So after I posted my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
I called to inquire why. THe reason? Too many claims with West Marine. Now they only knew about these "claims" because I was honest on the form -- which asked if I had ever been declined coverage.
I'm now waiting for a call back, but I am really getting frustrated here. What if I can't get insurance? BoatUS said I don't even qualify for their "high risk" coverage. What's going on here?
I have never filed a claim with an insurance company in my life. NOt for my car, not for my boat, not for my home. OK health insurance has covered me over the years, but I am so low risk it's not even funny.
Wht do do???
woodbe67@yahoo.com
Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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john doyle
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
Call the insurance commissionerEric wrote: So after I posted my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
I called to inquire why. THe reason? Too many claims with West Marine. Now they only knew about these "claims" because I was honest on the form -- which asked if I had ever been declined coverage.
I'm now waiting for a call back, but I am really getting frustrated here. What if I can't get insurance? BoatUS said I don't even qualify for their "high risk" coverage. What's going on here?
I have never filed a claim with an insurance company in my life. NOt for my car, not for my boat, not for my home. OK health insurance has covered me over the years, but I am so low risk it's not even funny.
Wht do do???
john.doyle@kmctelecom.com
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Bob Loewenstein
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
John,
I suggest (as others have) that you contact your state insurance commission. A few years ago I had a problem with my home insurance. A quick search on the web gave me the state numbers to contact. In a few minutes I talked to a person with the state commission who listened to my tale and opined that the insurance company was way out of line and figured he could help.
As it turned out, my insurance company took care of the problem on its own (finally) without any threat on my part, so I don't know how much help the commission would have been, but at the time, it sure felt good to have someone from the state on my side.
Bob
I suggest (as others have) that you contact your state insurance commission. A few years ago I had a problem with my home insurance. A quick search on the web gave me the state numbers to contact. In a few minutes I talked to a person with the state commission who listened to my tale and opined that the insurance company was way out of line and figured he could help.
As it turned out, my insurance company took care of the problem on its own (finally) without any threat on my part, so I don't know how much help the commission would have been, but at the time, it sure felt good to have someone from the state on my side.
Bob
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Mario
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
I had earlier recommended contacting your state insurance commissioner and want to reiterate that.
What I would do would be to write a letter to BoatUS outlining the entire history, send it certified/return receipt and note at the bottom of the letter that you are carboning your state insurance commissioner (and maybe a lawyer friend if you have one.) They may choose to expedite a resolution of the problem rather than come under the scrutiny and hassle of dealing with a state bureaucracy.
Mario
s/v Rhapsody
CD30 #252
capedory252@aol.com
What I would do would be to write a letter to BoatUS outlining the entire history, send it certified/return receipt and note at the bottom of the letter that you are carboning your state insurance commissioner (and maybe a lawyer friend if you have one.) They may choose to expedite a resolution of the problem rather than come under the scrutiny and hassle of dealing with a state bureaucracy.
Mario
s/v Rhapsody
CD30 #252
capedory252@aol.com
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Warren Kaplan
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
I'd call the insurance commissioner also. But here's another tack you might try. West and Boat US aren't the ONLY sources of marine insurance. If you have an insurance agent and you do alot of business with him/her, I'd talk to him. I have alot of insurance on my business building, and my professional insurance, as well as my homeowners and auto insurance with one agent. They were able to put insurance for my Cape Dory onto my homeowners insurance as long as I had an adequate umbrella policy...which I had anyway. Believe it or not, its St. Paul. But that's a different kettle of fish. I'd ask your agent to check out the various "boat" policies for the best bang for the buck. A good agent shouldn't have any trouble getting you covered. If he can't, you can always hint that you MUST have your boat covered and you will start to look around for a new agent who can get the job done. I'd be VERY surprised if you can find coverage. Of course you have to look at whats being covered and what isn't.
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
Setsail728@aol.com
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
Setsail728@aol.com
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Ken Coit
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
Eric,
OK, you have my attention. What state are you in? I will look up the info you need to nail the b.....ds.
Not only should you suggest to West Marine and BOAT/US and their partners that you are going to discuss all this with the Insurance Commissioner, you should also invoke the lawyer card by using one or more of the following phrases:
"My attorney advises me that...."
"My wife/brother/father is an attorney and she/he tells me"
I once had to threaten Trans World Airlines with the Lindbergh Act to get them to tell me what they had done with my daughter who was flying in from the West Coast on Christmas Eve. It worked and I got to talk to the VP of Public Relations very early on Christmas morning. By the time he called, he was able to tell me a lot about where she was and when she would arrive.
Sometimes hard ball is the only game they understand.
