Market for 1976 cars

[Christopher R.]

Don't Do This

If you don't tell the insurance company about a teenage family member living in your house, they will deny coverage when that teenager has a claim.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Don't Do This

Heck, all the insurance companies I know of will add extra to you policy when a teenager comes of age in your household anyway, and they know without you telling them. I agree that it is not a good idea to try to hide the fact from them though. They have a bad habit of denying claims.

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Wayne

Any idea if those urethane bumpers can be repaired successfully or are you stuck finding a replacement? The front has two cracks in it, however it comes with a replacement rear bumper cover.

[Wayne K.]

Re: Don't Do This

Scott,

In some or maybe most states a 16 year old can't solely own a car. There needs to be a responsible party until they are of legal age. It may be titled in their name but someone of legal age has to sign for being responsible. It would be OK with an insurance company to have the car titled in your name but by all means disclose that your son will be a driver. If you don't you'll wish you did if something major happens.

Wayne

[Mark W.]

Re: Wayne

I once owned a '75 with cracks in both the front and back bumper covers. They do sell a repair kit, which I tried, but it only lasted about a year and then the cracks reappeared. I'd recommend getting new bumpers.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Wayne

The tan colered bumper covers can be repaired fairly well, but dont even think of trying to do the black ones. (74-75)

[frank mccracken]

Re: Don't Do This

I repaired my '74 bumper mant years ago with a profesional plastic welding kit. It seemed to work out fine. You must use the correct rod though.

[Steve G.]

Re: Don't Do This

"They have a bad habit of denying claims" sounds like it's the insurance company who is doing something wrong. The fact is, if they are lied to or required information is not disclosed, the company (portrayed as the "bad guy")SHOULD deny the claim as it is essentially fraudulent.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Don't Do This

Steve, I agree to a degree. That is exactly what I said, you should not lie to them. But, Insurance companies are not innocent themselves. Their agents are perfectly happy to let you believe that you have coverages that you dont and sell you insurance. The company then denies a claim on a technicality that is burried somewhere in the small print. They are notorious for going to State legsilatures and getting every consideration in their favor with their big money lobby. Dealing with them in a body shop business is totally oppressive, from dictating what they will pay for, to what they will pay per hour. Keep in mind that a body man and painter is an skilled sculptor and artist. He has to please the eye of the customer, yet his pay is half of the mechanic parts changers. The insurance companies regularly twist and bend rules to get advantage, and their oppressive manner make it necessary for a body shop to do the same to stay alive. I am sorry, It is hard for me to have much sympathy for them.

[Steve G.]

Re: Don't Do This

Wayne- I completely agree with everything you said. No argument here. My only point (and I could have been clearer) was that some people use the insurance companies as their own justification/excuse for what could be viewed as criminal behavior. You rightfully noted business dealings with insurance companies; in my field, I deal with white-collar criminals who tend to explain away actions by blaming convenient targets like insurance companies or government entities. So, my comment came from that perspective.
As I said, everything you said is true... both parties are wrong in these things.