>I see no one else touched this comment (probably for good reason) but
>I have to ask, who are you insured by? The New York State Lottery
>Commission?
>
>I was in an accident a few years ago and just took what it cost to fix my
>rear bumper. I even passed on the rental car since it was only in the shop
>for three days and I lived close enough to walk  to walk.
>
>I have no love lost for insurance companies, but I don't think insurance
>settlements are meant to be a reason to go shopping.
>
>Yea, I'm going to get flamed on this for sure...

I have to agree here. I also consider insurance a ripoff, but here in NZ
it's not (yet) compulsory. As soon as it IS mandatory the companies get
together and fix a price, which is a HUGE ripoff (I spent 4 months in
Newfoundland, Canada in 1990, and wanted a beater to get around in. I
iasked all the insurance companies what it would cost me to insure a $200
car for 4 months, 3rd-party only. $400CD...couldn't believe it. I didn't
buy anything... here the companies have to compete, and 4 years ago a
$13000 car cost me about $80US for a year's comprehensive insurance).

At the same time, in order tom protect their fat profits, insurance
companies will use this sort of thing as an excuse to bump their premiums
up, and this costs everyone who takes a policy out.

Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin, New Zealand
fax 64 (3) 479-7527
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
VW van (something for every man), Toyota diesel & seashell nut
Macintosh 7500/200/64, 6116/60/24, LCIII, LC, Classic, Plus
Even though Mac Users may be only 10% of the market,
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