FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany is planning to repay customers of insolvent Thomas Cook as the tour operator's insurance cover is proving insufficient, broadcaster ARD reported, citing government sources.
Insurer Zurich's (S:ZURN) liability is capped at 110 million euros, but it has already registered claims worth 250 million and experts estimate total claims to reach 300 million to 500 million, ARD said.
A legal opinion commissioned by Zurich concluded that state liability is conceivable because the German federal government inadequately implemented a 2015 EU directive meant to ensure that customers get their money back in case of the insolvency of a tour operator, the report said.
Zurich and the German economy ministry were not immediately available for comment.