ANOTHER shocking insurance story

[ppeaster]

Another shockingly bad insurance company story...

Parked outside Knotts bike dealership in Stratford on Saturday. Chatting away, then we hear a crash from out front. Turns out a guy on a Yamaha cruiser had reversed into somebody's bike, knocking it and mine over.

Damage to my Thundercat is probably over a grand's worth. Fairings, indicators, mirror, footpeg, bar end, etc. etc. Helmet was resting on the bar and now has a great crack in it.

The guy admitted full liability and said he'd be on to Norwich Union asap.

Fine - I'm hopeful that the bike will be sorted since Knotts did the estimate, will be doing the repairs and seem like a decent place.

The gutting part in all this is that Norwich Union just offered me £75 for my nice Shoei helmet! The guy on the phone (from an offshore callcentre, could barely understand him) said this is because the helmet is 2 years old so according to him "I've had my use of it". But surely they should replace my helmet with an equivalent!? I can't get any sort of helmet for £75, especially a £300 Shoei.

Can't believe big companies can get away with stuff like this.

[JeffT]

with regards to replacing your lid, it depends what kind of policy you have.
Some do a "replace with new" policy where as some of the cheaper companies do it on the current value, not original value.

[jimster]

That's what insurance companies do! They want to minimise their payouts...

go see a no-win no-fee lawyer! They'll be able to tell you what you can claim for (replacement cost of helmet, courtesy motorbike if you need one) and what you can't (severe mental trauma suffered as result of watching your bike get crushed)
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Current: Yamaha Diversion XJ900
Previous: Yamaha Diversion 600cc, Piaggio Zip 50cc, Honda CG125-W, Siamoto Caddy 50cc moped

[map]

[map]

[ppeaster]

Yes, it's nothing to do with my insurers - it's all being claimed for under the guy who knocked our bikes over.

Very annoyed!

[stnuc]

do you have legal protection on your own insurance policy? if so i would be ahving a word with them as in my opinion they have to replace like for like and just because its 2 years old is utter shite tell them shoei helmets only fit your head they are wankers

[dibbster]

[strag]

Get onto these https://www.ridersupport.com/ Very good results have been had by others I know.
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carbon bling

[ppeaster]

The saga continues...

Norwich Union are truly a difficult company!

They've managed to delay proceedings by seven days by claiming to have "not received" any of the four faxes sent by myself and Knotts (the dealers doing the repairs).

Finally, as if by some mirace, today they have "found" the receipt for my helmet and the estimate for repairs from the dealers.

The helmet looks like it will be a problem. The guy I spoke to from the call centre this morning has gone away to work out how much they can offer me. But he made a big point of "wear and tear" on the helmet, affecting its value today. So I'm expecting they will offer me far less than the £350 I paid for it.

I believe I am entitled to a like-for-like replacement, not the re-sale value of the helmet today - I wasn't trying to SELL the helmet! So the arguments will likely continue for a while yet!

[muddycoffee]

[dibbster]

[Nolongerhere]

From my old claim a while back I got £300 for my old AGV lid the lid was 3 years old tatty as fuck I just told them I would not accept less than replacement value or they can go to the shop and buy me a new one same model!!!!!!!! Fight the fuckers all the way

[True Blue]

Don't accept any less than the replacement cost. They will offer it if you stick to your guns. My wife used to work for Norwich Union, they will just pay out what they think they will get away with. In fairness to Norwich, it's probably a loss adjusting company who is dealing with the claim on their behalf. It's their job to pay out as little as possible.
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Past >>>> Honda NSR 125 >>>> Suzuki GSXR 600 K1 >>>> Suzuki GSXR 600 K4 >>>>Kawasaki Z1000 DAF >>>>Suzuki RMZ 250 >>>> Current >>>> KTM Superduke R 1290 >>>>

[DEN MONKEY]

Definately insist on being paid out for the price of a new replacement. I can understand the policy of paying "market value" on a vehicle because you could quite easily pick up another one of equal condition if you so needed to.
However explain to them that this is not a vehicle and this policy should there for not apply.
Continue to explain that if trying to sell your lid, you may only get 70 for it, but that it is not considered safe nor advisable to purchase a second hand helmet because of the unknown factor of pre-existing history of such an item and so a new one is the only option.
State that you feel that they are suggesting your safety should be put at risk by an accident not of your fault and that this will simply not do.
If that doesn't work ask them if it is there policy to replace a accident damaged seat belt with a second hand item of similar condition and wait for their reply.

If all else fails....tell em to get FUCKED

[ppeaster]

Finally, some good news!

The insurance assessor came out yesterday and approved the estimate. So the Thundercat could potentially be back on the road by next weekend.

One funny thing did happen though. Whilst on the phone, I mentioned to the guy at the dealership that I wanted to keep the damaged fairing panels - they might come in handy on a trackday or summmat. He then tells me that they have to hang on to any replaced items for 3 months in case the insurers want them. Apparently they occasionally flog them and recoup some of their costs.

But my question is, can they do that? I haven't given Norwich Union permission to take bits off my bike, damaged or otherwise! I know they're paying for the repairs, but does that mean they "own" the parts their replacing?

I should have asked this of the dealership guy, but it's only just come to me.

p.s. still arguing over the helmet. Sent a nasty letter off yesterday, let's see where that gets me!

[Bomberman]

I have a shocking insurance story - my renewal was actually less than last years payment This has never happened to me before!

On the helmet thing, there's no way they'll get away with that £75 offer. Stick to your guns. They'll fold eventually
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'Allo! My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!
'89 TZR 125 - '94 GPZ500s - ZK3 GSXR600 Alstare

[DucatiEVO]

That's libs, they should replace the lid with an equivalent! Don't accept NO for an answer matey, keep on at them, or even contact a mag like Ride, think they have a legal advice line etc.

Good Luck!
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aKa: Ducky

[minesweeper]

One way to look at it is you wouldnt expect the same for the entire motorcycle.

Get knocked off your 2001 fireblade so they buy you a 2005 fireblade

Imagine the scams you could pull! buy an old fireblade and get a mate to run it over before demanding a brand new one

[TOM M]

I honestly didnt know you could haggle with insurance companies over a payout etc.
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

[delboy]

Tell them you will contact trading standards, you need a replacement helmet, not an insult buddy.

I used Norwich Union for insurance, before that they were CGU, before that general accident [ nice Scottish call center in Bishopbriggs ]

best of luck i hope you get it sorted