LOS ANGELES — Viking Financial Services Ltd, the entity that manages travel protection for Viking, has filed a lawsuit against Arch Insurance Group in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, MO.
A statement from Viking says the lawsuit arises from Arch’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When cancelling cruises due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Viking immediately offered compensation for impacted guests, including compensation for any travel protection premiums collected on cancelled cruises. Viking never questioned this decision, as guest satisfaction is a priority for the company. However, Viking’s expectation was that Arch would provide reimbursement for the travel protection premiums refunded to guests, as Arch no longer faced any travel risk following the cancellations. Now more than three years later, Arch has failed to fulfill its financial obligations,” according to Viking’s statement.
“The safety and satisfaction of guests has always been Viking’s primary concern, particularly during times of crisis,” said Ryan Rakower, an attorney at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP who is representing Viking in the matter. “Viking is deeply disappointed and frustrated by Arch’s blatant disregard for its financial obligations to Viking, which starkly contradicts the company’s steadfast guest-centric values. By refusing to refund Viking the unearned travel protection premiums, Arch has indirectly profited from Viking’s decision to prioritize guest satisfaction by immediately issuing compensation to guests in the early stages of the pandemic.”
The impact of Arch’s refusal to meet its financial obligations is “staggering”, says Viking. Viking has issued compensation for travel protection premiums in excess of US$3 million.
Despite Viking’s disappointment in Arch’s inaction to date and its decision to file this lawsuit, Viking says it remains steadfast in its commitment to its guests and employees.
“While this lawsuit has no impact on Viking’s ongoing operations, the company has always said it will do what is right for its guests and employees. Viking expects the same commitment from its partners, including Arch,” said Rakower.
Trip Mate, Viking’s insurance partner, is joining Viking Financial Services Ltd in the suit against Arch Insurance Group.
