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Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
This article details what I consider to be extremely shady billing
practices of IMIS (International Marine Insurance Services) with whom I and many others boaters have insurance. I'm currently sailing in Honduras. While I was home in the Boston area in early May I realized that my marine insurance policy would expire while I was out of the country. I also realized that the credit card information that they had on file needed to be updated. A couple of days before leaving I called my agent, Al Golden at IMIS, to find out what the renewal amount was going to be so that I could either set up a payment via my on-line bill payer or provide an updated credit card number. While I was unable to speak with Al, I spoke with his assistant and explained my situation. The next day the assistant provided me with details on the renewal pricing. I provided updated credit card information and assumed that I would be billed when the policy renewed. I also provided my e-mail address so that they could contact me on the boat. I was quite surprised when I visited an Internet cafe and viewed my on-line credit card statement. IMIS billed my credit card for the policy amount, $5014, on May 5th but the policy doesn't renew until July 4th! I e-mailed IMIS asking what happened. Their reply was that they assumed that I wanted it billed immediately and that if I wanted a refund that I should return the they documents mailed to my house along with a letter requesting that the policy be canceled! First off, I didn't want the insurance canceled, second I was in Honduras with no access to my mail in Boston and third I would never have authorized them to bill me 2 months in advance! Providing a credit card number is not authorization to bill at will. Another silly thing that they did was to tell me that I could have received a cash discount had I paid by check, which I could easily have done with my on-line bill payer. I reiterated the above points in subsequent e-mail and stated that they could keep the $5014 for 2 months, but in attempt to find some middle ground where I didn't feel like I was being taken advantage of, I wanted the amount of the cash discount refunded to me. Their reply was that they felt like I was taking advantage of them with absolutely no offer of how to reconcile the solution! Hey, they have my money 2 months in advance and I'm taking advantage of them?!?!? If that's their definition of being taken advantage of, where do I sign up? Now at this point I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm afraid that if I dispute the charges with my credit card company that they'll cancel my policy, which is something that I definately don't want to have happen. IMIS doesn't seem to be willing to come to any middle ground, so my approach is going to be to let the world know about their practices. I just don't know why my dealings with insurance companies regularly leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. And if I have problems with IMIS regarding billing, what kind of problems will I have with them regarding claims? If you have insurance with IMIS, or are considering getting insurance with them, be VERY careful with how you handle your payments. -- Geoff Schultz P.S. I've attached our e-mail correspondence so that you can see that I'm not making this up. ******** Mail to Al Golden on 5/27/2004 ************* I just noticed that my credit card was billed for $5014 for my insurance policy. While I expected this, the policy renews on July 4th, and I was billed 2 months in advance. Why did this occur? -- Geoff Schultz in Honduras ******** Mail from Al Golden on 5/28/2004 ************* Geoff: Sorry for any misunderstanding! As far as I can tell from our phone log, there was never any mention by you of a specific time to enter the charge, so it was entered as soon as you gave us the authority to do so. In the future you can either send a check, which would be much cheaper anyway, or give us instructions on when you want the transaction entered. Fair winds, Al Golden International Marine Insurance Services ********* Mail to Al Golden on 5/28/2004 ****************** Al, Per the phone conversation with the woman who took my call to you, I was supposed to be billed when the policy renewed. Not 2 months in advance! The only reason that I called was because my credit card number changed. I could have easily set up an automated payment if that was going to save me money. No one ever discussed that option with me. At this point I want my premium refunded and then we can discuss payment by check. -- Geoff Schultz ********* Mail from Gary Golden on 6/1/2004 **************** Geoff, We apologize again for the misunderstanding. However, please recall that you called us in May to report that you were leaving to return to the boat the next day and that we should charge your credit card. This gave us very little opportunity to contact you to clarify that payment by credit card results in the loss of a cash discount or to clarify when you wanted the charge processed. However, we surmised from the fact that you called the day before you were leaving that you wanted us to process the charge right away so that we could inform you of any problems in plenty of time. And it is our standard procedure to process credit card charges promptly upon their authorization unless we receive explicit instructions to do otherwise. I hope that you can understand that we would get in a lot more trouble for forgetting to process a charge or processing a charge too late than we would in circumstances like yours where we have processed a charge too early. If you are insistent on us processing a refund for you, please return the insurance policy declarations renewal that was mailed to your Cameron Drive address on May 10 along with a formal written request that the policy be cancelled. In order to receive a 100% refund these documents must be received on or before July 10. However, we hope that you will decide to allow us to continue to serve your insurance needs. Sincerely, ~GARY GOLDEN International Marine Insurance Services ************ Message to Gary Golden on 6/2/2004 ************************ Gary, I feel like you're doing quite the job of