Class Action lawsuits launched over cancelled Explorica School Trips

Many Canadians were forced to make the difficult decision to cancel their trips over March Break of this year due to the pandemic. Families who booked trips through the company Explorica were told to purchase trip cancellation through Old Republic and Arch Insurance, and are still waiting for reimbursement.

This continued delay for compensation has resulted in two class-action lawsuits filed against Arch Insurance and Old Republic. Disability lawyer Sivan Tumarkin at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP who represents the families spoke with CKNW’s Jill Bennet to discuss the ongoing suits.

What They Discussed

• What is at the heart of this class-action lawsuit? Many students and families who had booked trips through the company Explorica were forced to cancel these trips due to COVID-19. Explorica told these families to purchase travel insurance with Arch Insurance and Old Republic. Explorica put in claims on behalf of these families who are up until now still waiting for reimbursement as the insurance companies are saying they lack the necessary information.
• Do we know the approximate amount of money that is owed to the families? The true amount is only known to the insurance companies.
• Are the insurance companies trying to offer something other than a monetary refund? There have been no credits or vouchers offered as they are not denying the families are owed reimbursements.
• Do we have any idea of exactly how many families have been impacted by this across Canada? There are over 2000 students between the two insurance companies who have booked through Explorica.
• Is it difficult to file suits against insurance companies? Insurance companies are not interested in legal battles and are solely motivated by profit.
• Is Samfiru Tumarkin LLP looking for more people to join the suit? Once the claim is filed everyone who is insured with Old Republic and Arch Insurance is automatically entered into the suit unless they choose to opt-out.