ExpeditionImports wrote:I have commented on this in the past, but It is becoming more pronounced. Bottom line, the Pinzgauer has been bad business for a number of insurance companies. I've had conversations with a number of owners who take the approach that when there is an accident it's time for a windfall. The purpose of insurance is to mitigate a bad situation, not to make your Pinzgauer or your bank account better than it ever was.
Of the last 6 Insurance "cases" that we worked with the underwriters on, 4 of those 6 were VERY questionable. The poor condition 710 with brakes so far out of adjustment they weren't functional and a body/engine in lousy shape, becomes the 23K creampuff that is irreplaceable. Or the minor fender bender that becomes a 12K body shop job to straighten the tub......when that same customer talked with us about straightening the tub 12 months prior. The customer that calls for new canvas because his canvas is rotten and garbage. Gets upset at the "outrageous" cost for the canvas. Worse luck, seems 8 days later vandals cut his "excellent condition" top front and rear and his insurance company was calling us for his new canvas.
When you have a huge quantity of a car model/make, then the fraud and risk averages out. However, when there are so few of the Pinzgauer on the books, it doesn't take that many bad experiences to sour the underwriters to write a policy on them.
Personally I think that comprehensive policies on the Pinzgauer are going to become very difficult to find. Classic insurance will probably become the norm. Relationships with your insurer with your other vehicles will become more important as they are looking for a track record.
We are a licensed and bonded dealer, licensed repair shop, and work closely with a licensed full service body shop. We are happy to help out your insurance company get your truck fixed, establish values, inspections, etc. However, if you have even the slightest intention of playing games, do not call us as you probably won't like the end result. Our interests and the interests of a customer looking to defraud their insurance company, are diametrically opposed. I NEED insurance companies to be willing to insure Pinzgauers so my dealership can continue to sell the vehicles to customers. You trying to screw your insurance company on a claim, in the end just ends up screwing me.......
Food for thought.
Cheers,
Scott
Scott,
Great comments.
You are not the only one getting screwed. We all are too, as this thread illustrates. (And it's not just Pinzgauers! Insurance fraud seems plenty widespread, in my opinion.)
From your comments, I assume you reported the owners and situations you cited. I
hope you turned those S.O.B.'s in!!!
Thank You if you did!
If you lose a customer over doing so (or three, or even ten), I predict you'll still come out ahead because you are sticking up for the rest of the honest owners. Moreover, owners who burn their bridges with the few suppliers don't seem to hold onto their trucks too long anyway...
Paul
this sucks.
Auto Club did. 