twisting the facts to match your actions. First off, I would never have authorized your to bill my credit card 2 months in advance for a $5000 charge. Cash is king and you've moved $5000 to your pockets for 2 months before you have to pay it out. That's ridiculous. Next, you have my e-mail address aboard the boat and if there were any problems processing the charge you could easily have contacted me. On top of this I was never informed about a cash discount. I could have scheduled a payment via my on-line bill payer to arrive at/before the due date. Now I'm in Honduras and you want me to return the documents to you and request that I cancel my insurance while I'm cruising! Clearly that isn't possible or reasonable. I simply want insurance and am willing to pay for it when it's due. At this point I've been bill $5000 two months in advance and I've lost the cash discount. Seems like I've lost on both accounts. I'd be willing to let you keep the $5000 if you refund the amount of the cash discount to me. I do NOT want to cancel my insurance. I just want to end up with a situation where I, the customer, don't feel like I'm being taken advantage of. -- Geoff Schultz *********** Message from Gary Golden on 6/3/2004 ******************** Geoff, As I have said previously, we are sorry for the miscommunication. However, your latest message would have been received more favorably had you omitted the first and last sentences. In your first sentence you 'compliment' me on twisting the facts. I have stated to you honestly the facts as I know and/or understand them and was disappointed to have been accused of doing otherwise. In your second sentence you indicate that you feel as if you were taken advantage of, but we have that same feeling. You called us and left us a message that clearly intimated that you would be out of touch starting the next day and yet you expected us to take care of everything for you. We did the best we could to comply with what we thought was your desire, but you didn't give us much to work with. We do not give cash discounts because we prefer cash and checks, we do so because it is less costly for us to to accept those forms of payment. Had we not already irrevocably incurred the costs associated with your credit card charge we would gladly allow you the cash discount. Regretfully, ~GARY, International Marine Insurance Service |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
They did their best to placate a customer
with selective memory who assumed that everyone knows what he is thinking without him saying anything.. BB sorry, bb, it is against federal law to bill a credit card for services not yet rendered/or product shipped unless the customer specifically agrees to it. It is fraud. |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Gee Geoff. It seems that trouble seems to follow you around.
Perhaps IMIS followed your rediculous rant against Fischer- Panda and figured they better get their money while they could. Is your solution to everything to air out your dirty laundry online hoping to find someone to support your position? If you can't come to terms with IMIS then cancel your policy. There are plenty of other companies out there that will gladly insure you. That is unless your litigious nature is so well known now that folks would rather stear clear. Doug s/v Callista "Geoff Schultz" wrote in message om... This article details what I consider to be extremely shady billing practices of IMIS (International Marine Insurance Services) with whom I and many others boaters have insurance. I'm currently sailing in Honduras. While I was home in the Boston area in early May I realized that my marine insurance policy would expire while I was out of the country. I also realized that the credit card information that they had on file needed to be updated. A couple of days before leaving I called my agent, Al Golden at IMIS, to find out what the renewal amount was going to be so that I could either set up a payment via my on-line bill payer or provide an updated credit card number. While I was unable to speak with Al, I spoke with his assistant and explained my situation. The next day the assistant provided me with details on the renewal pricing. I provided updated credit card information and assumed that I would be billed when the policy renewed. I also provided my e-mail address so that they could contact me on the boat. I was quite surprised when I visited an Internet cafe and viewed my on-line credit card statement. IMIS billed my credit card for the policy amount, $5014, on May 5th but the policy doesn't renew until July 4th! I e-mailed IMIS asking what happened. Their reply was that they assumed that I wanted it billed immediately and that if I wanted a refund that I should return the they documents mailed to my house along with a letter requesting that the policy be canceled! First off, I didn't want the insurance canceled, second I was in Honduras with no access to my mail in Boston and third I would never have authorized them to bill me 2 months in advance! Providing a credit card number is not authorization to bill at will. Another silly thing that they did was to tell me that I could have received a cash discount had I paid by check, which I could easily have done with my on-line bill payer. I reiterated the above points in subsequent e-mail and stated that they could keep the $5014 for 2 months, but in attempt to find some middle ground where I didn't feel like I was being taken advantage of, I wanted the amount of the cash discount refunded to me. Their reply was that they felt like I was taking advantage of them with absolutely no offer of how to reconcile the solution! Hey, they have my money 2 months in advance and I'm taking advantage of them?!?!? If that's their definition of being taken advantage of, where do I sign up? Now at this point I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm afraid that if I dispute the charges with my credit card company that they'll cancel my policy, which is something that I definately don't want to have happen. IMIS doesn't seem to be willing to come to any middle ground, so my approach is going to be to let the world know about their practices. I just don't know why my dealings with insurance companies regularly leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. And if I have problems with IMIS regarding billing, what kind of problems will I have with them regarding claims? If you have insurance with IMIS, or are considering getting insurance with them, be VERY careful with how you handle your payments. -- Geoff Schultz P.S. I've attached our e-mail correspondence so that you can see that I'm not making this up. ******** Mail to Al Golden on 5/27/2004 ************* I just noticed that my credit card was billed for $5014 for my insurance policy. While I expected this, the policy renews on July 4th, and I was billed 2 months in advance. Why did this occur? -- Geoff Schultz in Honduras ******** Mail from Al Golden on 5/28/2004 ************* Geoff: Sorry for any misunderstanding! As far as I can tell from our phone log, there was never any mention by you of a specific time to enter the charge, so it was entered as soon as you gave us the authority to do so. In the future you can either send a check, which would be much cheaper anyway, or give us instructions on when you want the transaction entered. Fair winds, Al Golden International Marine Insurance Services ********* Mail to Al Golden on 5/28/2004 ****************** Al, Per the phone conversation with the woman who took my call to you, I was supposed to be billed when the policy renewed. Not 2 months in advance! The only reason that I called was because my credit card number changed. I could have easily set up an automated payment if that was going to save me money. No one ever discussed that option with me. At this point I want my premium refunded and then we can discuss payment by check. -- Geoff Schultz ********* Mail from Gary Golden on 6/1/2004 **************** Geoff, We apologize again for the misunderstanding. However, please recall that you called us in May to report that you were leaving to return to the boat the next day and that we should charge your credit card. This gave us very little opportunity to contact you to clarify that payment by credit card results in the loss of a cash discount or to clarify when you wanted the charge processed. However, we surmised from the fact that you called the day before you were leaving that you wanted us to process the charge right away so that we could inform you of any problems in plenty of time. And it is our standard procedure to process credit card charges promptly upon their authorization unless we receive explicit instructions to do otherwise. I hope that you can understand that we would get in a lot more trouble for forgetting to process a charge or processing a charge too late than we would in circumstances like yours where we have processed a charge too early. If you are insistent on us processing a refund for you, please return the insurance policy declarations renewal that was mailed to your Cameron Drive address on May 10 along with a formal written request that the policy be cancelled. In order to receive a 100% refund these documents must be received on or before July 10. However, we hope that you will decide to allow us to continue to serve your insurance needs. Sincerely, ~GARY GOLDEN International Marine Insurance Services ************ Message to Gary Golden on 6/2/2004 ************************ Gary, I feel like you're doing quite the job of twisting the facts to match your actions. First off, I would never have authorized your to bill my credit card 2 months in advance for a $5000 charge. Cash is king and you've moved $5000 to your pockets for 2 months before you have to pay it out. That's ridiculous. Next, you have my e-mail address aboard the boat and if there were any problems processing the charge you could easily have contacted me. On top of this I was never informed about a cash discount. I could have scheduled a payment via my on-line bill payer to arrive at/before the due date. Now I'm in Honduras and you want me to return the documents to you and request that I cancel my insurance while I'm cruising! Clearly that isn't possible or reasonable. I simply want insurance and am willing to pay for it when it's due. At this point I've been bill $5000 two months in advance and I've lost the cash discount. Seems like I've lost on both accounts. I'd be willing to let you keep the $5000 if you refund the amount of the cash discount to me. I do NOT want to cancel my insurance. I just want to end up with a situation where I, the customer, don't feel like I'm being taken advantage of. -- Geoff Schultz *********** Message from Gary Golden on 6/3/2004 ******************** Geoff, As I have said previously, we are sorry for the miscommunication. However, your latest message would have been received more favorably had you omitted the first and last sentences. In your first sentence you 'compliment' me on twisting the facts. I have stated to you honestly the facts as I know and/or understand them and was disappointed to have been accused of doing otherwise. In your second sentence you indicate that you feel as if you were taken advantage of, but we have that same feeling. You called us and left us a message that clearly intimated that you would be out of touch starting the next day and yet you expected us to take care of everything for you. We did the best we could to comply with what we thought was your desire, but you didn't give us much to work with. We do not give cash discounts because we prefer cash and checks, we do so because it is less costly for us to to accept those forms of payment. Had we not already irrevocably incurred the costs associated with your credit card charge we would gladly allow you the cash discount. Regretfully, ~GARY, International Marine Insurance Service |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
he *requested* to be charged for services he did not need for 60 days? why do
you say that, for his post seemed decidedly otherise. On 11 Jun 2004 00:14:10 GMT, (JAXAshby) wrote: They did their best to placate a customer with selective memory who assumed that everyone knows what he is thinking without him saying anything.. BB sorry, bb, it is against federal law to bill a credit card for services not yet rendered/or product shipped unless the customer specifically agrees to it. It is fraud. He requested it. BB |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
bb, you ain't listening. try again.
