Insurance update from my crash need input

[IIWII]

My :zz2cents: if they fix it, is to look into filing a diminished value claim against his insurance company for the loss of resale value in your dog.

 

[KnotSo]

Mastiff:

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/swap-meet/23480-2009-mastiff-sale.html

 

[Moespeeds]

If they total it in some states the title goes to salvage and then it's worthless and a pain in the ass to get it registered for the road again. Here in NJ having the bike totalled is the losing end of the deal. They will replace the bike with aftermarket parts if you do your homework and have everything in hand when the adjuster gets there.

 

[BadBrad]

You'll never get the springer front end unless "you" foot the bill for it. The insurance company WILL NOT negotiate the price difference. IF they decide to repair the bike it will be done and only done with OEM parts. Unless you have recent pictures of the frame, tank ect. don't count on insurance paying for that damage either. The bike is 5 years old and "normal wear & tear" will be factored in. Insurance companies are becoming more & more weary of up-charges on cars, trucks, bikes ect.

If I were you, I'd HOPE LIKE HELL they total the bike out. And as someone else said, maybe buy it back for pennies on the dollar. What your going to be dealing with now is a bike that has been involved in an accident...what little resale value you had is now gone.

Based on the pics you posted I don't see them totaling the bike though. Looks like retail value is in the neighborhood of $13g. Your insurance company is also going to have a little conversation with the repair shop as far as getting parts at cost...you can bet your as on that. Don't be surprised if the insurance company also ask for 3 different estimates be forwarded to them also.

Best of Luck!

I recently went through this same thing. If your bike is at the shop, then the shop will itemize all parts, prices and labor to have the bike restored to pre-wreck condition....basically new again! The insurance adjuster will come to the shop and be submitted the estimate for repairs and review all the items listed. Most adjusters are not familiar with custom bikes and will agree with the estimate provided by the dealer/shop. The insurance will cut a check to you (or the shop) and from there you can deal with the shop as to what you would like to actually have done with the money. Instead of getting a new tank, they may repair the old tank and put that money somewhere else. Instead of stripping the bike down, they may touch up the frame and use that money towards a springer or whatever you decide. The insurance company generally does not come by to check to see if all work and parts are performed according to the original estimate.

 

[barhopper]

My pops goldwing was totalled even though it looked pretty damn good. Was very surprised. Got $23 G's. Bets of luck. I say total it, buy a newer bike in this economy.

 

[Mr.Grimm]

Thanks for all the good input. I do hope they total it and I'll buy a new mastiff w/ the singe tank and the 300rear. but we shall see.

 

[BadBrad]

Thanks for all the good input. I do hope they total it and I'll buy a new mastiff w/ the singe tank and the 300rear. but we shall see.

If you want it totalled, show where the frame was scratched and needs a new powdercoat. That adds about $5k to the estimate.

 

[toomanybikes]

Is your bike at Full House yet or is it still outside in these rains?

 

[Tim]

When I wrecked last year I had to go through this. My bike was very customized, raked neck, springer front end, custom built bars, etc etc. I didn't trust a shop to properly do the estimate, so I did it myself. I went over the entire bike, and every part that was damaged I either got a price from Big Dog, or printed a catalog page from Custom Chrome or wherever with a picture of the part and a retail price. I got an esitmate from the paint guy, I figured the man hours for repair, and wrote up an invoice for labor, paying myself a shop rate to repair the bike. In the end, the bill was just below the "total" threshhold. The kid who hit me was also denying responsibility, even though the #1 witness in the report was the cop who was driving behind me when it happened, and he wrote the whole thing in my favour. I went through my own insurance, but had a snag with the adjuster. The first adjuster looked at the bike and said he wasn't able to estimate it because it was too "custom". I called and bitched up a storm, and got another adjuster. He insisted that they total the bike, but in the end, I worked out a deal that they would pay out the maximum non total amount, as long as I agreed not to add anything else once the bike was torn down. My insurance company waived my deductible because the accident report was so blatantly in my favour - the kid made a right from the far left lane, cutting hard across 2 lanes of traffic and right into me. Luckily there was a cop in an unmarked car right behind me who saw everything. So anyway, goto the shop where the bike is, personally document all the damage, call your insurance co and find out where the total threshold is, then start digging around for prices on everything. It's fine to let the shop do this, but stupid not to check their work. Have it all printed in color nice and neat for the adjuster so he can walk around the bike, look at the damaged part, verify the picture and price from the catalog, and document it. If the shop is gonna do the labour, make sure they don't throw anything extra in there once it's apart. My damages came to $11,500, just below the $11,900 total threshold.

