Daily challenges

Smiling commercials on television would have you believe that obtaining vehicular insurance is a swimmingly easy procedure. It may well be so for most: not so for me, as I seem to bring out life's challenges at every turn. My wife's Buick presented no problem,as long as she, not me, is the driver, but how to properly insure my aged van (24 years). Not worth much on its own, it contained a bath-tub conversion, rear lift and hand controls.It represents major freedom, and my ability to get to see this country. When I am driving, it also contains my motorized chair. One ding and the van would be written off, but where would that leave me with the insurance company effectively owning the van?

We sorted it all out with our new company some ten days ago. However the company called today to advise that the salesman had been in error on the rates, it being a mishap on their behalf of pushing the wrong button, and that our payments had to be adjusted upwards, drastically,notwithstanding dual good driving records.

After much negotiation, spanning nearly half the working day I now know:

. both vehicles are insured for a reasonable amount.

. if I'm wearing my prosthetics while driving, they are covered by personal medical for vehicle insurance, but elsewhere they are covered as special equipment, for the household coverage.

. my chair is special equipment under vehicle insurance while I am the driver, and under household insurance as special equipment when I descend the lift and move off.

. if someone damages the vehicle I have the choice of repairing it myself (the insured amount being equal to the deductible) and retaining the special equipment.

I will be deliberately driving under the speed limit with all due care and attention. I cannot vouch for other motorists who seem to think that my van is invisible (but that is another story).