On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 17:08:18 -0700, engsol wrote: On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 22:42:30 GMT, wrote: On 10 Jun 2004 15:27:51 -0700, (Geoff Schultz) wrote: This article details what I consider to be extremely shady billing practices of IMIS (International Marine Insurance Services) with whom I and many others boaters have insurance. I'm currently sailing in Honduras. It all sounds perfectly fine to me. They did their best to placate a customer with selective memory who assumed that everyone knows what he is thinking without him saying anything.. BB I have to disagree with BB on this one. I have several "things" where I expect my credit card to be billed according to a billing cycle... every month, quarterly, twice a year, or on a annual basis. I'd be pretty upset too if I were billed two or more months before the "old" money ran out in the case of the longer term accounts. It's due when it's due, and not before. I expect to pay it when it's due...but again, not before. Norm B He called and asked them to charge him. He didn't call and ask them to use the information he was giving them "now" to charge him at some time in the future. It sounds as if they have been straightforward in responding to his error. They are not mindreaders. BB |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are
rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
An insurance policy is cosidered "shipped" when it is written. NOT when
it goes into effect. Check your automobile policy. You will start getting billed about 2 months before expiration. If you want to get technical, the actual "product" is not completely rendered until the end of the term. Fat chance an insurance company will settle for that. JAXAshby wrote: dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? -- Glenn Ashmore I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Oh! THAT'S why the name rings a bell. I couldn't figure out why anyone
would be complaining about Al Golden. He moved heaven and earth to get a builder's risk policy on RUTU when nobody else would even talk to me. Geoff needs to chill a little and think ahead. IMS did exactly what they understood he wanted. Besides, who pays an insurance bill by credit card anyway? With internet banking you can pay your bills when you want to from Timbuktu. Doug Dotson wrote: Gee Geoff. It seems that trouble seems to follow you around. Perhaps IMIS followed your rediculous rant against Fischer- Panda and figured they better get their money while they could. Is your solution to everything to air out your dirty laundry online hoping to find someone to support your position? If you can't come to terms with IMIS then cancel your policy. There are plenty of other companies out there that will gladly insure you. That is unless your litigious nature is so well known now that folks would rather stear clear. -- Glenn Ashmore I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
"JAXAshby" wrote in message
... dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
it is still against the law unless there are specific words in the agreement to
bill prior. An insurance policy is cosidered "shipped" when it is written. NOT when it goes into effect. Check your automobile policy. You will start getting billed about 2 months before expiration. If you want to get technical, the actual "product" is not completely rendered until the end of the term. Fat chance an insurance company will settle for that. JAXAshby wrote: dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? -- Glenn Ashmore I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is
clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon
order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Being Vice-president of IMIS I would first like to express my
appreciation to my client Geoff Schultz who, despite his concern with our service, was willing to post our responses so that others could fairly form their own judgements about our agency. Now I must say that it is heartwarming to find that others are willing to defend our agency based on their own good experiences and/or based on the facts of this particular case. I am also glad to see the astute academic discussion of credit card charges and when they should be made, to which I have something to add: From our perspective, since we are not an insurance company but rather an insurance sales agency, our services are rendered at the time that a policy is issued, so it is not material when the policy takes effect. Of course, if a client wants to wait until the last minute to receive his policy we are willing to accomodate an explicit request that we delay a credit card charge and subsequent issuance of the policy, but most cruisers are very glad of the opportunity to get their policy in advance so that they have time to read it before it actually takes effect. ~GARY GOLDEN, International Marine Insurance Services |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
It's kind of a fine point, but I suspect the difference is that PayPal
is a middle man, rather than the vendor of the widget that's being bought. When someone sends money via PayPal, that's just what they are doing. "Sending money". Their transaction with PayPal is to send money, not buy the widget. It's kind of a fine point, and I'm no lawyer, but it's more like you're wiring money to someone via PayPal than buying the end product from PayPal. Meindert Sprang wrote: "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert -- Dan Best - (707) 431-1662, Healdsburg, CA 95448 B-2/75 1977-1979 Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://rangerbest.home.comcast.net/TriciaJean.JPG |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
When I pay any bill whether it be via check or charge, I normally
pay it when I receive it. The company I pay deposits the check or chargves my credit card as soon as they get it. They never wait until the due day. It has been this way forever. I know alot of folks that wait until the last minute to pay their bills to earn that last little bit of interest, or to avoid finance charges inthe case of credit cards. This is normal practice. What happened to Geoff is neither unusual nor is it illegal in any sense. Doug s/v Callista "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
On 11 Jun 2004 11:48:10 -0500, Dave wrote:
Jax is admitted to practice? ==================================== It's pretty clear that he's been admitted to the bar. The question is how many on any given night. |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Well, Al, thanks for clearing up that I do NOT want to do business
