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Old 01-11-2007, 10:23   #1
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Bluewater Insurance

For those on the board that have or are considering Bluewater Insurance, I feel obligated to report another, and hopefully final, case of bad service from them.

I have had Bluewater Insurance for the past three years. My policy was set to expire today, November 1st. However, due to general poor service and a loss of trust in the owners and employees of the company, I chose to go with another carrier.

The owner of the company sent me a short email stating that my coverage was about to lapse. I replied with a very short email as follows:

"Thanks for your concern. I have elected to take insurance for my vessel with another provider.

Regards,
Dan Forter
S/V Eventyr"

I recieved a reply back almost immediately that said:

"If you are still in the Caribbean and you passed up the offer we gave you with Santam Insurance Company with the coverage and security we offered, you made a mistake. If you are not in the Caribbean, then, you didn’t give us the opportunity to quote one of our excellent coastal markets. When we are not given the opportunity to compare the coverage we offered to current customers with that offered by others, we don’t forget it. Your file will be noted accordingly."

I don't know who this guy thinks he is, but I think his service is terrible and level of professionalism is unacceptable.

Anyone following this thread that has some ideas of how to respond, I am open to suggestions. I don't have an axe to grind with this guy or Bluewater, never had a claim (thankfully), etc. I just wish I knew then what I know now before I ever did business with them.

Cheers All,
Dan
S/V Eventyr
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Old 01-11-2007, 10:52   #2
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Don't give him the satisfaction of a reply...that is unbelievable....you have replied already by taking your business elsewhere...leave it at that.
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Old 01-11-2007, 11:15   #3
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Thanks for the info, Dan. As we plan our departure, insurance has become a big question mark - hopefully small examples like yours will help keep us from making the wrong choice. I'd be curious to hear about your experience with the new provider that you have chosen.
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Old 01-11-2007, 11:43   #4
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Hey Dan Long time.

Understand about the insurance. We switched as well. The costal insurance was wickedly high. Almost what we paid for full offshore coverage.
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Old 01-11-2007, 11:49   #5
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Bluewater has been notorious for poor service and a plethora of problems and issues for a long time. ignore them since you won't be using them ever again, but as you have done here keep putting the word out. That is the best way to respond. Sooner or later they will just be gone.
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Old 01-11-2007, 16:37   #6
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We insured through Bluewater during our Carib cruise; decided to drop them when our rate was un-expectingly increased 60% (0 claims)w/ no explanation and unwilling to work with us. As others have stated they have a reputation of poor service. They should have shown sincere interest in why you shopped elsewhere, so they could learn and improve their business. The fact that they didn't says a lot.

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Old 01-11-2007, 16:38   #7
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Not sure where they are based but if they are in the US, then I would report them to the better business bureau. Then if that person wasn't the owner of the company, then I would definitely forward this e-mail to the board members of that company and all of his managers above him to the CEO.

There are tons of things to do, that is, if you have the time and patience. You really need to have tons of patience when dealing with idiots that have no clue about their jobs or basic customer service. Good luck and keep us informed about these morons.
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Old 01-11-2007, 17:28   #8
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This attitude is pervasive in Bluewater and going to higher ups is an effort in futility. A report to the local BBB or even the state insurance commission can't hurt and might help others too.
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Old 01-11-2007, 18:38   #9
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Bluewater

I have filed a complaint today with the BBB. I have previously filed a report with the Florida Insurance Commissioner on a separate issue with Bluewater.

I think the best thing I can do is put the word out. As bad as this example is, it's nothing compared to what I've put up with in the past. I'm not sure why I put up with it for three years!

A friend of my still has Bluewater Insurance. I bet him $100 that if he ever files a claim, they won't pay it. Hey, I could use $100!

Cheers,
Dan
S/V Eventyr
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Old 14-12-2007, 03:33   #10
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Interesting to learn about Bluewater, who do you cruising people use for a good fair insurer?
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Old 14-12-2007, 06:57   #11
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I've got IMIS, great service, cheaper then anyone else we have found ($3500 per year) insurance is such a rip.
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Old 14-12-2007, 08:19   #12
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We agree IMIS father Al and Son Gary Golden give great service.

Their Website is at IMIS Home Page

We too switched a few years back from Bluewater. Haven't looked back.

Bill
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Old 14-12-2007, 09:17   #13
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There's an office of Bluewater here in San Diego; about 500 yards from where I'm typing this post. As a guy who works in the insurance industry, if you involve a state insurance commissioner, all hell will break loose for them. Here's how to get in touch with the California commissioner; the guy doesn't screw around from what I've seen:

Consumer Service Numbers/Talk to Us
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Old 04-01-2008, 20:55   #14
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I agree with "Rebel Heart", the last thing any business wants is the attention for reply to a letter or phone call from their local licensing agency, or Congressman, especially when they can be out screwing someone else.
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Old 04-01-2008, 21:13   #15
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I have had the opportunity to deal with the insurance commissioner in both California and Florida and from my experience it is a waste of time and simply adds to the frustration
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