Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 16:09:20 -0700
Reply-To: Matt Drew <t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Matt Drew <t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Vanagon Insurance Resource: WAS: Fri insurance talk
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi Rob and Randy-
First off, sorry to hear about your losses!
All KINDS of history on this topic in the archives though.
HOWEVER....
Of course the adjuster's opinion is that it's a total!
It's easier and cheaper for your insurance company that way. MUCH cheaper!
*DO NOT TAKE HIS FIRST OFFER ! ! ! !*
Do your homework and fight it. It won't take long.
Recent personal experience is proof positive the the payoff is MORE than
worth your time!
In my case, the adjuster was ready to cut me a check for the "estimated
market value" of Blackbeard (which was less than the cost of repairs) until
I did my homework, after which time the adjust appeared at my mechanic's
shop and cut a check for repairs, on the spot, no questions asked.
Also, "Acts Of God" and applicable coverages vary from state to state,
insurer to insurer, and hinge on a number of factors (including where you
live and what kinds of risks and hazard are a part of life for you as a
result). For example, coverages exist for flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes,
etc - because they make sense in some areas of the country EVEN THOUGH they
would be considered "Acts of God". It also varies from auto to homeowners .
. .
Bottom line is that you just need to talk to your insurance agent in order
to find out exactly what options are available to you as there really is no
specific rule, or blanket on the subject.
All this being said . . .
As a result of a number of events over the course of the past year - the
most recent of which was being laid-off of my most recent job in
Advertising, I've decided to go into the insurance business and become an
independent agent for Farmers insurance.
My experience with Farmers and the debacle that was my accident last October
also played a big role in my decision.
I'm currently in the final pre-licensing phase and expect to be a
full-fledged agent here in the next week or two.
Given my new-found calling and career choice, and considering my love for
the Vanagon, I'd love to help any of my fellow Vanagonauts in any way that I
can regarding insurance matters and advice on courses of action, options,
and considerations.
I'm learning a LOT right now and am in NO way what I'd consider an expert on
the matter - but I will be VERY soon.
I'll keep you posted on my progress and let y'all know when I actually have
my licenses in-hand.
FWIW . . .
Drew, Las Vegas
'90 GL "Blackbeard"
