Motorcycle Insurance Collision

If you have insurance that covers repairs on your own bike (Collision) – this also falls into this category – but what will they cover?

When Making A Claim....
Does the bike resemble the one you described on your insurance application?
Does the company have ‘repair or replace’ options?
They could choose to respray your fairing, or straighten your frame for instance?
Can you choose the shop where repairs are done?
This is obvious - BUT – the first thing an adjuster does is to check the VIN and engine numbers, Registration, and that the bike substantially conforms to the one you have insured!
Was it in street legal condition prior to the accident,
Remember this is a contract, based on the terms you agreed to when taking out the policy.

Benefit of the Doubt….
You’ll never see anything written down about this, but a Top National Insurer like say, Progressive is more likely to cut you some slack over minor differences which do not break the ‘spirit’ of the policy – than a Cut-Rate small office advertising in the classifieds as something like “Honest Joe’s Harley Insurance – cheapest deals in the state!”

The Bottom Line
Is that you never know how your insurance company will perform until you make a claim. But if you make intelligent and informed decisions on coverage with a Reputable Insurer – you’re heading in the right direction.

See more ‘checklist items’ on the Check List page.

It’s Totalled!
Sometimes having your bike totalled makes your problems even bigger!

• But think of these things first and ask your agent or rep:
  
• If the bike is totalled – how is much do I get?
  
• How long will it take?
  
• Why won’t they buy me a new bike?
  
• How is the value determined?
  
• What if it doesn’t pay off my loan?
  
• Can I dispute the payout? How & to who?
  
• Can I buy back the salvage and repair it myself?
  
• Sometimes Insurers have Dealer Purchase type agreements to be able to replace a damaged bike.

Finally – it’s important to understand that Claiming on a Motorcycle Insurance Collision Policy is not an exact science. There is judgment and discretion applied on a case-by-case basis. It follows that a client that knows his entitlements, is persistent, polite and fairly knowledgeable is going to get along better than a blunt, rude claimant who doesn’t know any of his real ‘rights’ – and just wants as much money as possible! Get the picture?

You do not have to accept their first offer, or second or third. But you should have a way of supporting what you are asking for!See Reports in Feedback Page.

An insurance estimate is the first thing to obtain after a crash. find out here