Travelers Releases Most Common Wedding Insurance Claims from 2012

Photography is the Most Frequent Cause of Vendor-Related Wedding Mishaps for Couples

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Couples look forward to having their wedding day memories preserved forever through photography and video, but according to an analysis of 2012 wedding insurance claims by Travelers (NYSE: TRV), 58 percent of all wedding claims related to vendor issues involve problems with the photographer. Travelers reminds couples that they can help protect their wedding budget by considering wedding insurance.

“Photos are one way that brides and grooms hope to preserve the precious memories of their wedding day, and couples should have the right protection in mind to insure against potential loss or damage for something so valuable”

Travelers’ claim data found that vendor problems resulted in the most frequent causes of wedding day mishaps for its customers, accounting for 24 percent of all wedding claims received. Illness and injury accounted for 19 percent of the total wedding claims with 15 percent attributed to venue issues. Wedding day mishaps associated with weather accounted for 14 percent of claims.

Travelers Wedding Protector Plan can provide more protection to help couples avoid the added costs of unexpected wedding glitches. It also covers expenses associated with recreating the special day, from retaking photos to purchasing fresh flower arrangements to extending the tuxedo rental.

In 2012, the average cost of a wedding was $25,656 according to The Wedding Report, a research company that tracks the wedding industry, with U.S. couples spending approximately $4,178 on their photography and videography.

“Photos are one way that brides and grooms hope to preserve the precious memories of their wedding day, and couples should have the right protection in mind to insure against potential loss or damage for something so valuable,” said Chantal Cyr, Vice President of Travelers Personal Insurance. “As the cost of weddings continues to increase, engaged couples need to know that they have options for protecting their investment. A wedding is about being able to celebrate your special day, not a time to be worried about mishaps, weather or cancellations.”

Twenty-one percent of vendor-related issues involved a caterer going out of business. Problems with DJs not showing up or going out of business accounted for 11 percent of the claims, with five percent of claims citing issues with wedding planners.

The Wedding Protector Plan can be purchased from Travelers for as little as $160. It covers items such as lost deposits, perishable materials, unavoidable cancellation due to weather or military leave, lost or damaged photographs, damaged gifts, host liability and more.

By visiting protectmywedding.com, brides- and grooms-to-be can quickly learn about the coverage and limits they need to protect their wedding budget. To learn more about wedding insurance, including the costs and buying online or through an independent agent, visit www.protectmywedding.com.

About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto, home and business settings. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $26 billion in 2012. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.