help needed

[Mitch]

Just had a call from the Insurance company re the bike - after the crash, they want to write it off and give me an absolute pittance for it!

They are trying to maintain that because it had bits from different bikes on there, it is worth less than standard. Even though the parts are all from a different derivative of the same bike (z750 Spectre - which is the US Custom version of the GT).

Can anyone help me put a case together so I don't get left out of pocket?

[minxy]

Did you have an agreed value on the policy? I always try and get an agreed value - especially if the bike is not standard. Saves all the crap you're having! :o

[Sir Ewok]

Did they agree a value when they took on the insurance? Did you tell them it had been altered (very important as they can refuse to pay altogether if too modified)? How much of the bike was different and how did it affect the overall look of the bike (ie. did it have expensive parts like magnesium wheels, a stereo system or something that would make it worth a lot more than normal or obversely devalue it)?

If you insured it as a standard bike, then I suspect you are on a loser unless the insurance company were advised of alterations at the time and agreed a value. If no notification or agreement are present, then they are entitled to pay the book price for the age and model of bike. It's unfortunate, but if they are just accessories and extras, such as a custom saddle, twin headlamps or something aftermarket, you may be able to claim seperately for them as accessories (if you have this option on your policy). If it is something like aftermarket exhaust systems or carb/injector/chip upgrades (that you haven't declared) then you could find yourself fighting to claim anything following an accident.

Before my accident on the Duke I declared an aftermarket exhaust system, which being extremely loud, did not alter the perfomance of the bike except to reduce the flat spot, mid-range. Told the insurance company this and the accepted the change at no extra cost. Took pipes off because I was going to ride to Faro and some twat turned out on me!

Check all the above points as I had big Probs with a car I changed the engine in. Changed from a 2ltr to a 1600 and they wanted to charge me 20% extra as it was 'Altered' I had bags of arguments with them to say it was 'Modified' and that they were using car terms that they did not understand and regularly mis-used. I was told "If you fit one of those grills with the spotlights in, you have altered your car, and as such made it more stealable"!

Another point, could try asking for some of your premiums back as they were obviously overcharging you, if they say it was valuless from the start. Probably won't work, but always worth a try.

[Mitch]

Did they agree a value when they took on the insurance? Did you tell them it had been altered (very important as they can refuse to pay altogether if too modified)?
The bike was valued (rather optimistically) at £1500
I told them over the phone and on the proposal form - that the tank and yokes were off the spectre and the front guard was off a GSXR1100.

How much of the bike was different and how did it affect the overall look of the bike (ie. did it have expensive parts like magnesium wheels, a stereo system or something that would make it worth a lot more than normal or obversely devalue it)?

Nothing more than standard bits, nothing to make it look flash or anything

Check all the above points as I had big Probs with a car I changed the engine in. Changed from a 2ltr to a 1600 and they wanted to charge me 20% extra as it was 'Altered' I had bags of arguments with them to say it was 'Modified' and that they were using car terms that they did not understand and regularly mis-used. I was told "If you fit one of those grills with the spotlights in, you have altered your car, and as such made it more stealable"!

Another point, could try asking for some of your premiums back as they were obviously overcharging you, if they say it was valuless from the start. Probably won't work, but always worth a try.

the scumbags charged me more than for a standard vehichle so as you can imagine, I'm a bit peed off!

[Bosun]

did you have legal cover with this? maybe thety can help

[Dusty]

Find out how much they would want from you to buy it back,then decide whether the salvageable parts are worth enough i.e front end,engine etc, you can sell these on, plus the money you get from insurance,less the cost of buying it back from them.add it all up and see if it comes close to the £1500 you insured it for,you might find out it pays to do it this way if they are trying to skank you on the payout.
Good luck 1

[Doro]

maybe you should ask the insurance ombudsman folk for advice cos this sounds a bit petty to me, also thanks for the warning :eek:

[Mitch]

Just to add further insult to feckiN' injury!!

I've just had a call from this firm who said, ' can we come and collect your Kawasaki motorcycle tomorrow (and sell it to some waiting breaker etc. etc.)?'

'No you fuckin' well can't I said in reply (or words to that effect!), a value hasn't been agreed yet... :mad:

[dracken1]

i do a few insurance jobs for norwich union.
and i have to agree with dusty on this one.

see if you can buy it back. add up the pay out , deduct the cost of buy back and the cost of putting it back on the road. and see how they balance out.

some insurance companies will not allow you to buy it back.
if they write it off then there could be legal probs, in so much as it will only be allowed to be used as spares and not put back on the road with the same reg number,

[Mad Dog]

NEVER accept the first or possibly even the second offer.

and,

Don't let go of the vehicle or V5 until you have a satisfactory offer in writing.

[Mitch]

NEVER accept the first or possibly even the second offer.

and,

Don't let go of the vehicle or V5 until you have a satisfactory offer in writing.

Not bloody likely! Did that back in 1990 with my first bike - Norwich union the scumbags, took the bike away to be written off...

I saw it on the road in Bradford a year later :(

Stupid thing is, if I couldn't get it back on the road, the bits could be salvaged for Mrs R's bike :D either that, or add it to the bits in the shed I got sent a while ago ;), buy another wreck on ebay and swap stuff over!!