I was once an Auto Insurance Underwriter and I always get a laugh when I
hear about people who don't file comp claims 'cause they think that there
premiums will increase. The only claim that will lead to a premium increase
would be a fault loss. I keep the lowest deductible available on my comp
coverage, and file claims all the time for things I get all the time like
rock chips, cracked windshields, key scratches and even the occasional
break-in. I had the front end of my Aerostar pelted with gravel that was
kicked up a big rig, nearly 3k in damage and only paid $50.00. I currently
have a claim open on my Vanagon rock damage to my grill,both lamps and front
panels. The damage appraiser will be out on Monday and I have a SA grill
conversion in mind.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Stan Wilder" <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 10:26 AM
Subject: Re: serious vanagon security issues

> As much as 90% of crimes resulting in $100.00 or less in property theft or
> property damage are never reported.
> My neighbors side window was broken out of his GMC SUV, they stole some
> stuff, he didn't report it. He just paid the $230.00 out of his pocket to
> replace the window and maintain his clean insurance record.
> My pocket calculator was stolen ($3.00) and a bag of tools ($150.00 about)
> and I didn't report it.
> A half dozen other cars on my block were broken into that same night and I
> doubt anybody called the Police or their insurance companies.
> Hundreds of thousands of $ in lawn mowers, weed eaters, kids bikes are
> stolen every year and never reported.
> You could be living in a hotbed of thieves and just  not know about it.
> Statistics often lie to us.
>
>
> Stan Wilder
> Engine Ceramics
> 214-352-4931
> www.engineceramics.com
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Donald Baxter" <onanov@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 11:22 AM
> Subject: Re: serious vanagon security issues
>
>
> Americans have irrational fears of things that aren't back up by
> statistics--even in Iowa City kids aren't much allowed to even walk to
> school--this in the day when statistically, across the country, crime
> rates are actually down from the 1960s and 70s.  Property crimes may
> be up--but our physical selves are actually safer.
>
> The baby boomers grew up--and most crime is perpetuated by persons who
> are younger and have much more energy than most of us have left :-)
>
> On 8/6/05, Christopher Gronski <gronski@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Its not exactly about fear of eBay trading (nor Vanagons) but just saw
>> a BBC documentary on fear in the US called "The Power of Nightmares",
>> and its is a MUST SEE:
>>
>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/3755686.stm
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> On 8/5/05, Robert Rountree <syncro87@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> > I'm an American/Canadian.. born in the US, did the Navy, College in
> Canada.
>> > I shop on E-bay and I'm finding the same problems, about people afraid
> of
>> > shipping to Canada. Yet I drive and ship to The US all the time.. no
>> > problem... here's the strange part for me (you knew the strange part
>> > was
>> > coming right?).... of all this talk about break-in's and stealing stuff
> and
>> > dishonest folks on e-bay... did ya happen to notice none of us
>> > Canadians
> are
>> > talking about this happening to us? and there are a lot of us on this
>> > list.... the fear all seems to be south of the border.. and this new
> drummed
>> > up fear really breaks my heart to see.
>> >
>> > RR
>> >
>>
>
>
> --
> ---------------------------------------------
> Donald Baxter
> 316 Ridgeview Avenue
> University Heights, Iowa 52246
> www.onanov.com