Instructor Insurance

[scubaskipper]

My renewal was about 520 with Witherspoon.

 

[Kingpatzer]

It has nothing to do with any issue around scuba instruction in terms of risk exposure. It has to do with the loss of quite a lot of shops and active instructors due to the economic downturn. Around us, at least, about half the shops are gone this year. The insurance executives have to get the annual bonuses from someone, so the rest of us get to fund their expected lifestyles.

 

[SubMariner]

I have been retired for almost 10 years. Thinking about renewing inst. credentials. Never did make any money teaching scuba. Same boat as everyone else with that one. But, planing on making some major gear purchases and doing a lot more diving this year. Kind of thinking it might be worth the insurance $s just for the instructor discounts. They realy did seem to add up.
Any thoughts on that note?

The underwater locksmith

Remember the old addage "How do you make a small fortune in the SCUBA business? Start with a LARGE one!" Still holds true.

Independent instructors rarely make enough to cover the liability & equipment insurance + membership fees these days unless they REALLY hustle. IF you build up a good client base, get some DMs to work with you, & develop a good relationship with various LDS, you may get your trips paid for a gear at key man pricing.

But paying out all the money just for Instructor discounts? Won't even come close.

 

[surforcycle]

Any sources for instructor liability insurance for 2011? Need low cost to justify teaching part-time.

 

[Alexandra]

I totally hear you on the issue of insurance costs vs part time income. Here's what I found out:
1 it doesn't seem you have to go with the insurance endorsed by the agency that you are certified with.
2 PADI's V&B is by far the most expensive.
3 Here are the options I found, living in the US. if there are others out there, please post them.

Willis Recreational Scuba Diving Insurance
http://www.wrsdi.com/
1500 - 1095 West Pender St.
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2M6
PMB 712 | 250 H Street
Blaine, WA 98230-4033

Tel: (604) 683-6831 Toll Free: 1 (800) 665-5252 Fax: (604) 683-5746
Office Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Pacific Monday to Friday
Coverage runs for 12 month from date started.
Choose RSDIG for other agencies

International Scuba Risk Purchasing Alliance (Witherspoon & Assoc)
recommend online Instructor Liability Insurance | DiveBuddy.com
ISRPA Risk Purchasing Group
Individual Dive Professional Insurance - Witherspoon & Associates
DiveMaster $166/6months ($332/yr)

Vicencia & Buckley insurance
Endorsed by PADI
DiveMaster: $191/6 months ($382)

Insurance Management Services (NAUI endorsed)
Dive Secure
PO Box 455, Fort Collins, CO 80522
(970) 282-7400
1 (800) 467-7282