re: Insurance

[Dwight Varnes <xmxbreed@lancnews.infi.net>]

> let's just say, for the sake of argument here, that the headlights suck
> enough that I replace them with some expensive You're-a-pee'in ones. So
> far, so good. Now, some chump drives into the front of my car, and ruins
> those expensive, non-USA OEM lights. How do I go about getting them
> replaced without having to cough up the difference between the stellar
> USA OEM flashlights the insurance adjuster is willing to pay for and the
> expensive ones I'll settle for? There are lots of simple examples that
> fit here, like aftermarket wheels, or aftermarket anything, for that
> matter.

I can tell you this varies greatly depending on the company and the
knowledge of the appraiser that will look at your car. Most dolts
couldn't tell the difference between a standard headlight and an H4 (and
I can say that, because I'm a dolt too, but know the difference!). It is
important that you check with your insurer NOW. I had a claim on an M3
with a really nice BBS wheel upgrade and I couldn't pay him for the
wheels because he wasn't covered for anything beyond stock. Sucked to be
him! 
You have to remember that we insurance guys look at about 25 cars or
more a week, and most of them are boring Caravans or GM fleet cars.
Also, most of us actually aren't car enthusiasts (a pity). I truly enjoy
something different, and will spend more time trying to help someone
such as the owner of the 67 Skylark convertible our insured hit than
some whining teeny-bopper with a pink Z24. 
Certain upgrades will add value to your car, such as wheels, wheras that
Momo steering wheel and shift knob does little to enhance it's car lot
appeal.
More often than not, assume you are NOT covered for extra do-dads, and
find out how to get them covered.
Sorry if this is long-winded...
-- 
Dwight Varnes                              Life is too short to drive a
70 Fiat 124 Spider			   minivan. 
Audi Coupe GT			   	   	
89 VW Jetta GLI 16v			   Help beautify America; Force a
67 Fiat Dino Coupe (for sale)		  Lincoln Navigator off the road!

Insurance appraiser by trade, Car geek by general description.
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