Comments on: What was Palm Coast Travel doing with its Access America policies?

By: Florida accuses three more travel agencies — wait, make that five more agencies — of selling unlicensed insurance

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:07:26 +0000

[...] was swapped out for a fake one. (Florida alleges that at least two Palm Coast customers were sold Access America policies, but that the policies were eventually moved to Prime Travel Protection — an action [...]

By: Les

Les — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:33:36 +0000

Some states have laws prohibiting SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) suits – litigation intended to stifle criticism by forcing respondents to endure the expense of defending their speech. Is Florida one of those?

By: Wrona

Wrona — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:44:58 +0000

Hmmm…how can you photographically depict a total, irreversible implosion? ;-)

Would a mushroom cloud work?

By: LeeAnne

LeeAnne — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:56:13 +0000

@Marcia – ROFL! Thanks for the laugh!

@Christopher – you might want to check out Marcia’s name for a great idea for a future Palm Coast article…hopefully in the VERY near future!

By: Marcia

Marcia — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:27:49 +0000

@LeeAnne…click on my name and you will get a preview of the art work for a suggested graphic for the next Palm Coast article.

By: Roy

Roy — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:10:41 +0000

Access America must have already responded. I see no information regarding insurance on Smartcruiser.com’s website.

By: LeeAnne

LeeAnne — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:05:20 +0000

@Christopher – I appreciate the little note at the bottom explaining the point of the graphic. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out the connection, until I spotted that. NOW I get it!

The “sinking ship” ones were hilarious…and a little more straighforward. This one was a bit more obsure, but just as fun. Can’t wait to see what graphic you choose for the NEXT Palm Coast Travel article! (Which I’m sure will be coming soon. BOY I’ll bet they’re sorry they sued you!)

Hmmm…how can you photographically depict a total, irreversible implosion? ;-)

By: Billie Keirstead

Billie Keirstead — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:30:12 +0000

I contacted AccessAmerica and sent them links to the Elliot post and the case document so they could see that in 2 cases Palm Coast “sold” AA to their clients but actually provided them with PTP, an unlicensed (in Fla.) product. They responded that they were aware of this situation and were investigating further.

By: SirWired

SirWired — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:02:59 +0000

If SmartCruiser / Palm Coast Travel sold customers an Access America Policy, yet neglected to actually get one, that isn’t just false advertising; it’s plain, old-fashioned fraud, and much more serious.

False advertising would be selling Access America as available in ads, but not making it available for purchase, but a travel invoice (or booking confirmation) isn’t an ad, it’s a contract. Not providing customers what you have explicitly confirmed they paid for is fraud.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:08:41 +0000

Keep up the great work, Chris. Don’t let them bully you and keep reporting the truth. I perused the Smartcruiser.com website this morning and there is no link for insurance. Last week I checked and there was a link toward the bottom of the page titled “insurance” that directed you to information about Access America. Maybe Access America has already severed ties with Smartcruiser. Can anyone confirm this?
I wonder if this is true, will any other insurance company work with Smartcruiser in the future? What started all of this? If I remember it was a claim for a few thousand dollars! This situation would make a great case study for a business school textbook.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:14:47 +0000

So glad you’re hanging in there with this story, in spite of their attempts to silence you. Can’t wait for the next chapter.