[Daniel/Maryland]

I realize that conditions and laws are different for every state, however I wanted to know if there are ways to reduce the cost of insuring a Unimog.

In another thread, Ed mentioned that he has his truck registered as a farm vehicle. This would be the best I could think of. I have not checked with Maryland, but common sense tells me you would have to be a farmer, not just have a tomato patch.
Another option is to register it as an antique. The problem here is that I plan to use my truck and the stipulation is that it can only be used to drive to showings. Then if insured this way and you did have an accident, it might be the same as no insurance at all.

The irony in this is that the Unimog is one of the safest trucks on the road. The insurance company tells me the rate is based on weight of the vehicle and it's ability to stop. It goes 45, has dual circuit 4 wheel disc brakes, but no matter.
This was almost a deal braking decision to own a Mog, because you never get finished paying for it. My rate is $1,300 annualy, I can be the only driver, and I had to register it with a 10,000 lb gross. This only lets me carry a little less the a ton.

Does anyone have any tips on how reduce the costs? For example, is there a difference, between using it to haul/trailer something and to run it 4 wheeling? Can it be insured noncommercial if you don't haul with it?

 

[Mogasaurus]

Since it must be over 25 years old if you're titled in the USA [], go and get a quote from one of the classic car insurers like Hagerty.

http://www.hagerty.com/

The only requirement is that you have another vehicle registered in your name with full coverage from another insurance company. They offer agreed value, replacement cost insurance, with roadside protection, towing, ect. There are no restrictions on use. You'll be happily surprised at their rates.

Only suggestion I can make is to tell them it's a Mercedes "truck". As with all things Mog, when dealing with people such as this, it's best NOT to utter the word Unimog. Oh - be prepared to send them several pictures and to certify "no business use".

 

[Andrew]

Depending on the model and if you can shave a few lbs, you can register it as a Mercedes pickup, and yes, don’t ever utter the word Unimog, it opens a can of worms like no other, use words like, Huh, hah, hmm, a little head scratching and then, well lemme see…….

 

[Daniel/Maryland]

Thanks gentlemen! I spoke with the Haggerty folks. You are right the rate is sure attractive. What I have to agree to however, is that I not offroad, haul or trailer anything. I also have to lock it up in a garage, which is a challange given it's 8 feet tall. Still it would save 1,100 annually, 5,500 in 5 yrs. HHmmmmmm

 

[Andrew]

I think every situation is different, in my particular case I have auto insurance with the same company that I have my home owners, on my auto insurance I have several vehicles, and my agent I have known and done business with for many years and no claims, I added my Mog to the list for something like 30-40$ per month.

It is very helpful to have a long track record with a company and you and your agent being in familiar terms.

 

[Mogasaurus]

Daniel/Maryland - 1/12/2005 6:02 PM

What I have to agree to however, is that I not offroad, haul or trailer anything. I also have to lock it up in a garage, which is a challange given it's 8 feet tall.

Tell 'em what ever they want and get that insurance card ! You're just insuring to be legal on the road, right ?

I'm probably never going to submit a claim on my Mog, unless somebody swipes the damn thing and all those gear levers on the 20-speed would be pretty intimidating to any would-be jacker.. []

 

[Daniel/Maryland]

OK, I am think'n on it Mogasaurus.

You know Andrew, one of the reasons I was disappointed is that I have had the same agent for 23 years and made no claims. Your not sliding that $40 under the desk are you? as in here's a little someth'n for ya Jack! Seriously, I need to make some kind of a change. Thanks for the concern, I'll get it sorted out, I'm sure.

 

[NC_Mog]

My 406 is insured for around $25 per month. Its a Mercedes truck. Registration in NC is the same as a heavy pickup. Sounds like you need to move a little farther south.

 

[Daniel/Maryland]

Hi NC! Funny you should mention moving south. I want to check out that Northern NC region near the mountains. I didn't expect a Southern Boy to invite a Yank though. Now if we move down I can always say I was invited!

It's good to know that I can get affordable insurance!

Daniel

 

[Andrew]

NC Mog,

Where in north Carolina are you, thirty years ago I used to live in hickory NC, I wish I had a Mog then, two years ago I went to the blue ridge mountains in my Porsche and tried to explore the Tellico trails but I could not get too far with 5� of clearance, any way my question is related to off roading in the area, are there many areas with long trails, same with Tellico, I am in Louisiana and is relatively close to me, I can get on the Natchez trace close to home, the trace is a scenic road (park system) with a top speed of 50mph strictly enforced which is perfect Unimog speed, that takes me to middle of Tennessee, from there I can take the back roads to the mountains, it would be an ideal Mog journey, my question is, are there enough trails worth making the trip?