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Don't mention off-roading to Amica insurance

5.5K views 24 replies 17 participants last post by  eisenfaust  
#1 ·
So since I'm finally a permanent resident of Texas I needed to get my own insurance. Planned on staying with State Farm, but figured I'd call Amica, since they get good rating through JD Power, and see what they offered. They asked why I had two vehicles (just got a car for my commute to work) and, without thinking, I said I use the FJ for camping and off-roading. Well after that he told me that they can't insure the FJ since I use it for off-roading and that since it's a recorded phone call there wasn't anything he could do about it.

I know off-roading with insurance companies is taboo, but I know I've read/heard about people wrecking their FJ's off-road and getting all their upgrades/mods insured, so I didn't even think not to mention it. Just a heads-up for everyone.
 
#2 ·
Thanks, I would not use them after hearing this.

I am with Geico, and all of my mods are insured with them, and they know I take the rig off road and camp off the beaten path with it.
 
#8 ·
Most insurance companies are "user friendly"...........until the magic word "claims" is thrown into the pot. Very darned few could ever be described as "friendly" at that point.

A real measurement of GEICO's (or any other insurance company) 'friendliness' would be to have someone who has had an 'off-road' claim settlement with them post up a comment here.

Then I would believe.

just my .02

Jerry :cheers:
 
#4 ·
I'm hoping State Farm will be as well. My parents have used them forever, so even though I'm getting my own policy I'm still going to be able to take advantage of their longevity/loyalty discounts. If anyone has State Farm and can chime in on their pff-road friendliness that'd be great. I've had them the whole time I've had the FJ, but I've never looked into insuring my mods or what would happen if I flipped off-road.
 
#5 ·
Hmm? I have Amica and had asked them the same question after my friend rolled his FJ at Hidden Falls. And they said, I am covered. I just think I worded my statement a little differently though. "Am I covered if I have an accident while I am on a dirt road or trail either on a hunting lease or out camping on public or private land?"

Their answer was, yes, you are covered as long as it is not a "sanctioned race". So then to be sure, I read my policy cover to cover and I am covered. The difference was in the description of the events you plan to partake in.

Now, do I expect them to cover all my mods? No, it specifically spells out aftermarket coverage. But, nobody covers mods unless you get them specifically covered too.

They cover my JK and my FJ. Amica has a very good record and does me fine.
 
#6 ·
Hmm, maybe it was just because I used the word "off-roading". Going with State Farm for now, though my fiancée has Amica, so I may call them back when we get married and are looking to combine our policies.


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#14 · (Edited)
I had state farm. They won't exclude you if you just meantion off roading, but if your envolved in an accident off road, you more than likely will not be covered. My agent actually told me that if i ever rolled my rig off road, to have it towed to a street and report that it was rolled due to going to fast, avoiding a dog, basicly anything other than 4 wheeling.

Even if call and they say over the phone that your cvered, i'd get something in writing that states the exact type of off roading you plan on doing. You want to make sure your both on the same page as to what "off roading" is. You might classifiy it as trail riding, rocks, mudd, etc. The insurance might classifiy it as dirt roads.

That is the case with just about all typical auto coverage. If it is timed or there is a winner you are most likely not covered.
Yup. Most anytime your vehicle sets foot on any race track or competion, your not covered. Its just to much liability.
 
#7 ·
That is interesting that Amica would say that. Good luck in finding a insurance company. I have my insurance with Safeco and all my mods are insured with them.
 
#10 ·
Keep them in the mod loop and you will be fine. Give them a list of each part you want covered, some may want a list, pics and receipts, GEICO simply wanted to know the insurable amount of the mods. Then they increase the value of your vehicle, adjust premiums and you are done. If you are that worried about it fax it to them and get it all in writing.
 
#11 ·
I'm with Indiana Farm Bureau and their only real exclusion is that the vehicle cannot be used for "racing" or in "competitions".
 
#16 ·
the tricky thing with "offroading" is the definition. To most of us off-roading means traveling in designated OHV areas or on marked legal trails, a lot of those trails and areas are technically "roads" as in county road or something similar. I know some insurance will only cover your vehicle 'on road' but that includes most 4 wheeling scenarios, what they are trying to avoid is being on the hook if flip your rig doing donuts in a field.

I'm with State Farm as well, mods are covered and never had any issue with mentioning off-roading.
 
#17 ·
It still would be nice to see if anyone has experience with a claim. I have found State Farm and Geico's legal departments to be very deceptive and probably illegal in how they have handled normal claims. No way to prove the "legality", but pretty obvious given the circumstances. I can't imagine they would be "friendly" to an off-road claim.
 
#21 ·
I have geico... how much more is it to have the mods covered?

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#23 ·
keep in mind the resale value of the fj if repaired will be greatly diminished if a salvage or rebuilt title, at least 30%. Even if the vhr says accident that knocks the value down a lot too...