Good Hunting!
Ken
PPPPparfait@nc.rr.com
OK, you have my attention. What state are you in? I will look up the info you need to nail the b.....ds.
Not only should you suggest to West Marine and BOAT/US and their partners that you are going to discuss all this with the Insurance Commissioner, you should also invoke the lawyer card by using one or more of the following phrases:
"My attorney advises me that...."
"My wife/brother/father is an attorney and she/he tells me"
I once had to threaten Trans World Airlines with the Lindbergh Act to get them to tell me what they had done with my daughter who was flying in from the West Coast on Christmas Eve. It worked and I got to talk to the VP of Public Relations very early on Christmas morning. By the time he called, he was able to tell me a lot about where she was and when she would arrive.
Sometimes hard ball is the only game they understand.
Good Hunting!
Ken
Eric wrote: So after I posted my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
I called to inquire why. THe reason? Too many claims with West Marine. Now they only knew about these "claims" because I was honest on the form -- which asked if I had ever been declined coverage.
I'm now waiting for a call back, but I am really getting frustrated here. What if I can't get insurance? BoatUS said I don't even qualify for their "high risk" coverage. What's going on here?
I have never filed a claim with an insurance company in my life. NOt for my car, not for my boat, not for my home. OK health insurance has covered me over the years, but I am so low risk it's not even funny.
Wht do do???
PPPPparfait@nc.rr.com
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Eric
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
Thanks for the advice everyone. I will contact the Mass. INsurance Commisisoner's office.
In case anyone is interested, here is the third "claim" that I sent to my marina a year ago. I also CC'd the insurance carrier. This is the kind of thing that is being called a loss on my part. Again, it turned out that there was no damage to Allia, and I never filed a claim.
To: Beverly Port Marina
From: Eric Woodman
Date: Jan. 18, 2001
Subject: Damage to my boat
I’m writing to notify you that I believe there may have been damage done to my Cape Dory 25 sailboat, Allia. The possible damage was caused by the failure of your yard to winterize my boat, as required by the service contract I signed over the summer.
If you check my records, you will see that I have been billed for this work and that it was supposedly completed in November. On Dec. 1, however, I visited Allia and noticed no work was done. I called the office and was told the work would be completed shortly. On Dec. 10, however, I visited the boat and found the head, bilge, holding tank and all related hoses frozen solid with water. There was no sign of antifreeze anywhere.
I immediately went to your office where the woman working there called the yard manager at home (it was a Sunday). He assured me he would come in that day, put heaters in the boat to thaw out the ice and do proper winterization. I met with him later and he admitted the yard had made a mistake and probably winterized the wrong boat. He indicated Beverly Port Marina would pay for any costs associated with the mistake.
Following a thaw, I visited the boat in early January to find antifreeze leaking from the sink and the head. I called and asked the yard manager to take a look and call me back. He did not call back so I feel the need to get this in writing to protect my interests. While there is no way to know until spring if any damage has been done, I think it is save to conclude that ice has caused some damage to the sink and head.
I think it is also wise to assume that there could be yet-undetected damage to other parts of the boat, including, but not limited to, the holding tank, fresh water systems, engine and hull/keel/bilge.
I intend to have the engine examined by an independent mechanic to check for damage. I also will have a surveyor inspect the boat, once winter is over.
I expect Beverly Port Marina to pay for any freeze-related damages detected from these inspections, as well as the costs of hiring these experts. As you know, ice can be a major problem for a boat. I certainly hope you will take the appropriate steps and cooperate with me as I seek to find and fix the damage caused by Beverly Port Marina’s failure to execute their end of the service agreement we both signed.
Because of the potentially high costs associated with this damage, I will not be paying my bill until all of this is resolved and I will send a copy of this letter to my insurer. I hope you will do the same with your insurance carrier, as I do not intend to pay for this in any way, including the costs of higher insurance rates. I hope you can understand why I feel the need to do this.
Eric Woodman
108 Willow St
Cambridge, MA 02141
508 293 7989 (w)
617 576 0286 (h)
CC: St. Paul Insurance
In case anyone is interested, here is the third "claim" that I sent to my marina a year ago. I also CC'd the insurance carrier. This is the kind of thing that is being called a loss on my part. Again, it turned out that there was no damage to Allia, and I never filed a claim.
To: Beverly Port Marina
From: Eric Woodman
Date: Jan. 18, 2001
Subject: Damage to my boat
I’m writing to notify you that I believe there may have been damage done to my Cape Dory 25 sailboat, Allia. The possible damage was caused by the failure of your yard to winterize my boat, as required by the service contract I signed over the summer.