with you and your company. I have 2 quotes from June Cottrell in your company for cruising coverage - I won't consider pursueing a business relationship with companies like yours. Your lack of service and understanding might be acceptable to the other "cruisers" who never leave the marina (or building yard) - but not cruisers in remote areas. From my perspective, it's very hard to have a nit picky relationship when I'n in the Tuomotus or PNG or Chagos or other remote area. Thanks again for clarifying your Customer Service policy as it applies to cruisers. On 11 Jun 2004 07:17:14 -0700, (~GARY GOLDEN, International Marine Insurance Services) wrote: Being Vice-president of IMIS I would first like to express my appreciation to my client Geoff Schultz who, despite his concern with our service, was willing to post our responses so that others could fairly form their own judgements about our agency. Now I must say that it is heartwarming to find that others are willing to defend our agency based on their own good experiences and/or based on the facts of this particular case. I am also glad to see the astute academic discussion of credit card charges and when they should be made, to which I have something to add: From our perspective, since we are not an insurance company but rather an insurance sales agency, our services are rendered at the time that a policy is issued, so it is not material when the policy takes effect. Of course, if a client wants to wait until the last minute to receive his policy we are willing to accomodate an explicit request that we delay a credit card charge and subsequent issuance of the policy, but most cruisers are very glad of the opportunity to get their policy in advance so that they have time to read it before it actually takes effect. ~GARY GOLDEN, International Marine Insurance Services |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
"Glenn Ashmore" wrote ... Besides, who pays an insurance bill by credit card anyway? I do. I pay everything with a CC. I get points. Scotty S/V Lisa Marie Balt. MD USA |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
I have been driving since I was 16 and I am now 55. I have ALWAYS had
insurance. NEVER have I been billed prior to coverage. The coverage starts the day you pay. If that was the case you would constantly be charged two or three months in advance. It don't work that way. I too had problems with IMIS in getting quotes, then getting correct quotes. When someone ask me about my problem, instead of Mr. Golden trying to reclaim an unhappy customer, he threatened to sue me for "slander" as he put it. Others have reported like issues with IMIS. If Geoff has had issues with IMIS, Fischer Panda or anyone else I would like to know about it. Since I do leave the dock occasionally and don't need additional hassles when I am trying to enjoy cruising. I then look for other information to confirm there is a problem. That is how all of this is supposed to work. Otherwise, go sit in front of the TV and forget these groups. They are for sharing information, good and BAD. If you have a problem reading the bad, then skip those posts. Glenn Ashmore wrote in message news:CL8yc.6577$5B2.20@lakeread04... An insurance policy is cosidered "shipped" when it is written. NOT when it goes into effect. Check your automobile policy. You will start getting billed about 2 months before expiration. If you want to get technical, the actual "product" is not completely rendered until the end of the term. Fat chance an insurance company will settle for that. JAXAshby wrote: dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
We have been cruising internationally since 1991. We have changed
insurers several times (including Blue Water, Barnett, Jack Martin), mostly because we could not get quotes in a timely manner. We prefer to bind the insurance at least a month in advance so we can get the policy and make adjustments as needed. We are currently insured by IMIS. Last winter, we changed our itinerary. It necessitated a policy change to include worldwide coverage. The adjustments were made by a phone call from Trinidad to IMIS. We charged the additional premium. Yes, it was charged immediately, but this was desirable so we knew we would be covered, and we got confirmation (including the new policy coverages) via email before we left. We only paid for the time period needed. We didn't mind loosing a few dollars of interest (actually, with the decline in the stock market, it probably saved us money). Hanz |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Well, thanks for being there Gary and June. You've been great in
answering all of our questions, which coming from the 'mate' being a former insurance underwriter, were not just run of the mill. You obviously know your business well and what's just as important to us, you know boats. We've run the gamut of marine insurance brokers who can't seem to get across to companies that there are in fact 28 foot boats worth well over $100K and quite capable of crossing oceans. When we first arrived back in the states after a two year engineless passage from San Francisco to Florda throught the Panama Canal, one company at first said we would need more crew than two and have to 'buddy boat' if we wanted to go to the Bahamas from Miami. When they found out our boat was only 28 feet they refused coverage on all accounts because 'boats that small can't make that trip'. Thanks again for your very professional efforts, Paul Martin |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
US Federal law.
Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Gary, you should have kept your mouth shut.
Being Vice-president of IMIS I would first like to express my appreciation to my client Geoff Schultz who, despite his concern with our service, was willing to post our responses so that others could fairly form their own judgements about our agency. Now I must say that it is heartwarming to find that others are willing to defend our agency based on their own good experiences and/or based on the facts of this particular case. I am also glad to see the astute academic discussion of credit card charges and when they should be made, to which I have something to add: From our perspective, since we are not an insurance company but rather an insurance sales agency, our services are rendered at the time that a policy is issued, so it is not material when the policy takes effect. Of course, if a client wants to wait until the last minute to receive his policy we are willing to accomodate an explicit request that we delay a credit card charge and subsequent issuance of the policy, but most cruisers are very glad of the opportunity to get their policy in advance so that they have time to read it before it actually takes effect. ~GARY GOLDEN, International Marine Insurance Services |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
In other words, you don't know, you just made it up. Typical jaxie - make up
nonsense and then try to bluff your way out. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... US Federal law. Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
jeffies, is was -- to say the least -- very big news some time back. ask your
wife to explain it to you. In other words, you don't know, you just made it up. Typical jaxie - make up nonsense and then try to bluff your way out. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... US Federal law. Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
On a whim, I did a simple google and within a few minutes found a number of docs
