DiveMaster insurance

[Fiona]

On several occasions I have recommended DiveMaster as an insurance company - Not anymore.

At the beginning of August when I went down to visit Lou and Caroline we went for a night dive, during the dive I had to let go of my smb and reel. As I have equipment insurance I thought I would put in a claim for the loss of equipment.

They responded saying they needed confirmation from the skipper of the boat, I contacted him and asked him to confirm I reported the loss to him when I got back on the boat, he said he would but seems he hasn't and I doubt he will do now.

I have just asked DM what they would do if I had lost the equipment on a shore dive and they said they would assume I would report the loss to the harbour master / police.

Are they serious ?

So in February I shall be looking for a new insurance company and will not be recommending them to anyone.

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by Fiona

Are they serious ?

So in February I shall be looking for a new insurance company and will not be recommending them to anyone.

Are the other contenders as serious Fiona?

It sounds like a reasonable requirement to me, apart form the issue of getting a third party to play along...

Adrian

[Fiona]

Fair enough then Adrian, but would you really report a lost smb to the police.

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by Fiona

Fair enough then Adrian, but would you really report a lost smb to the police.

IF it meant getting a payout. A bigger issue might be any increase inpolicy renewal or excess

Perhaps not for a SMB, but definitely for tins/regs etc.

[PADI-Paddy]

insurance companies are scum........afaic

[neilh]

Originally Posted by Fiona

They responded saying they needed confirmation from the skipper of the boat...

I have just asked DM what they would do if I had lost the equipment on a shore dive and they said they would assume I would report the loss to the harbour master / police.

Originally Posted by Fiona

Fair enough then Adrian, but would you really report a lost smb to the police.

I don't think I'd report losing kit to the skipper, police or harbour master unless it made sense to do so. (Not sure whether someone should be notified of a lost SMB in case it's spotted drifting somewhere else?). Why would the skipper care that you've lost some of your kit?!

If you'd borrowed their kit, fair enough - but otherwise can't see the point.

...unless it's a condition of your insurance

[Fiona]

I agree with you Neil, I just happened to mention it when we got back on board in case he had spotted it.

[Woz]

From their site:

"What to do in the event of an incident, loss or theft:

1. Complete and e-mail the claim form to claims@dive-master.net within 31 days of the incident/loss.

2. In the event of damage, take your equipment to your local dive shop for inspection and an estimate to repair if necessary. Submit the estimate with your claim form.

3. In respect of ACCIDENTAL LOSS of items over £100 in value these must be reported to the Police Station nearest to the location of the loss within 31 days of the loss occurring, together with a description and value of the missing item(s) and any serial number(s) applicable.

4. Theft must be reported immediately to the nearest Police Station giving a description of the stolen item(s) and value(s). Any identifying marks and serial numbers must be given to the Police in writing within 31 days of the theft occurring.
A Crime Report reference must be obtained and notified to us on a completed claim form within 31 days of the theft occurring."

[Woz]

So- worth more than £100? If so then it should be reported. If not, then claim direct.

[Woz]

Ooooo and a bit more in their terms:

• In the event of a theft or ACCIDENTAL LOSS, please obtain written confirmation that you reported the loss to any of the following: dive boat skipper, dive leader, airline, baggage handling agent, holiday representative or the local Police. If the theft or ACCIDENTAL LOSS occurs when in the custody and control of an airline, a property irregularity report must be obtained from the airline or their baggage handling agent.

So did you not read the policy you spent your money on? If not, why not?