If you check my records, you will see that I have been billed for this work and that it was supposedly completed in November. On Dec. 1, however, I visited Allia and noticed no work was done. I called the office and was told the work would be completed shortly. On Dec. 10, however, I visited the boat and found the head, bilge, holding tank and all related hoses frozen solid with water. There was no sign of antifreeze anywhere.
I immediately went to your office where the woman working there called the yard manager at home (it was a Sunday). He assured me he would come in that day, put heaters in the boat to thaw out the ice and do proper winterization. I met with him later and he admitted the yard had made a mistake and probably winterized the wrong boat. He indicated Beverly Port Marina would pay for any costs associated with the mistake.
Following a thaw, I visited the boat in early January to find antifreeze leaking from the sink and the head. I called and asked the yard manager to take a look and call me back. He did not call back so I feel the need to get this in writing to protect my interests. While there is no way to know until spring if any damage has been done, I think it is save to conclude that ice has caused some damage to the sink and head.
I think it is also wise to assume that there could be yet-undetected damage to other parts of the boat, including, but not limited to, the holding tank, fresh water systems, engine and hull/keel/bilge.
I intend to have the engine examined by an independent mechanic to check for damage. I also will have a surveyor inspect the boat, once winter is over.
I expect Beverly Port Marina to pay for any freeze-related damages detected from these inspections, as well as the costs of hiring these experts. As you know, ice can be a major problem for a boat. I certainly hope you will take the appropriate steps and cooperate with me as I seek to find and fix the damage caused by Beverly Port Marina’s failure to execute their end of the service agreement we both signed.
Because of the potentially high costs associated with this damage, I will not be paying my bill until all of this is resolved and I will send a copy of this letter to my insurer. I hope you will do the same with your insurance carrier, as I do not intend to pay for this in any way, including the costs of higher insurance rates. I hope you can understand why I feel the need to do this.
Eric Woodman
108 Willow St
Cambridge, MA 02141
508 293 7989 (w)
617 576 0286 (h)
CC: St. Paul Insurance
Ken Coit wrote: Eric,
OK, you have my attention. What state are you in? I will look up the info you need to nail the b.....ds.
Not only should you suggest to West Marine and BOAT/US and their partners that you are going to discuss all this with the Insurance Commissioner, you should also invoke the lawyer card by using one or more of the following phrases:
"My attorney advises me that...."
"My wife/brother/father is an attorney and she/he tells me"
I once had to threaten Trans World Airlines with the Lindbergh Act to get them to tell me what they had done with my daughter who was flying in from the West Coast on Christmas Eve. It worked and I got to talk to the VP of Public Relations very early on Christmas morning. By the time he called, he was able to tell me a lot about where she was and when she would arrive.
Sometimes hard ball is the only game they understand.
Good Hunting!
Ken
Eric wrote: So after I posted my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
I called to inquire why. THe reason? Too many claims with West Marine. Now they only knew about these "claims" because I was honest on the form -- which asked if I had ever been declined coverage.
I'm now waiting for a call back, but I am really getting frustrated here. What if I can't get insurance? BoatUS said I don't even qualify for their "high risk" coverage. What's going on here?
I have never filed a claim with an insurance company in my life. NOt for my car, not for my boat, not for my home. OK health insurance has covered me over the years, but I am so low risk it's not even funny.
Wht do do???
-
Bill Goldsmith
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
Eric,
It seems as though you never have actually had a marine insurance claim, only advices of potential claims that went away. I would re-apply with Boat US and advise that you have not had a claim. I don't remember their form--does it ask whether you've "filed a claim" or "notified and insurer about a potential loss" or what?
Also, ask to speak to an Underwriter. It would be a shame to miss out on the deals that BOAT US has for Marine insurance. BArring that, go with Warren's suggestion and find an independent agent. Be cagey about whether you've "filed" claims in the past. It seems that you've only "notified about potential claims" which never matured into "actual claims." While you must be honest in your application, it seems to me that they are penalizing you for claims you never actually made.
Keep us posted!!
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance
my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
goldy@bestweb.net
It seems as though you never have actually had a marine insurance claim, only advices of potential claims that went away. I would re-apply with Boat US and advise that you have not had a claim. I don't remember their form--does it ask whether you've "filed a claim" or "notified and insurer about a potential loss" or what?
Also, ask to speak to an Underwriter. It would be a shame to miss out on the deals that BOAT US has for Marine insurance. BArring that, go with Warren's suggestion and find an independent agent. Be cagey about whether you've "filed" claims in the past. It seems that you've only "notified about potential claims" which never matured into "actual claims." While you must be honest in your application, it seems to me that they are penalizing you for claims you never actually made.