on the FTC site, such as: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/06/cybersho.htm It appears that the requirement is a good faith effort to ship within 30 days. Some credit card companies may require "ship before bill" but it is not the law. BTW, I usually pay Boat/US by credit card, and they always say "do you want me to charge this now?" Since its usually a few days before renewal, (and well within the grace period) I always say yes. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, is was -- to say the least -- very big news some time back. ask your wife to explain it to you. In other words, you don't know, you just made it up. Typical jaxie - make up nonsense and then try to bluff your way out. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... US Federal law. Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
What I see here is a basic lack of communications. G. Schultz being an
basically honest citizen contacted IMIS Insurance to: 1.) inform them that he was planning to leave the states, 2.) that he had changed credit card providers and to provide the new card data for their records (only) 3.) attempt to determine the policy renewal fees in order to setup his "pay-on-line" (cash). IMIS Insurance company personnel were not listening to there customer and took the filing of the revised credit card as a request or allowance for immediate payment by the card without providing Mr. Schultz the opportunity to pay cash through his "on-line" account. Both parties involved Mr. Schultz as the customer and the IMIS personnel involved acted in good faith based upon their perspective of what was stead in that fateful call. Perceiving or interpreting the message from their perspective points of view. Looking at their two very different interpretations what was attempted to be communicated by that call both are absolutely correct though radically different. Mr. Schultz feels that he has been screwed in the transaction and IMIS feels that they are being wrongly accused of screwing their client. What is the answer? 1. Mr. Schultz should transact all future dealings with IMIS (or any other company) in writing (a phone call can be made to confirm the transaction) and IMIS acting in good faith give Mr.. Schultz the cash discount even though the incurred the extra credit card payment expense through this misunderstanding. The monetary value of the discount is small in compared to the loss of customers this incident can generate. Well I have had my say Jim wrote in message ... On 10 Jun 2004 15:27:51 -0700, (Geoff Schultz) wrote: This article details what I consider to be extremely shady billing practices of IMIS (International Marine Insurance Services) with whom I and many others boaters have insurance. I'm currently sailing in Honduras. It all sounds perfectly fine to me. They did their best to placate a customer with selective memory who assumed that everyone knows what he is thinking without him saying anything.. BB |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
jeffies, you screwed up *again*. what you quoted is the FTC regulation
regarding ship after order date for mail orders. It is a $10,000 fine to ship *after* 30 days *after* an order. The charging only after shipment or customer authorization to charge earlier is in no way related to the FTC 30-Day Mail Order rule. It is against the law to charge a credit card before shipment unless specificly authorized by the credit card user. On a whim, I did a simple google and within a few minutes found a number of docs on the FTC site, such as: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/06/cybersho.htm It appears that the requirement is a good faith effort to ship within 30 days. Some credit card companies may require "ship before bill" but it is not the law. BTW, I usually pay Boat/US by credit card, and they always say "do you want me to charge this now?" Since its usually a few days before renewal, (and well within the grace period) I always say yes. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, is was -- to say the least -- very big news some time back. ask your wife to explain it to you. In other words, you don't know, you just made it up. Typical jaxie - make up nonsense and then try to bluff your way out. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... US Federal law. Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Sorry jaxie, you're still making up BS. Here's another FTC link, which is
pretty explicit that goods must be shipped within 30 days of payment. However, there is no "$10,000" penalty, there are guidelines for how to offer to return the money. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/.../mailorder.htm "When you offer to sell merchandise, you must have a "reasonable basis" for: any express or implied shipment representation, or believing you can ship within 30 days of receipt of an order -- if you make no shipment representation or if the shipment representation is not clear and conspicuous. .... The "clock" on your obligation to ship or take other action under the Rule begins as soon as you receive a "properly completed" order. An order is properly completed when you receive the correct full or partial (in whatever form you accept) payment, accompanied by all the information you need to fill the order. Payment may be by cash, check, money order, the customer’s authorization to charge an existing account (including one you have created for the customer), the customer’s application to you for credit to pay for the order, or any substitute for these transactions that you accept. It is irrelevant when you post or deposit payment, when checks clear, or when your bank credits your account. The clock begins to run when you receive a properly completed order." "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, you screwed up *again*. what you quoted is the FTC regulation regarding ship after order date for mail orders. It is a $10,000 fine to ship *after* 30 days *after* an order. The charging only after shipment or customer authorization to charge earlier is in no way related to the FTC 30-Day Mail Order rule. It is against the law to charge a credit card before shipment unless specificly authorized by the credit card user. On a whim, I did a simple google and within a few minutes found a number of docs on the FTC site, such as: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/06/cybersho.htm It appears that the requirement is a good faith effort to ship within 30 days. Some credit card companies may require "ship before bill" but it is not the law. BTW, I usually pay Boat/US by credit card, and they always say "do you want me to charge this now?" Since its usually a few days before renewal, (and well within the grace period) I always say yes. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, is was -- to say the least -- very big news some time back. ask your wife to explain it to you. In other words, you don't know, you just made it up. Typical jaxie - make up nonsense and then try to bluff your way out. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... US Federal law. Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
I just blocked JAX completely a long time ago. I wouldn't even know he was
