P&O ferry crossing cancellation

[thenaylortribe]

Ok here goes..
Had to curtail my holiday early and come home from Switzerland due to the fact the engine blew up in our van!
Tried to cancel and get a refund on my ferry crossing from Bilbao to Portsmouth but told by P&O that because its less than 15 days til sailing I'm entitled to NO refund!! £612-00!!:o
Phoned travel insurance company and asked about a claim and was told that because I never phoned them to tell them I had broken down (phoned breakdown insurance company instead!), I was not covered and therefore not liable for compensation...
The Travel insurance company is Direct Travel underwritten by AXA assistance, strangely enough the same people who underwrite my breakdown cover!

Can I do anything about this?
The return sailing is due on 15th June (this Friday)

[craigwalton]

Yes.

WRITE to them and explain the circumstances - you should get a change of decision

[thenaylortribe]

tried that ...no joy!
A flat refusal to refund all or part of the fare.

[girlynutnut]

As a travel claims handler for Norwich Union, I'd be surprised if they were repudiating just because you didn't notify them. Are you sure that your travel policy covers this eventuality? Curtailment / abandonment is usually only covered in specific circumstances such as medical emergency of you or a relative back home, your home being damaged, etc. If you're claiming under Missed Departure you're more likely to be covered for vehicle breakdown but must be able to provide evidence of when this happened. What's the exact reason given for the repudiation?