In the unpredictable world of travel, even a slight change in weather can throw off the most carefully crafted plans. Nick Cavanaugh, a former hedge fund analyst with a background in climate science, recognized this challenge and took matters into his own hands by founding Sensible Weather in early 2020. His brainchild, the Weather Guarantee, provides travelers with a safety net in case of rain or other adverse weather conditions during their trip.
The Weather Guarantee by Sensible Weather is not marketed as insurance but rather as a “weather-protection product.” Instead of focusing on extreme weather events like hurricanes, this guarantee is tailored to address more common disruptions such as rainy days. The product works on a basis of compensation, ensuring that travelers are refunded for affected days of their hotel stay or theme park visit if the weather exceeds predefined parameters.
Sensible Weather partners with various suppliers in the travel industry, including hotels, ski resorts, theme parks, and golf courses, to sell their Weather Guarantees. The guarantees are seamlessly integrated into the suppliers’ booking platforms, allowing travelers to add on the product at checkout. The pricing of the Weather Guarantee varies depending on factors such as the destination, time of year, and the overall trip cost, with the aim of being approximately 5% to 10% of the booking’s total.
One of the key selling points of the Weather Guarantee is the speed and ease of reimbursement. By monitoring weather conditions in real-time, Sensible Weather can automatically trigger coverage and notify clients without the need for them to file a claim. Travelers can receive their refunds promptly through options such as PayPal, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
While rain remains the primary focus of Sensible Weather, the company has ventured into heat-related guarantees as well. Partnering with Collective Hill Country glamping property in Texas, Sensible Weather now offers Weather Guarantees based on temperature thresholds. This flexibility showcases the company’s capability to adapt to various weather variables and provide coverage tailored to specific conditions.
Sensible Weather is not the only player in the weather protection market, with WeatherPromise being another notable contender. Specializing in customized weather promises, WeatherPromise offers comprehensive coverage across an entire trip, including accommodations, flights, activities, and events. This broader approach aims to instill confidence in travelers and reduce the impact of unfavorable weather conditions on their plans.
Recognizing the value of weather protection products, both Sensible Weather and WeatherPromise are looking to collaborate with travel advisors. By offering commissions and dedicated advisor products, these companies aim to equip advisors with tools to enhance their credibility and provide clients with added peace of mind. As weather patterns become more erratic, the demand for such products is expected to rise among both suppliers and travelers.
According to Linda Sergeant, founder of Far and Away Luxury Destinations, weather-protection products have been a game-changer for her clients. By offering guarantees on ski packages, clients can rest assured that their investment is safeguarded, even in the event of unfavorable snow conditions. This positive feedback attests to the value and impact of weather guarantees in the travel industry.
The emergence of weather protection products like the Weather Guarantee by Sensible Weather and WeatherPromise is revolutionizing the way travelers approach trip planning. By providing a safety net against unforeseen weather disruptions, these products offer peace of mind and financial security, ensuring that travelers can focus on enjoying their journeys without worrying about the elements. As the travel industry adapts to changing weather patterns, the role of weather guarantees is set to become increasingly prominent, offering a ray of sunshine in an otherwise unpredictable forecast.