Hi,

I just got back from my trip to the turks and caicos on a liveaboard.

I flooded my canon 5d and 16-35mm lens during a night dive. Anyone have experience with the Dan claims process? I did try reading the insurance tread but there are too many on which insurance to buy and not actual claims. The captain is writing me a letter stating what happened.

thanks

Sorry to hear that Root,

Call Dan or go to their website and start a claim immediately. They will have you take the camera, lens, card, whatever to a repair center and get a repair estimate. You will send them the estimate and any other documentation you have - during the claims process. If it's a total loss, they will give you a check for the replacement cost, minus the deductible.

Cheers
James

PS, I know it's hard, if you wouldn't mind - if there were some human error involved in your flood, it would be really helpful if you can give us some pointers for what not to do in the future.

It was human error. I got just a little in a rush to go out on my 20th dive. I was diving at night so the clear ikelite housing was hard to see if any water was seeping in. The clip that holds the dome port to my 8" dome was holding it on but one side it was not completely seated. That caused water to seep in. I didn't notice untill I tried to shoot something 50' down. Then I noticed it was 1/3 full of water. By then it was too late so I didn't panic and saftly ascended to the surface. I usually assemble everything check to o-rings then pick everything up by the dome port to make sure everything is secure. Then i spin and wobble the dome port to make sure the clips are engaged correctly. Then I dunk everything in the rinse tank to make sure there is no water leaking in. Next time I will make sure do everthing on every dive to ensure I don't get a flood. Also i plan to get a mosture alarm. Does anyone know of one that will work inside an ikelite housing? I hope this info helps everyone to keep your gear safe and dry. Thanks for the info James. I'll let you all know how my claim goes.

Sorry to hear about your problem. I catch myself in a rush to button everything up and go once in awhile. I just have to stop and take a breath and calm down.

Which boat were you on? What did you think of the trip? I've been to Grand Turk before but my wife and I are thinking of doing a liveaboard out of Provo this time around.

Rick

Filing with DAN insurance is a pretty easy process - as I have found out after having just recently flooded my D70S and Aquatica housing. You will need to start the claim online but will need to get estimates as to damages or repair costs or replacement costs - usually you can do that pretty easily with your underwater camera and housing dealer - a phone call or two - some lovely photos of a camera and lens coated with salt water residue and they should be able to help you. Lee at Underwater Photo-Tec and Ryan at Reef Camera were very helpful in the process of doing this. Fireman's Fund typically will pay for replacement value if it is beyond repair - up to the limits that you have the equipment covered for. I probably had a check in hand within two weeks of starting my claim - although I did directly call and e-mail my claims agents to expedite the claims process. Good luck.
Any questions you can send me a private e-mail.
Andy

Any of the after market moisture alarm systems will work fine in a polycarbonate housing like the Ike.

The only issue may be how to stick it in there - I would try the Velcro type tape with an adhesive backing as long as it does not get too hot it wont drop off.

Ideally look for an alarm with an audio as well as visual output - it is easy to miss the visual clues even in a clear Ike housing where at least you stand a chance of watching the tide come in.

Paul C