Keep us posted!!
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance
my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
Eric wrote: I called to inquire why. THe reason? Too many claims with West Marine. Now they only knew about these "claims" because I was honest on the form -- which asked if I had ever been declined coverage.
I'm now waiting for a call back, but I am really getting frustrated here. What if I can't get insurance? BoatUS said I don't even qualify for their "high risk" coverage. What's going on here?
I have never filed a claim with an insurance company in my life. NOt for my car, not for my boat, not for my home. OK health insurance has covered me over the years, but I am so low risk it's not even funny.
Wht do do???
goldy@bestweb.net
-
George
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
Eric,Eric wrote: Thanks for the advice everyone. I will contact the Mass. INsurance Commisisoner's office.
I'm sorry to hear of your trouble. May I suggest you contact IMIS? I've always found Al Golden to be reliable and straightforward. He's an independent agent and represents the boat owner, not the insurance company. He'll do what he can to help you out.
- George
Disclaimer: Al is a friend, but I derive no remuneration from recommending him.
gdinwiddie@alberg30.org
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Eric
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
The problem is that all the companies ask "have you ever been rejected or non-renewed by an insurance carrier." There is no room for explanation.
I can lie, but then I'd be screwed if I ever need to collect in any kind of major way. A quick bit of research will void the policy.
ew
I can lie, but then I'd be screwed if I ever need to collect in any kind of major way. A quick bit of research will void the policy.
ew
Bill Goldsmith wrote: Eric,
It seems as though you never have actually had a marine insurance claim, only advices of potential claims that went away. I would re-apply with Boat US and advise that you have not had a claim. I don't remember their form--does it ask whether you've "filed a claim" or "notified and insurer about a potential loss" or what?
Also, ask to speak to an Underwriter. It would be a shame to miss out on the deals that BOAT US has for Marine insurance. BArring that, go with Warren's suggestion and find an independent agent. Be cagey about whether you've "filed" claims in the past. It seems that you've only "notified about potential claims" which never matured into "actual claims." While you must be honest in your application, it seems to me that they are penalizing you for claims you never actually made.
Keep us posted!!
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance
my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
Eric wrote: I called to inquire why. THe reason? Too many claims with West Marine. Now they only knew about these "claims" because I was honest on the form -- which asked if I had ever been declined coverage.
I'm now waiting for a call back, but I am really getting frustrated here. What if I can't get insurance? BoatUS said I don't even qualify for their "high risk" coverage. What's going on here?
I have never filed a claim with an insurance company in my life. NOt for my car, not for my boat, not for my home. OK health insurance has covered me over the years, but I am so low risk it's not even funny.
Wht do do???
-
wayne grenier
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
I believe you are a mass resident-in this case your homeowners policy will provide liability coverage for sailboats 26' or less-so what you need is only physical damage insurance for the boat itself-and you may wish to remain "self insured" for the amount your boat is worth-also-when changing insurance companies most require an updated survey-which is $300 or more-check with your insurance agent to make sure you are covered under your homeowners for liabilty-insurance is an ever changing business-for every company that stops writing boats there is one that starts-you just have to find it-if they asked you on an application if you have ever collected on a claim-you can honestly say "no"-Eric wrote: So after I posted my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
I called to inquire why. THe reason? Too many claims with West Marine. Now they only knew about these "claims" because I was honest on the form -- which asked if I had ever been declined coverage.
I'm now waiting for a call back, but I am really getting frustrated here. What if I can't get insurance? BoatUS said I don't even qualify for their "high risk" coverage. What's going on here?
I have never filed a claim with an insurance company in my life. NOt for my car, not for my boat, not for my home. OK health insurance has covered me over the years, but I am so low risk it's not even funny.
Wht do do???
grenier@ma.ultranet,com
-
Larry DeMers
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
Eric,
It's time for one-on-one communications with their underwritter, or someone in charge of their insurance dept. Surely with an explanation that you merely notified them of possible claims, but had never made a claim, they will modify their stance. Talk with their insurance dept. directly, and when it comes to this sticking point, explain everything to a real live human. I will be surprised if they can't make allowances for your situation.
It is disturbing that automation of the application form has gotten so far out of control that manual overriding entries cannot be made when exceptions are encountered.
Good Luck,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 Also with Boat/US
demers@sgi.com
It's time for one-on-one communications with their underwritter, or someone in charge of their insurance dept. Surely with an explanation that you merely notified them of possible claims, but had never made a claim, they will modify their stance. Talk with their insurance dept. directly, and when it comes to this sticking point, explain everything to a real live human. I will be surprised if they can't make allowances for your situation.
