Some things you should know about DEPP

[Grateful Diver]

Diver's Equipment Protection Program (DEPP) sells flood insurance for underwater photography gear and other types of scuba equipment. I've been using them for over 3 years now, and until recently never had to file a claim. On my Maldives trip a few months ago I flooded one of my cameras, and filed a claim upon returning in February. I did everything exactly as they asked me to do. Two months went by, and I never heard from them about the claim. When I contacted them, they said it was in process and I would be reimbursed for my loss shortly. Another few weeks went by with no response. Meanwhile I had purchased my new photography setup and decided to go with another company to insure it, since DEPP's response was so sluggish. So I contacted DEPP and asked them to cancel my policy.

This is the response I got back from them five weeks ago ... May 2nd ...

Your claim was sent to underwriting 4/17/12. The funds were received 4/30/12 for distribution. Your check will be issued 5/4/12. I will send your e-mail to the appropriate person for cancellation.

DEPP Customer Service

I never received the check they told me would be issued on May 4th ... it's now June 6th.

I also found out that although my policy was cancelled, they do not issue any refund on the unused portion of your policy payment ... in other words, they get to keep the payment for the 9 months of my policy that was paid for, but cancelled. The no refunds policy is part of the terms and conditions statement that you sign when you get a policy. It's nicely embedded and worded in a way that most non-lawyers would never pick up on it.

So ... things you should know about DEPP ...

1. If you make a claim, they may or may not pay it. But don't expect it to be prompt ... if ever. Also, don't expect them to be honest with you about when you'll be getting paid.

2. If you decide to cancel your policy, they get to keep payment for your policy anyway.

My advice to anyone considering flood insurance ... find a legitimate company to deal with.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

[Bric Martin]

So who did you pick for your new policy?

[John Rawlings]

I have had absolutely excellent service and fast response times from the DAN equipment insurance. Over the past 10 years I have had two claims. In both cases I had my check in hand within 2 weeks of submitting the requested documentation.

[diverden]

I have had absolutely excellent service and fast response times from the DAN equipment insurance. Over the past 10 years I have had two claims. In both cases I had my check in hand within 2 weeks of submitting the requested documentation.

https://www.h2oinsurance.com

I'm a bad person and haven't read the policy but I'm told that it doesn't cover a total loss i.e. if you LOSE your camera, or scooter it's not covered. I should really read up on this stuff, the insurance is not cheap. It appears to cost 3% of the replacement value, annually.

Haven't had to make a claim yet *knocks on wood*

[CaptnJack]

If you are getting nowhere with DEPP paying your claim, or they continue to say they paid you when they have not, I would file a complaint with the WA State Insurance Commissioner and CC DEPP.
http://www.insurance.wa.gov/consumers/complaints.shtml

[Grateful Diver]

My new policy is with h20insurance ... through DAN

I sent Dixie Lehmatt an email that I would be filing a complaint of bad faith with the Washington State Attorney General's office.

I will be posting my experiences as far and wide as possible, in the hope that it will prevent someone else from getting sucked into doing business with this company ... who at this point I consider fraudulent.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

[airsix]

I'm with Richard. Contact the insurance commissioner. Insurance is state regulated and it's the commissioner's job to go after bad insurers. I'm afraid the AG isn't going to be interested, but the IC just might.

[Matt S.]

Never attribute to malice that which may be attributed to incompetence.

However, any sufficiently advanced incompetence is indistinguishable from malice.

Thank you for the post. I will keep it in mind if I ever decide to insure a camera. Currently I am only shooting gear that is cheap enough that I do not need to insure it. I am not sure I will ever have the stomach to change that.