Awesome advice!!!

 

[Tim]

If they total it in some states the title goes to salvage and then it's worthless and a pain in the ass to get it registered for the road again. Here in NJ having the bike totalled is the losing end of the deal. They will replace the bike with aftermarket parts if you do your homework and have everything in hand when the adjuster gets there.

What if you buy it back and build on a new frame? I think you should be able to title it as new.

 

[Mr.Grimm]

What if you buy it back and build on a new frame? I think you should be able to title it as new.

Bubblehead, Thanks for the input but rebuilding a motorcycle is wayyy beyond my capability. and i barely have time to get out and ride w/ 3 young kids at home. but if they total it and anybody here is intersted (Im pretty sure that the motor and tranny are undamaged only 7K on the bike) I can try to get a good deal from the insurance co. for a fellow BDB

 

[Dozer1]

Not much I can think to add to everything else that's already been said. Ton of excellent advice. All I can say is went thru same sort of thing a couple years ago. We were downtown, in the left lane, and the chick next to us on the right swerved right into us. Her front bumper actually impacted right on my right foot on the forward control. Thru the ol'lady, broke my foot in a few places, sheared the forward control on that side, damaged my dual runner intake and V&H BR, and couple other things. Bike never actually hit the pavement, so that was about all the damage. Had it towed to th house while she and I went to ER. Next day my dealer (Gateway BD) came to the house and picked it up. Estimate was dun the next day. Adjuster was there day after that and accepted it. Wound up with brand new everything, right down to the forward control extensions. Plus a full detailing. But the total bill was only alittle over 3k.

Point is: the insurance company simply accepted Gateway's estimate and cut'em a check. I could'a had'em use it to do whatever. They would've never checked, I don't think.

Best of luck on your ultimate outcome! Hope everything turns out good!!!

Meanwhile, GET THAT POOR FKN DOG OFF THE GROUND AND OUTTA THE RAIN!!! :2thumbs:

 

[Trooper]

Not sure what’s going insurance wise, this prick might be denying fault, even though the LEO says it’s his fault. I’ll find out more on that later.

OK guys this is where I can really use the combined knowledge and expertise of this forum. Now it looks like the insurance company is going to fix my 05 Mastiff instead of totaling it. This is fine by me.

The insurance Co. is going to haul my bike to the local Big Dog Dealer, Full House Cycles in Winchester Va.

The mechanic there (Scott) has to put together an estimate to get her fixed up right. I already informed him that the accident is the other guys fault so his insurance will be footing the bill. So make it PEREFCT. Scott replied; will do.

But now I’m thinking what more should I run past Scott, while he is writing up this estimate.
For example;
• What’s the cost difference for a Springer front end?
• I think the entire bike should be professionally detailed after sitting in the dirt and rain for almost a week. (Not just frame and paint but motor to.)
• Obviously there will be a close inspection for nicks and dings.
• Check the triple tree and the neck area very thoroughly.
• What else? I know you guys are going to come up with some good ones.

Mr. Grimm, I investigated MVA's for 10 years prior to changing divisions and based on the way you described it, you don't have a thing to worry about. The LEO based his or her decision on the accident scene and the physical evidence. The icing on the cake is that you have an eye witness that supports the LEO's determination. I would caution you if you decide to call the guys insurance company. DO NOT talk about contributing factors pertaining to the crash. Provide only basic non incriminating information. Your insurance company or attorney should handle most of this for you.

Just my 2 cents,

Trooper:flag:

 

[mcgroom]

The insurer's we have dealt with have either cut the check directly to us or it has been a 2 party check with our name and the customers on it.

You, the customer gets to choose who does the work. You could hire a homeless guy off the street if you so choose. It all comes down to $'s and what they have to pay. If something is missed during the initial estimate, a supplemental estimate can be provided to the insurance comp. to cover the additional hidden damage.

The other guys insurer may ask you to sign off on EVERYTHING if they sent you a check. Just be careful you don't lock yourself into anything you may regret later.

If you are not satisfied, work with your insurance company and they will get their money very quickly from the other insurer. All a big game.

Good luck with it.

 

[Throttle Jockey]

I wonder if lead time on some of those BD parts can be factored in. Some have mentioned damaged wheels possibly. There's some lead time to those.

The dog has been laying on the side and needs to be checked to see if rain has gotten inside the engine. A shot in the dark. Something to think about.

TJ