In a message dated 9/12/2003 2:43:41 PM EST, braddish@MAIL.COM writes:

<< First off, I am an insurance adjuster.  While I don't deal with total loss
vehicles, I can say that there is not a specific conspiracy to screw Westy
owners by the insurance industry.
  >>

Yes, as I recall the the conspiracy is a bit broader ;)

Here's my question: To avoid a headache in the unlikely event that a Westy is
totaled, does it make sense to have the vehicle appraised and then in turn
furnish that info. to your insurer. Then paying your insurance premium based on
the value of the vehicle. Or if you don't want collision insurance, at least
you'd have the value of your specific vehicle on paper should the other driver
be at fault and his company has to pay off the value of your Westy--or however
that type of thing works.

Having said that I have no idea as to what an appraisal would cost and/or
what the qualifications for an appraiser are.  And if the appraisal would have to
be updated every year--which I guess it would.

What if friendly VW repair or parts vendors offered an affordable drive-in
service for an appraisal? I mean these guys know the value of a Westy...

Maybe the whole thing is a dumb idea. But don't thank me, I have more dumb
ideas than I know what to do with.

Jeff
83.5 Westy
Book Value: $3500*, Actual Value: Priceless
LA, CA

* not actual book value, my browser is acting up.