J_R
Posts: 4446
Joined: 1/4/2002
From: Corona, CA,
Status: offline
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jrjohn
I wrote that not knowing you were in the insurance business. I have always used the term policy when discussing AMA coverage because people, in general, have an understanding of the general meaning. What the AMA sent was a 'Site Certificate' to the clubs and to the landlords of clubs that chose to spend a few dollars to get it. The certificate is not a policy, per se, it is issued by the AMA under the terms of the manuscript policy. That is the main difference. With the manuscript policy the AMA has the authority to write and send the certificates. If they were to actually write a policy, they would be forced to be an insurance company.
As I posted before, I have communicated with some on the EC about putting the policy up on the AMA web site. Now, your not going to like the next part, and my information is not absolutely current (six weeks old +/-). The AMA does NOT have a copy of the new policy from the new insurance company yet, or didn't the last time I checked. The policy is binding, but has not been reduced to writing because of the many unusual features in it. The bid came in and was accepted by the AMA, literally, at the last minute. The AMA was prepared to fund the captive they had put in place in case that became the only reasonable alternative. The EC had their backs to the wall.
As far as hiding anything, I really do not believe that is the case. With the exception of folks that do not understand that the personal coverage is secondary, if they have other insurance, I have never even heard of a claim being denied. Has anyone else?
They certainly have paid some claims that they could have rejected. Several EC members are proud of saying that no claim has ever been rejected for lack of an AMA number on or in a plane, for instance. I would not want to be the individual in a catastrophic accident that did not have a number in my plane, however.
It is an unfortuante fact that the AMA is viewed by a majority of it's membership as an insurance company. One can try to blame it on clubs because most clubs simply tell new members that they must be a member of the AMA for the insurance. At the same time, things that used to go to members, such as a rule book or membership manual are sent on request. It is an effort to save money, and it was apparent that no one reads the information they contained anyway. No one reads Model Aviation Magazine, where there is information to be had. The web site has an amazing amount of information on it, IF you know where to look. It is something less than user friendly. The search feature sucks. I digress. The AMA must find a way to communicate. (please forgive the generalizations)
As far as being "tight" with the EC, I have to laugh. Some of the lower officials have written to the EC labeling me as an AMA basher and in particular of "thumping" the EC. I have absolutely no offical standing. Anyone can write to them or call them and get an answer. Some EC members are more outgoing than others, to be sure. As I said, I have made suggestions, some have come to fruition, some have not.
Your posts here have been well done, and my guess is that they will be read by some on the EC and the subject discussed at some level.
JR
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RE: Why should I join ? - 
