[A/S] Trailer insurance warning

["C. Lane Graves" <lgraves@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

You need to ask a lot of questions when you purchase your insurance 
coverage.

We had a bad experience with GEICO last year, but finally reached a 
settlement on the total loss of our '78 31' Sovereign.  (I won't go into the 
details, because I think Hunter got sick of hearing about it last year!!)  
<G>  Our annual premium was only about $50, and don't think they are 
gladly going to pay a $15,000.00 claim when you have only paid $50.  Also, 
if you don't specify a coverage amount -- which you really need an appraisal 
so you're not guessing -- they sneak a low maximum loss figure into the 
policy, or try to fool you into thinking they did.

We spent almost 3 months documenting prices and conditions of replacement 
trailers, and if it had not been for the threat of a lawsuit, we probably 
would have had a VERY BAD result.  With our replacement trailer, we insured 
with FOREMOST.  We went over the specifications and amenities on the 
replacement trailer in minute detail with Foremost before getting the 
policy.

Generally speaking, auto insurance is set up to pay for damages to others 
resulting from the break-away of your trailer while towing.  It DOES NOT 
cover any damage, vandalism or loss to your trailer or contents while 
parked.  Be sure you take out coverage on the contents, such as TVs, 
stereos, kitchen utensils, etc.  Remember, too, you may travel with 
electronics in your trailers, i.e., laptop computer, cell phone, printer, 
digital camera, satellite dish.  None of those items will be covered unless 
you calculate them into the contents coverage amount.

Another word of caution, when you purchase trailer insurance through your 
auto insurance carrier, your claim is going to be handled by an AUTOMOBILE 
adjuster, not someone with any knowledge of trailers.  Especially not 
someone who is educated on the fact that Airstreams depreciate at a much 
lower rate than other brands.  Foremost specializes in trailer policies, and 
have knowledgeable people on staff.  I think Progressive may also specialize 
in trailer policies.

I hope someone else can learn from our mistakes.

Lane & Ed Rogers
'91 34' Excella