Insurance Stories

Your column about auto insurance, prompts this letter. May I tell you my personal solution to this problem?

First, my background. I am a 79-year-old grandmother, driving for more than 60 years without any major problems. In 1985, I was involved with an accident that was settled in my favor. My premium was raised from $800 a year to $3,700.

I shopped for cheaper insurance and found one--$2,000 a year for minimum coverage. My car is my lifeline to the world. I drive about 50 miles a week shopping, to the doctor or dentist, or on a visit to my family. I rarely carry passengers.

My income consists of my Social Security and a small pension. I have a small emergency savings account.

This is my plan: Carry no insurance. In case of an accident, what can be recovered--my old furniture? My 7-year-old car?

Suspend my license? I’ll drive without one.

Put me in jail? I doubt it.

But being a law-abiding citizen (chicken), I can’t do this. But I am giving it a lot of thought!

MAUREAN SHERMAN

Los Angeles