here if folks didn't reply to him. Just a troll. "Message, block sender" Works like a charm. -- Keith __ "I could tell my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and a radio." - Rodney Dangerfield "Jeff Morris" wrote in message ... Sorry jaxie, you're still making up BS. Here's another FTC link, which is pretty explicit that goods must be shipped within 30 days of payment. However, there is no "$10,000" penalty, there are guidelines for how to offer to return the money. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/.../mailorder.htm "When you offer to sell merchandise, you must have a "reasonable basis" for: any express or implied shipment representation, or believing you can ship within 30 days of receipt of an order -- if you make no shipment representation or if the shipment representation is not clear and conspicuous. ... The "clock" on your obligation to ship or take other action under the Rule begins as soon as you receive a "properly completed" order. An order is properly completed when you receive the correct full or partial (in whatever form you accept) payment, accompanied by all the information you need to fill the order. Payment may be by cash, check, money order, the customer's authorization to charge an existing account (including one you have created for the customer), the customer's application to you for credit to pay for the order, or any substitute for these transactions that you accept. It is irrelevant when you post or deposit payment, when checks clear, or when your bank credits your account. The clock begins to run when you receive a properly completed order." "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, you screwed up *again*. what you quoted is the FTC regulation regarding ship after order date for mail orders. It is a $10,000 fine to ship *after* 30 days *after* an order. The charging only after shipment or customer authorization to charge earlier is in no way related to the FTC 30-Day Mail Order rule. It is against the law to charge a credit card before shipment unless specificly authorized by the credit card user. On a whim, I did a simple google and within a few minutes found a number of docs on the FTC site, such as: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/06/cybersho.htm It appears that the requirement is a good faith effort to ship within 30 days. Some credit card companies may require "ship before bill" but it is not the law. BTW, I usually pay Boat/US by credit card, and they always say "do you want me to charge this now?" Since its usually a few days before renewal, (and well within the grace period) I always say yes. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, is was -- to say the least -- very big news some time back. ask your wife to explain it to you. In other words, you don't know, you just made it up. Typical jaxie - make up nonsense and then try to bluff your way out. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... US Federal law. Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
jeffies, you are confusing writing a check with in regard to the FTC 3-Day Mail
Order Rule and charging a credit card. but you are easily confused, jeffies, on a whole bunch of things. Sorry jaxie, you're still making up BS. Here's another FTC link, which is pretty explicit that goods must be shipped within 30 days of payment. However, there is no "$10,000" penalty, there are guidelines for how to offer to return the money. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/.../mailorder.htm "When you offer to sell merchandise, you must have a "reasonable basis" for: any express or implied shipment representation, or believing you can ship within 30 days of receipt of an order -- if you make no shipment representation or if the shipment representation is not clear and conspicuous. ... The "clock" on your obligation to ship or take other action under the Rule begins as soon as you receive a "properly completed" order. An order is properly completed when you receive the correct full or partial (in whatever form you accept) payment, accompanied by all the information you need to fill the order. Payment may be by cash, check, money order, the customer’s authorization to charge an existing account (including one you have created for the customer), the customer’s application to you for credit to pay for the order, or any substitute for these transactions that you accept. It is irrelevant when you post or deposit payment, when checks clear, or when your bank credits your account. The clock begins to run when you receive a properly completed order." "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, you screwed up *again*. what you quoted is the FTC regulation regarding ship after order date for mail orders. It is a $10,000 fine to ship *after* 30 days *after* an order. The charging only after shipment or customer authorization to charge earlier is in no way related to the FTC 30-Day Mail Order rule. It is against the law to charge a credit card before shipment unless specificly authorized by the credit card user. On a whim, I did a simple google and within a few minutes found a number of docs on the FTC site, such as: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/06/cybersho.htm It appears that the requirement is a good faith effort to ship within 30 days. Some credit card companies may require "ship before bill" but it is not the law. BTW, I usually pay Boat/US by credit card, and they always say "do you want me to charge this now?" Since its usually a few days before renewal, (and well within the grace period) I always say yes. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, is was -- to say the least -- very big news some time back. ask your wife to explain it to you. In other words, you don't know, you just made it up. Typical jaxie - make up nonsense and then try to bluff your way out. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... US Federal law. Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
"keith" tells one and all that he is the village idiot who feels he learned
everything there is to know in the entire universe long before he enter junior high school for the third time. That wouldn't be so pathetic except that "keith" probably believes he has a right to breed more village idiots. see "keith's" response below and shake your heads in disgust. From: "Keith" Date: 6/15/2004 7:10 AM Eastern Standard Time Message-id: I just blocked JAX completely a long time ago. I wouldn't even know he was here if folks didn't reply to him. Just a troll. "Message, block sender" Works like a charm. -- Keith __ "I could tell my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and a radio." - Rodney Dangerfield "Jeff Morris" wrote in message ... Sorry jaxie, you're still making up BS. Here's another FTC link, which is pretty explicit that goods must be shipped within 30 days of payment. However, there is no "$10,000" penalty, there are guidelines for how to offer to return the money. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/.../mailorder.htm "When you offer to sell merchandise, you must have a "reasonable basis" for: any express or implied shipment representation, or believing you can ship within 30 days of receipt of an order -- if you make no shipment representation or if the shipment representation is not clear and conspicuous. ... The "clock" on your obligation to ship or take other action under the Rule begins as soon as you receive a "properly completed" order. An order is properly completed when you receive the correct full or partial (in whatever form you accept) payment, accompanied by all the information you need to fill the order. Payment may be by cash, check, money order, the customer's authorization to charge an existing account (including one you have created for the customer), the customer's application to you for credit to pay for the order, or any substitute for these transactions that you accept. It is irrelevant when you post or deposit payment, when checks clear, or when your bank credits your account. The clock begins to run when you receive a properly completed order." "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, you screwed up *again*. what you quoted is the FTC regulation regarding ship after order date for mail orders. It is a $10,000 fine to ship *after* 30 days *after* an order. The charging only after shipment or customer authorization to charge earlier is in no way related to the FTC 30-Day Mail Order rule. It is against the law to charge a credit card before shipment unless specificly authorized by the credit card user. On a whim, I did a simple google and within a few minutes found a number of docs on the FTC site, such as: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/06/cybersho.htm It appears that the requirement is a good faith effort to ship within 30 days. Some credit card companies may require "ship before bill" but it is not the law. BTW, I usually pay Boat/US by credit card, and they always say "do you want me to charge this now?" Since its usually a few days before renewal, (and well within the grace period) I always say yes. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... jeffies, is was -- to say the least -- very big news some time back. ask your wife to explain it to you. In other words, you don't know, you just made it up. Typical jaxie - make up nonsense and then try to bluff your way out. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... US Federal law. Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
on the flip side, my BoatUS policy ran out 6/6/04, the new prem was on my
desk, buried under paper work. BoatUS extended the coverage 2 weeks (for free) and sent another notice, which I paid today via credit card. -- Scotty S/V Lisa Marie Balt. MD USA "Dave" wrote in message ... On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 16:10:01 -0700, "jmax" said: Well I have had my say You left something out. Following the misunderstanding Mr. Schultz made himself a total ass by blustering, threatening to "expose" his "mistreatment" and throwing a public temper tantrum when "I want what I want when I want it" didn't work. My hat's off to IMIS for refusing to cave to such nonsense. Dave S/V Good Fortune CS27 |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
"Jeff Morris" wrote:
Could you tell us what law this is? I'm curious because I put in an Amazon order yesterday and they say it might be shipping tomorrow, but the charges have already shown on my credit card. I know that many venders honor the practice of only billing after shipping, but I don't think its the law. I made a reservation at a marina for the winter - made the reservation in October to be there December 15th. The whole charge was on my credit card the next day. They did not wait until December to charge. "JAXAshby" wrote in message ... it is in the agreement that payment is made upon order, otherwise the law is clear. dougeies, it is against federal law to charge a credit card before services are rendered/product is shipped. What word don't you understand? Are you sure about that? I have had a web-shop, using PayPal. The moment someone ordered a product, Paypal immediately charged his/her creditcard and an e-mail was sent to me to inform me of the payment made so I could ship the goods. This is standard practise. Now don't tell me the entire Paypal system would be against federal law. Meindert grandma Rosalie |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
I made a reservation at a marina for the winter - made the reservation
in October to be there December 15th. The whole charge was on my credit card the next day. They did not wait until December to charge. did they ask for payment up front? Likely, as that is common, otherwise they have to keep tied up a slip for which you might never show up for. |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
|
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Rosalie, I think they operated outside business bounds.
I made a reservation at a marina for the winter - made the reservation in October to be there December 15th. The whole charge was on my credit card the next day. They did not wait until December to charge. did they ask for payment up front? Likely, as that is common, otherwise they have to keep tied up a slip for which you might never show up for. They didn't say that - they asked for a credit card number to secure the reservation, and I've often seen that with hotels. So they would bill me if I did not show up. I did not expect them to bill me in advance - the amount included a utility deposit of $150 which there was no need to charge for in advance as if I hadn't gotten there, there would have been no utilities to turn on. grandma Rosalie |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
(JAXAshby) wrote:
Rosalie, I think they operated outside business bounds. I made a reservation at a marina for the winter - made the reservation in October to be there December 15th. The whole charge was on my credit card the next day. They did not wait until December to charge. did they ask for payment up front? Likely, as that is common, otherwise they have to keep tied up a slip for which you might never show up for. They didn't say that - they asked for a credit card number to secure the reservation, and I've often seen that with hotels. So they would bill me if I did not show up. I did not expect them to bill me in advance - the amount included a utility deposit of $150 which there was no need to charge for in advance as if I hadn't gotten there, there would have been no utilities to turn on. Yes - It's a good location and a nice marina, but the owner's policies just leave such a bad taste that we will never go to the Keys on our boat again. grandma Rosalie S/V RosalieAnn, Leonardtown, MD CSY 44 WO #156 http://home.mindspring.com/~gmbeasley/id2.html |
Shady Billing Practices of IMIS Insurance
Yes - It's a good location and a nice marina, but the owner's policies
just leave such a bad taste that we will never go to the Keys on our boat again. I have been hearing this a lot about Florida in general for the past couple years. One of the reasons I decided not to go to Florida. I was in the Keys last February (by car, helping a friend look at a couple boats) and remember that the marinas seemed unfilled, both in slips and on the land. Even the Miami boatshow had low attendance compared to a really miserable attendance the year before. |
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