Just an FYI being in Cali especially. If you remove your ABS (or LSPV possibly) then you run the risk of gross negligence in an accident you are involved in. I went thru this with my insurance agent who is a car nut himself.
Yep, and it's not just Cali. A good buddy is a retired insurance exec from one of the majors, he often advises us on what is acceptable to do on our and others rigs.
His take; now days most don't even have an agent, sign up online, so they have never seen the rig, what is on your rig is on you. In these cases the policy is written by vin and they are pretty good at knowing how it is equipped. For example, on a late model '80, the list likely includes; air bags, ABS, security system, AWD, etc. These are written into the policy and a discount is given for them. This is a contract that you have agreed to, if there is a major loss and the rig isn't setup as the policy states, they can deny the claim.
His rigs are lifted, big tires, bumpers, etc, but is very selective about mods, like even questions VC removal. For example brakes; on and early FJ40 changing the drums to disk, especially using later Toyota stuff is safe. The argument is; it's bolt on later, more robust, factory stuff from a substantially similar rig, so as long as it is correctly done, would be difficult to claim that it isn't an upgrade.
Removing ABS, it will be on you to explain, make a case that it's some how safer, good luck with that. What are you going to say, I'm such a good driver that I don't need it? Not likely to fly, largely because you are there for running over/killing the bus load of nuns holding crippled kids, or whatever. They have reams of data and who do you think the court is going to accept as the expert?
Insurance adjusters have started to look for brake modifications.
It's not just brakes, any mod that maybe related to the reason for the loss. Another buddy does insurance investigation, mostly auto, and has called on me a few times for assistance, mostly 4x4 and tool stuff. Insurance companies don't want to pay claims, if they can get out of it, they will and have lots of resources.
BTDT...
