Insurance woes/advice

[ThreeEyedBandit]

So first off I don't like posting woes or much on the internets, but since you all seem calm and have the same mind set as me I figured I'd see what you think.

A little background. This isn't my first time dealing with this insurance company. Last time they screwed my friend out of a truck. I.e. $800 replacement value check for a cherry 85' extra cab turbo 4x4 Toyota truck...

This time around, two months ago my father decided to ride his 06' DRZ-400 to go get some blackberries down the road from his house. Yes the bike is street legal, he has full coverage on it. He was taken out by a deer, got to ride in a heli, a couple of weeks in the hospital, and now a surgery later all out of pocket. Now that last part really doesn't have anything to do with the insurance company, but it might be important. I dunno...

Well the insurance company ships it to Eugene to take a look at it and see what there going to do. OK! They get it out of the tow place and truck it up there without us seeing it. Weeks go by, and they say it really isn't that bad. Needs a new muffler, plastic on the right side, bark buster and lever. OK, seems reasonable to us and they mail us a check and send the bike back.

Today the bike just showed up today, and of course the plastics destroyed along with the muffler. But what they didn't "notice" is the broken cast foot peg mount that's part of the frame, missing rear brake lever, destroyed right side radiator and the big smashed out hole in the magnesium side cover...

So what can we do? Luckily he didn't cash the almost $400 check they sent him. He is going down to talk to the insurance lady tomorrow and call the guy on the east coast that has been dealing with this and see what they say. Is it out of the question to have a guy come look at it, get a copy of what ever he writes down in his notes before he leaves and tries to put the screw to us?? I really want to be there since my fathers short term memory isn't to good still, and just to not get pushed over by them if they come look at it anyways.

He did get pictures of the bike before they even unloaded it I think, and I know he got pictures this evening. Sorry for the rant, but after all the hospital stuff and just praying he turns out okay I really want this to turn out as easy as possible and more importantly right.

So what do you all think we should do??

Matt

 

[gnob]

youre right to get another adjuster out.
but you may be screwed none the less.
insurance companies suck, every single one of them.

i would definitely get on the phone to corporate. apparently thats the only way to get things done.

good luck.

 

[jamister1]

Yeah, you can definitely dispute their synopsis of the damage to the bike. It has to get checked out by a shop and if they did, find out which one. They clearly did a half ass appraisal of the bike and my guess it was by one of their own agents. Also take it to whomever would do the work locally and have them give a detailed description and estimate of the damage. You should be able to turn that into the insurance company as well.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

As long as you don't accept the check, you should be able to get someone out there. What company is this through? If you don't want to post it, PM me. I'm a Farmers Insurance agent, so I would be interested to look into it if I can.

 

[Kief]

You have the right to take it to whomever you chose and get an appraisal in Oregon. They of course want to use their own appraisal- Also mention you would like to get a rental in the meantime while they drag their feet on repairs- I'm not sure on bikes but they are suppose to cover your transportation needs during settlement. My experience was with someone else's insurance who hit my car. This keeps the meter running on the total bill and helps motivate them to settle. It is their job to make the company money. They have the option of reimbursing you for the bike vs. paying more than it is worth in repairs.. You or your dad need to get some real market comparisons. Bike trader or Craigslist, etc - call and see if they sold them. Bill's cycle salvage can give you an idea of what "totaled" bikes go for as I believe they buy salvaged bikes (or used to) and part them out. Unfortunately motorcycles don't hold their value very long.. I know a good motorcycle mechanic if you need one.
Also,Oregon requires medical coverage on insurance but not sure whom it covers or how much but you probably looked into that...

Of course- CreeperSleeper would know better than me..

 

[ThreeEyedBandit]

First thanks all for the great ideas!! Good news also. My father went down and talked face to face with the insurance lady in town that his policy is through. She listened to his story and what had happened and agreed that they where trying to screw him over, or at least where not paying attention to much. She is setting up an appointment with an adjuster and us next week to get this taken care of hopefully. She also though it was strange that they mailed the check weeks ago, and we just got the bike. Sound's like it was a good thing he didn't cash it. So we shall see soon!

Keif, Whats the name of you guy? We know two people locally that run shops that are more than willing to write up an estimate on repairs, but can't hurt to have one more. I think he is taking it by them tomorrow or Monday. I'm also going to look deeper into the medical side when I can(part of my PM to chad). But they claimed since it was a 'toy' it wouldn't be covered, even with the states minimum required PIP. They even sent us a denial letter so that's probably a no go.

Chad, I'll get a PM off in a bit or the morning. I'd be curious on the medical stuff, and your take from the 'inside'. I don't know what the whole Personal Injury thing is, but I know he has some but sounds like he might have only been 'fully' insured, not full coverage or what ever. At least the liability coverage might help? PM out soon...

Nick and Jesse, I fully agree!! Half assed, and full on trying to screw. Sound's like they might have checked it out themselves while it was up in Eugene?? Not sure, but I will see if I can figure out who it was. This is how my friend lost his last totaled Toyota. Other guy admitted all fault(it was an accident, no hard feelings) but the adjuster completely changed the story once he didn't have to speak face to face. That's when I learned the whole cashing the check thing, just a little to late for Bob.


It's there call, he has no problems if they want to fix it on there dime or just total it. Just not looking to get screwed over. I think we have a bill of sale with the selling price from a couple of weeks before the accident that might help some.

Still just glad my father is still around and doing good, but he will never live down this stupid expensive black berry shake

 

[mobydick]

I wish you luck but will not hold my breath for it to arrive(luck that is) only to find the luck is bad for your Dad and good for the insurance companies. Their job is to collect premiums and minimize payouts- that's it. And they are the ones in control. They are the professionals who know what can and can't be accomplished with your particular coverage contract. And when I say "accomplish" I'm talking about them minimizing the payout. As consumers we always have this thing about car insurance being there to help us but it's really not. It's a product mandated by the government-right?? God how I wish what I sold was required by law. Once it is there's no need to be concerned about service anymore.

Except you Chad, I'm sure you are an exception to the .......rule!