[Brian894X4]

I never thought I'd see a pissing contest over insurance companies, but I guess people will argue about anything over the internet.

When I read this thread, my first thought was the insurance company wouldn't insure someone with a winch, because of the extensive damage it could cause someone in an accident, more than a standard bumper.

Which got me thinking. I'm actually really surprised, that we don't have more laws out there that prevent us from changing major design aspects of our vehicles, like adding steal bumpers that obviously will cause more damage to another vehicle or ride height or tires that change handling characteristics. I know there are some laws that "limit" these things, but not that much and in some cases not at all.

Believe me, I'm happy that that both the government and insurance companies haven't got around to this yet, but as much as the gov regulates and the insurance companies spend to mitigate their losses, I wonder if it's coming. If you have a steel bumper, winch, big tires, lift, forget getting insurance someday maybe? Hope not. In my experience I've never had an insurance company ask to see my vehicle or ask any questions about it. But...what if in the fine print it says something to the affect...modification X null and voids any coverage. Ouch, that would suck.

[Ebag333]

Originally Posted by Brian894X4

Which got me thinking. I'm actually really surprised, that we don't have more laws out there that prevent us from changing major design aspects of our vehicles, like adding steal bumpers that obviously will cause more damage to another vehicle or ride height or tires that change handling characteristics. I know there are some laws that "limit" these things, but not that much and in some cases not at all.

In Australia they are already headed in this direction. There are heavy restrictions and possibly even more coming. I just read a thread where one polititican is pushing for no more than 2" of lift allowed.

Each year (or couple years?) you have to get your vehicle certified.

[Brian894X4]

Ya I've heard this is a big issue in Europe also. I've had people, from countries like Germany, lament that vehicle mods are nearly impossible...even the simpliest of modifications.

[Right Turn Clyde]

Makes me think I need to know what they do in an accident IF you have an illicit winch. Will they not a) cover the winch or b) not cover the accident because you HAD a winch?

I find it hard to believe that, barring something in writing in the policy, that they can do option B. But now perhaps I need to read the fine print....

[Ebag333]

Insurance companies have all sorts of fine print that you would not believe.

As an example, a standard question on the questionnaire that you fill out for health insurance is something along the lines of "Have you visited the doctor in the last 5 years?"

Most people answer no, because they've had no major issues, surgeries, etc. But they forgot the time they went to the doctor to get some antibiotics, or a refill on their prescription, or <insert reason here>.

Based on that single question the insurance carrier can retro term you, which means you are liable for all claims paid for however long that you've been with the carrier.

So yes, read the fine print.

[murf]

I dont claim to know which Insurance company is better than another but....

One way is to check with the end users. FOr instance when I have someone ask "What kind of used car is the best to buy, which ones should I watch out for?" I will direct them to a mechanic I know that has been doing Used car recon for 15 years and has a huge sampling of each make and model. Because of his experience and exposure, he can give a real life opinion of which are the vehicles to steer away from and to migrate towards on the whole.

I could also say the same about a seasoned Body shop owner or estimator. With their experience they could tell you which companies take care of thier customers and which ones fight tooth and nail? Which ones pull out the "fine print" on claims, etc.

So..if your shopping around, you might want to add some "expert" opinions to the mix.

[LandCruiserPhil]

Originally Posted by murf

I dont claim to know which Insurance company is better than another but....

One way is to check with the end users. FOr instance when I have someone ask "What kind of used car is the best to buy, which ones should I watch out for?" I will direct them to a mechanic I know that has been doing Used car recon for 15 years and has a huge sampling of each make and model. Because of his experience and exposure, he can give a real life opinion of which are the vehicles to steer away from and to migrate towards on the whole.

I could also say the same about a seasoned Body shop owner or estimator. With their experience they could tell you which companies take care of thier customers and which ones fight tooth and nail? Which ones pull out the "fine print" on claims, etc.

So..if your shopping around, you might want to add some "expert" opinions to the mix.

One could agure that with your experience you could qualify as an "expert" as for an opinion for the better companies in the way they handle claims.
No pressure