It is disturbing that automation of the application form has gotten so far out of control that manual overriding entries cannot be made when exceptions are encountered.
Good Luck,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 Also with Boat/US
Eric wrote: The problem is that all the companies ask "have you ever been rejected or non-renewed by an insurance carrier." There is no room for explanation.
I can lie, but then I'd be screwed if I ever need to collect in any kind of major way. A quick bit of research will void the policy.
ew
Bill Goldsmith wrote: Eric,
It seems as though you never have actually had a marine insurance claim, only advices of potential claims that went away. I would re-apply with Boat US and advise that you have not had a claim. I don't remember their form--does it ask whether you've "filed a claim" or "notified and insurer about a potential loss" or what?
Also, ask to speak to an Underwriter. It would be a shame to miss out on the deals that BOAT US has for Marine insurance. BArring that, go with Warren's suggestion and find an independent agent. Be cagey about whether you've "filed" claims in the past. It seems that you've only "notified about potential claims" which never matured into "actual claims." While you must be honest in your application, it seems to me that they are penalizing you for claims you never actually made.
Keep us posted!!
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance
my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
Eric wrote: I called to inquire why. THe reason? Too many claims with West Marine. Now they only knew about these "claims" because I was honest on the form -- which asked if I had ever been declined coverage.
I'm now waiting for a call back, but I am really getting frustrated here. What if I can't get insurance? BoatUS said I don't even qualify for their "high risk" coverage. What's going on here?
I have never filed a claim with an insurance company in my life. NOt for my car, not for my boat, not for my home. OK health insurance has covered me over the years, but I am so low risk it's not even funny.
Wht do do???
demers@sgi.com
-
Will W.
Re: Insurance Update (I'm even more angry now)!!!
I agree with Larry here. You need to start talking to the people at St. Paul. When one person says no you ask their name and who their boss is and then ask to speak with their supervisor immediatly (of course you will hold, no call backs). If the next senior person can't deliver; repeat.
I used to work at a small law firm. Occasionally my boss would want something from a company or a service that was not the normal fare. I would get the normal rep on the phone in an attempt to get what he wanted. I always ran into the standard rejections because that wasn't something they offered or could do. Well, that just means that that person is not authorized to make that decision, but they never offer to let you speak to their boss. Steve would then take the phone and proceed to go through the corporate levels until he got what he wanted. He usually wasn't nice about it and he always; I mean ALWAYS, got what he wanted in the end, even if he had to go to the president of the company. Something he did more than once while I worked for him.
My point is that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Even if you are like me, who hates to be a squeaker. I cannot deny that it was effective.
Once you are reinstated by St paul, I would drop them fast. Then you will be able to honestly say that you have not been canceled by another provider. It's time to be the A hole you don't want to be, just for a little while. Good Luck.
Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25
willwheatley@starpower.net
I used to work at a small law firm. Occasionally my boss would want something from a company or a service that was not the normal fare. I would get the normal rep on the phone in an attempt to get what he wanted. I always ran into the standard rejections because that wasn't something they offered or could do. Well, that just means that that person is not authorized to make that decision, but they never offer to let you speak to their boss. Steve would then take the phone and proceed to go through the corporate levels until he got what he wanted. He usually wasn't nice about it and he always; I mean ALWAYS, got what he wanted in the end, even if he had to go to the president of the company. Something he did more than once while I worked for him.
My point is that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Even if you are like me, who hates to be a squeaker. I cannot deny that it was effective.
Once you are reinstated by St paul, I would drop them fast. Then you will be able to honestly say that you have not been canceled by another provider. It's time to be the A hole you don't want to be, just for a little while. Good Luck.
Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25
Eric wrote: So after I posted my message last week describing how West Marine (St. Paul, actually) had cancelled my marine insurance for having too many claims (they were just calls to ask about whether I was covered -- no money sought or received), and after I called Boat US to go with them insead. And after BoatUS laughed about how silly West Marine was to drop me despite no losses, I got a letter from BoatUS yesterday telling me that I would not be provided coverage.
I called to inquire why. THe reason? Too many claims with West Marine. Now they only knew about these "claims" because I was honest on the form -- which asked if I had ever been declined coverage.
I'm now waiting for a call back, but I am really getting frustrated here. What if I can't get insurance? BoatUS said I don't even qualify for their "high risk" coverage. What's going on here?
I have never filed a claim with an insurance company in my life. NOt for my car, not for my boat, not for my home. OK health insurance has covered me over the years, but I am so low risk it's not even funny.
Wht do do???
willwheatley@starpower.net