TICO Consumer Protection Rules 2

Question 1

Under Ontario's consumer protection framework for travel services, what recourse does a consumer have if a TICO-registered travel agent misrepresents a travel product?

Accepted Answer

The consumer can file a complaint with TICO, which may investigate and take enforcement action against the registrant

Answer

The consumer must file a lawsuit in the Ontario Superior Court before TICO can become involved

Answer

The consumer must contact the federal Office of Consumer Affairs, as TICO lacks jurisdiction over misrepresentation

Answer

The consumer has no recourse if they signed the booking confirmation

Question 2

Under TICO's consumer protection framework, which of the following is a consumer's right when a travel supplier makes a material change to a confirmed booking?

Accepted Answer

The right to accept the change, or to cancel and receive a full refund of all payments made to the registrant

Answer

The right to demand an upgrade to a higher-category product at the original price

Answer

The right to receive a 50% refund while keeping the modified booking

Answer

Material changes are at the supplier's discretion and consumers have no rights to cancel

Question 3

A consumer paid $4,500 for a travel package and the travel agency subsequently became insolvent before the travel occurred. What consumer protection mechanism may provide compensation?

Accepted Answer

The Travel Compensation Fund (TCF), administered by TICO, may compensate the consumer for eligible losses

Answer

The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) will automatically refund the purchase amount

Answer

The consumer's provincial tax rebate program covers failed travel purchases

Answer

No compensation is available if the agency is insolvent

Question 4

Under TICO's standards, what protection does a consumer have regarding price increases after a travel booking has been fully paid?

Accepted Answer

Suppliers cannot impose price increases after full payment has been received for a confirmed booking

Answer

Price increases of up to 10% are permitted after full payment without the consumer's consent

Answer

Consumers who paid in full can still be charged additional amounts for fuel surcharges

Answer

Price protection applies only to airfare components, not accommodation or tours

Question 5

A consumer asks a TICO-registered agent for a travel insurance recommendation. The agent recommends a policy with inadequate coverage for the client's specific health condition without disclosing this limitation. This may constitute:

Accepted Answer

A breach of TICO's standards of practice and potentially a misrepresentation that could harm the consumer

Answer

Standard industry practice, as agents are not required to assess health conditions for insurance recommendations

Answer

A minor administrative matter that TICO would not investigate

Answer

A federal insurance regulation violation beyond TICO's jurisdiction

Question 6

The Ontario Consumer Protection Act, 2002 provides which of the following protections relevant to travel purchases?

Accepted Answer

Prohibition of unfair practices such as false representations and unconscionable acts in consumer transactions

Answer

A mandatory 30-day cooling-off period for all travel bookings over $1,000

Answer

A provincial price freeze on travel products sold in Ontario for 90 days after purchase

Answer

Free legal representation for consumers in disputes with travel agencies