I live in California and might have to change that, selling everything and leaving the state.

I have a 2001 chevy express and a newly purchased 1985 F350 stakebed.

Before purchasing the stakebed, I called my insurance company (auto Club) who assured me I can insure an F350 (they will insure 1 ton max) as an auto (I plan on using it primarily for personal purposes), and I also called Progressive insurance to get a quote on commercial insurance. I was warned by them not to go 'over' 10,000 gvw as that would require increased liability (750k) under california law. So I buy my truck listed as GVW of 6,000-10,000 lb, and suddenly auto club sends me a notice that they cant insure 1 ton trucks, and I call progressive and they say under california law that any truck with a GVW of "10K or over" requires the increased coverage. I plan on using this truck about twice a month to haul light material and rubbish, and to move my belongings upstate. This 750k insurance runs about $5000 a year.

My options are to pay the money, leave the state, or sell the truck and lose the 2500 above the purchase price I've put into it since I bought it three weeks ago, plus 400 a month in insurance while I try to sell it.

Does anyone have any advice? I can't afford to pay this insurance rate. My bond has tripled over the last three years, workers comp is going through the roof, and I'm already losing customers to guys who work under the radar (mostly not even US citizens), because they work cheaper (Gee, wonder how they can afford to do that?). I also found out that because of the wonderful financial policies of Gray Davis, my registration for the two vehicles will be almost $2000 next year. (december and feb)

Is it possible to rent an apartment or buy some cheap land in another state and then register/insure my vehicles there? Is it possible to get the GVW of a truck "reduced"? Any ideas?

I'm at the end of my rope. California is becoming very unfriendly to business owners between it's beaurocratic and social engineering policies. I see why they're all leaving.

 

I can understand your feelings, but cannot offer any sage advice. Registering out of state will only work until you are spotted and then you have the problem back. Selling the truck and replacing it with a smaller one is one solution you might consider. There are more and more uninsured on the streets today and I believe that is because many of them are priced into taking the risk.

Re government choking the life out of small business, I fear it will only get worse in California. My heros have always been entrepreneurs, people who are willing to take a risk to start and build a business and fuel a great economy. Best of luck.
Dono

 

...That amongst other things is why I left Commiefornia back in 1982, only been back for the occaisional family visit.
...Metro Arizona isnt a whole lot better, Rural Washington wasnt bad at all in retrospect.

 

Hey there Mark S.! Since you need the insurance before you register the 1 ton, get it weighed at a Truck Stop close to you. Tank(s) filled and you in it. Ibet it won't be close to the 10k.

Drivers use the scales, largely, because they can't trust their carriers to give them a legal load weight.
Anyways, you should be able to show that as proof to Any Insurance Carrier of what the weight actually is. 1 Ton, beyond that should fit in there real nice! If you still don't get anywhere, you can try to put it on your renters or home insurance as a rider/policy.
Then, if you run your business out of you home, it's a tax deduction. I have my E250 on my rider with my rental ins. and it saves me about 2k a year!

Nice talking with you again! See you guys later....

 

LEAVE California, and buy a AR 15

 

That sucks

 

I would say move to CO, but you wont do much better here...
Try Montana.
BDV

 

Is it a dually? If so, you're, well, screwed. If not, the GVWR is under 10K (might only be ~9000).

 

Using scales wont do any good. GVWR is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating not the actual weight of the vehicle. If you do register out of state you may run into problem in CA if you use the truck for anything other than personal use.

 

Thats why I suggested that he add the 1 ton (2,000lbs) to the total weight of the vehicle to give HIM a better understanding of what he can do to make his situation and some other chioces to keep it legal, and with out any hassles. In most States, you must register your vehicle within 90 days upon change of address, unless you are a student. Plus, they won't send him the title in the state he registers the rig in, to Calif. where he actually lives.

I would consider going the Commercial/Business route and be able to deduct AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE at tax time. Ins., maint., mileage, Theft, fire, etc.. I'm doing it and I'll contine to do it, until I'm told by Big Brother I can't anymore..... I'm dreading the day that ever comes! HEE HEE! Talk with you guys later....

 

You are welcome here in Montana. Avoid Butte though. The rest of the sate is pretty nice and if you are just a little crazy you will fit right in!!!!

 

Yes and yes.

XXL

 

My only advise would be to please not move to Oregon.

 

Wow.

 

Oh, it's nothing personal.. Just a long standing thing between Oregon and California. Oregon's a nice place to visit-just don't move here.
Hasn't really worked. The immigrants have flooded up and we have some of the highest unemployment in the nation.