Build in NYS - Insurance Problems

[pchast]

I almost completed the repair on the power/radio panel. I added a
couple of dowels to hook into the back wall and a drawer lock for the
front to hook into the box front. I want to inset some wood for the
latch striker yet.



I called several local agencies about insurance. The only response at
all positive was from State Farm.

They would consider insurance on the parts value of the "kit" used to
build. NOT at all on the total value of the 'camper',, If and only if I
move another policy to their company. Then 3500 "insurance" on the
parts would be $47 per year. That seems most expensive and almost
not worth the cost.


Your thoughts and a comparison please.

Thanks,

[capnTelescope]

Disclaimer: I am not an insurance agent/expert/etc., just a customer.

I think that as long as your auto liability insurance covers damages caused by the trailer, or you towing the trailer, you're good to go. If someone else rear-ends your tear, Their liability insurance should cover repair/replacement. Ass-ume-ing they're insured, of course. While $3259 is more than I have in my pocket, that's peanuts compared to what liability claims from an accident could cost you.

I haven't looked into it, but I kinda doubt that insuring against loss of the trailer (fire/theft) is going to be worth it.

Homeowner's might cover you for theft/fire/disaster while stored at home. (parts only again, your labor of love probably ain't worth diddly to the insurance company)

There must be an insurance agent or other truly knowledgeable person in the audience that can set us straight. Better yet, get your agent to 'splain your options.

Good luck. Report back what you find. Some of us are interested.

[KCStudly]

If you truly want to insure it for an "agreed value" replacement cost, perhaps one of the specialty auto insurance companies (like Grundy) would be able to accommodate you. I have no prior experience with them, and can't say for sure that they will insure a trailer, but they do service the rare, odd and enthusiast market.

A friend of mine at work used them for his classic Camaro.

[pchast]

Thanks,

I understood the liability issue... Capn I Was looking at Fire and theft.

KC that's a good idea about the specialty insurers. I'll check a few From
next month's car mags.


Later

[pchast]

Hi Everyone.

At this point I'll be displaying my trailer, crude as it is, at the Woodworker's Showcase in Saratoga, Ny next weekend.
It will stand as an alternative to wood in construction, a demonstration of foam construction. I've already had some
interesting comments since I entered a woodworking show.

[lrrowe]

Saratoga, my hometown. Wish I could be there.

[pchast]

I'm glad we entered the trailer. My wife was there Sunday and said there were plenty of questions and interest. We displayed a mock-up of foam construction and a few pictures from the build log. There were also a pile of cards with the tnttt url for people to pick up.

[ukewarrior]

Is there an album somewhere of these pictures?
They are too small for me to see much detail.

Still feeling things out. The box is now inside storage and a tongue box for outside.


Glued down shims to level trailer around bolts.

[pchast]

Just open the album camera under my data on the left side of the page.
Those pictures are clickable and enlarge.

[McGuffin]

Hi Pete,

Things are lookin' 'good the finishing touches are setting it off nicely.

Larry

[pchast]

Thanks Larry,

We made a couple of trips with the trailer and I found, If I close the windows,
it stays dry too....

This makes trips possible for me. I have many allergies and so we can
not stay at motels or hotels. Campsites are out due to the smoke. Now
I just need to learn how to sleep through the truck noises where we stop.

[McGuffin]

Hi Pete,

It's great that you are using it now - well done.

On the question of insurance .... one of the reasons I was attracted to build a teardrop in the first place is that the ownership costs are low and it dosen't necessarily need to be insured - not like a mobile home for example.

In Ireland, once you hitch a trailer on to your car and it is legal (ie the right weight and size etc) ythat trailer is insured under the cars insurance while on the road.

As for theft - I intend to buy a wheel lock and be careful. If that fails - I'll just check into the nearest hotel!


sláinte mhaith (your good health) ...





Larry

[pchast]

Thanks Larry,

That's where I am. I gave up on buying insurance for theft.
I use locks on the hitch and wheels. It hasn't been a problem
so far.

[Atomic77]

Another great foamie build!

[pchast]

Thanks Mike