on Hiawatha train. Transfer time would be tight at best, but a short Uber trip was more likely.
Seeing as i would be crossing mountains in winter and had non refundable car rental and fight, I sprung for the $32ish dollars for travel insurance offered through Amtrak site. I travel extensively and have never purchased insurance before.
The trip started 6 hours late, not a good sign. I had a roomette, solo, and the entire trip was very pleasant. Food, accommodations, attendants were all outstanding. I really have nothing to add to the many trip reports on this route. It was my first time and I loved it.
So we arrived at Milwaukee Intermodal 6 hours late, just after 8 pm. My problem was that the car rental office at Milwaukee airport closed at 8 pm. So I paid $180 for a hotel and picked up car next morning. Car was prepaid, so they held it for me. Good thing as there were no others cars available at the airport.
When the trip was over, I submitted a claim for the hotel room, which was simple. I uploaded hotel receipt, Amtrak itinerary, and car rental receipt. The Allianz insurance web site had a list of documents that MAY be required or helpful, and that an agent maybe in contact for more info. One item listed, which I did not have, was proof of delay. I dropped a line to Amtrak asking for that. The next day I received a notice that an agent had been assigned to my case. The day after that I received a notice that my claim was approved and would be paid IAW my choice when I filed the claim. Next day, full amount was deposited in my account! So so easy. So that’s it. BTW, I never did hear back from Amtrak about proof of delay, but either it didn’t matter or the insurance co has other way to verify.
Seeing as i would be crossing mountains in winter and had non refundable car rental and fight, I sprung for the $32ish dollars for travel insurance offered through Amtrak site. I travel extensively and have never purchased insurance before.
The trip started 6 hours late, not a good sign. I had a roomette, solo, and the entire trip was very pleasant. Food, accommodations, attendants were all outstanding. I really have nothing to add to the many trip reports on this route. It was my first time and I loved it.
So we arrived at Milwaukee Intermodal 6 hours late, just after 8 pm. My problem was that the car rental office at Milwaukee airport closed at 8 pm. So I paid $180 for a hotel and picked up car next morning. Car was prepaid, so they held it for me. Good thing as there were no others cars available at the airport.
When the trip was over, I submitted a claim for the hotel room, which was simple. I uploaded hotel receipt, Amtrak itinerary, and car rental receipt. The Allianz insurance web site had a list of documents that MAY be required or helpful, and that an agent maybe in contact for more info. One item listed, which I did not have, was proof of delay. I dropped a line to Amtrak asking for that. The next day I received a notice that an agent had been assigned to my case. The day after that I received a notice that my claim was approved and would be paid IAW my choice when I filed the claim. Next day, full amount was deposited in my account! So so easy. So that’s it. BTW, I never did hear back from Amtrak about proof of delay, but either it didn’t matter or the insurance co has other way to verify.
