Re: Unimog insurance problems Might the name Mercedes UNIMOG

From: Stephen Grammont (islander@midmaine.com)
Date: Sun Apr 02 2006 - 10:29:55 PDT

> Do you think MERCEDES-Benz (Unimog) be the problem? Benz gotta be
> expensive right????

Yes, I now know that "Unimog" is a bad word because at least my current
carrier thinks this is a military vehicle (inherently it is not) and
since they don't insure military vehicles end of discussion with them.
It has nothing to do with the value since they ask for a declaration of
estimated value, and $15,000 isn't anything they would worry about.

Thanks also to the rest of the list for their advice and comments. My
basic thinking has been reinforced:

1. The person I spoke with at DMV HQ is wrong, as well as my
mechanic/towing friend. I don't need a CDL. If they can show me
something specific in the regs that says air assisted brakes require a
CDL, then I'll stand corrected.

2. Insurance companies suck. Didn't expect to get any suggestions to
the contrary on this list :-)

3. Keep calling around and see what I can do to find someone that
wants to be reasonable. Yes, I am talking about insurance companies,
and no I don't think they are reasonable, so stop yer snickering :-)

4. Try creative ways to get the vehicle classified as something that
is less expensive to register and/or insure, such as a camper body,
agricultural work, etc. I think getting it classified as a "farm
truck" is my best alternative plan since the truck and my primary use
honestly fit Maine's requirements.

The one new thing I learned is that driving around in BDUs in a NG
paint scheme will avoid all these hassles until I get unlucky and wind
up in prison for the better part of my life. It's an interesting
tidbit regardless of the legal ramifications :-)

Tomorrow is Monday and hopefully I'll have some stuff straightened out
so I can report back to the list. Sharing experiences with DMVs and
insurance carriers is, in my opinion, one of the most valuable services
this list provides. Who else would even know, much less care, about
this stuff?

Steve

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