I hate to admit it but I have liability insurance only on my
91 syncro westy for most of the year. I do "up it" to
comprehensive when I take long trips (I know that most
accidents happen within 10 miles (?) of home, but I rarely
drive the van when NOT on vacations).

Also FWIW, many insurance companies offer 1 "free"
claim every x # of years.  You might want to check that
out.

On 23 Oct 2001, at 12:36, Fred Brittain wrote:

> Hi Volks,
>
> I've been looking at my auto insurance premiums and want to
> cut cost. I have full coverage on my '89 Westy from Liberty
> Mutual. Rate is $448/year in a package that includes
> multiple vehicles and home owners.
>
> I'm thinking about down grading to liability with
> un/underinsured driver protection. Now, I think I like my
> vehicle as well as anybody. It is also in extremely good
> shape at 65K miles. The body was almost perfect until I put
> two dings below the door on the passenger side. I hadn't
> really thought about it until now, but the idea of turning
> it in to insurance and having repairs done didn't seriously
> cross my mind.
>
> It's my mind-set that the money they would pay would be
> recouped many times over by the higher premiums they would
> charge. That means I'm paying for coverage I'm don't dare
> collect on. No, doesn't make sense to me either. Also, if
> any substantial damage was sustained they might total the
> bus and the games would begin.
>
> How many of you actually utilize the insurance you're paying
> for, i.e. having minor collision damage repaired? How did it
> affect your premiums? How many go for liability only? Cost
> cutting is mandatory for me right now. Maybe I should get
> the body work done before I downgrade coverage? If so, I
> would like to be truthful and tell them the damage was
> incurred in two separate incidences over a year ago. Wonder
> how that would fly? I would appreciate any ideas or
> experiences that might help out.
>
>
> Many Thanks,
>
> Fred
> 89 Westy
> Ogden Canyon, UT