[TowerTalk] insurance claims

[Tom Rauch]

> The bottom line is this has caused me to rethink all of my
insurance from
> homeowners, auto to health. In a nutshell, I look at my
policies as
> "disaster plans" as opposed to a source to tap when I have
a loss.

Craig is right about that.

I maintain a high deductible and pocket the savings in a
savings account. I've done that for 12 years now.

When I have a small claim under a few thousand dollars, I
just pay it. The savings in my policy premiums from having a
high deductible help offset any payouts from my own pocket,
so I basically stay even.

I use my insurance only for things I can't afford to handle.

By the way, here in Georgia insurance companies are not
allowed to hold certain claims against the policy holder.
Those I make sure they pay. One example is an uninsured
motorist claim. We've been hit (not our fault) three or four
times by people without insurance, and despite damage claims
totaling well over $50,000 and a lawsuit against our own
insurance company under our uninsured motorist coverage we
still get an "accident free" discount.

You really have to check the law in the state you are in.

I am thinking of a Ham Radio policy, just in case I ever
have a storm or theft issue. I wonder if the ARRL plan is a
good one? Anyone know?

73 Tom