So, as confidence in travel returns, it’s back to discussing more typical issues for the industry, such as the article in the February 2022 issue of ITIJ entitled Taking the pain out of Claims. Well, is that actually possible?

Let’s face it, the perception of the general public of making a claim is akin to having to face the Spanish Inquisition or a waterboarding session.*

With good reason too – claimants sometimes get a bit of a grilling. I mean, there are one or two naughty boys and girls out there who try to claim for things that are a little bit on the fictional side.

I can hear your sharp intake of breath, dear reader! But yes, it’s true. There are some naughty little minxes out there who will tell tiny untruths about claims, and sometimes claimants can get upset and even cry when being quizzed by claims departments.

So instead, those nice people at AIG are installing a virtual assistant to deal with some of those nasty questions. Just a nice calm computer voice to ask the questions. Presumably, just like the one in the supermarket that says: “Please scan an item or press check out to pay,” and refuses to discuss anything else with you. Well, I think anything that makes the claims process less painful is to be commended, so well done, AIG.

So maybe now, we can all pack away the red ecclesiastical robes and the wet towels.

There’s just no fun anymore.

*Note 1: Not to be confused with a surfboarding or snowboarding session, both of which are supposed to be pleasurable activities**(see note 2)

**Note 2: Which may or not be covered under your insurance policy. Check with the claims department, who may or may not be anything like the Spanish Inquisition or a waterboarding session* (see note 1)