Thanks to all who sent good advice. I've checked things out further, based
on your comments and here's the official word - as of today.

1. Collector Plates - These are not 'Vintage Plates' which are much more
restrictive. You can go camping, to the store, etc with Collector Plates -
just not to and from work and can't be used for commercial purposes.
However, there are 2 things that will definitely disqualify me. First, you
must own another vehicle for general use and second, you can't have the
engine upgrade.

2. CAA/AAA Plan requirements - You do not need RV coverage if you have a
Vanagon or Westfalia. The weight is low enough that they don't have to send
a special large tow truck to service it, so you get the regular rate. I
bought the Premier membership in case I need a long tow, but I don't need to
upgrade to the Premier RV.

YAAY!

Pat

1982 Westfalia? Or Vanagon?  -  Otter

  _____

From: Jake de Villiers [mailto:crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 10:44 AM
To: Pat Sloan
Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
Subject: Re: Registering the Otter

I thought your van was re-powered Pat. ICBC stipulates that the vehicle be
stock ie no engine swaps etc.

You might slide by the application process but have a claim denied by a
sharp-eyed adjuster.  Not worth the risk as far as I'm concerned.

Jake

On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 9:12 AM, Pat Sloan <pmsloan@shaw.ca> wrote:

OK, the Otter is officially on the road and I have a couple of questions
about bureaucratic things for you BC vanagoners.

1.      'Collectot' Plates - My insurance agent tells me I can save about 15
- 20% on my insurance if I register the van with 'Collector' plates. It
looks as if all I have to do use the van only for 'pleasure'. Since I'm
retired, that sounds easy, and since I'm not driving into work each day, it
makes sense that I should pay less insurance because I'm encountering much
less risk. Are there any hidden flaws in the plan? Any fine print in the
regulations I may have missed?
2.      BCAA Membership - I'm not sure if I should be paying extra for an RV
plan. My thought is that a Vanagon is NOT an RV, (smaller, lighter, waay
easier to tow) but don't want to be surprised if I need a tow from some
mountain road. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks all,

Pat

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27