GL: Insurance "ouches"

[HAndy97885 at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/5/2007 12:00:15 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
great-loop-request at lists.samurai.com writes:

I called  them about adding NY for a couple of
months, which they did for $150.   When I broached the subject of spending the
winter in the Keys I was told  that they would have to re-rate me.  
Anticipated
premium was in excess  of $6,000!!!  I'm going shopping this  fall.




Be advised that once one leaves an insurer and starts to shop prices, the  
insurers kind of "keep tab " on your inquiries and can and do "decline" to quote 
 you a price.
Seems as though insurers expect and enforce a type of loyalty.
If one gets a reputation as a "shopper", one might find oneself with a  
policy from Lloyds of London that has many fewer perks and larger co-pays.
It ain't fair but nevertheless that is what it is. 
 
FYI, the insurance industry is the only business in this country  that CAN 
collude on prices. The Robinson-Patman Act prevents collusion for  EVERY other 
business. The steel industry was a particular target for prosecutors  in years 
gone by--as has the industry--gone by.
 
As an example, you cannot sue your HMO( that's a federal law--as I  
understand it. From the most recent Republican Congress) and your other  insurers have 
lots more money to fight you in court than you do.
You may care to see "Sicko", the Michael Moore documentary movie. It was an  
epiphany for myself.
Well, forewarned, etc.
John Brysacz
S/V Second Love safely marina(ed) in Indian Rocks Beach,  FL



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