first crash

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by 91 vfr, Aug 19, 2012.

  1. 91 vfr

    91 vfr New Member

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    So yesterday I crash the bike. Should I file a claim with my insurance company. I have full coverage and it was not my fault. There were no other vehicles involved in the accident. I hit a bunch of car oil in the road in a corner at 40 mph and went down hard. I am fine except for my back and arm hurting a bit. My question is has anyone here been involved in an accident like that were they have filed a claim with their insurance on an older bike. Mine is a 1991 with about 48,000 miles on it and in really good condition and clean title. I don't want to file a claim and have a salvage title or them not paying me what I think the bike is worth. I just put a new paint job on it this winter. Any advice? This is my first accident on a motorcycle and I just want to know what I would be getting into.
     
  2. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    1. Insurance will total it
    2. You will not get what you think you should
    3. You should have the option to buy it back if they total it
    4. If you buy it back it will have a salvage title
    5. You will be lucky to find parts to fix it without a little grief






    .
     
  3. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    And in addition to what NCB said, no other vehicles or people involved, then yes it is your fault. I hear what you are saying about the oil on the road, but a prudent rider should be prepared to come across reasonable hazards on the road. Oil spills are one of those. So you will be paying your deductible. And your insurance premiums for next year are likely to reflect that. So what you need to do, is determine if what you are being compensated for is worth the additional expenses you will be paying for insurance for at least one year, possibly two or more.

    They will compensate you for a 1991 model motorcycle. They don't care what shape it is in. They work on averages. To get that kind of consideration, you normally have to declare a value for the bike when you insure it You normally pay quite a premium for this as well. I understand all insurance companies are different, but they also follow basic parameters as well.
     
  4. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    I total my bike a few years ago the insurance paid out after deductible and raise my premium double. They also deduct. Couple grand off due to high mileage on my bike. I got pretty much screw by the insurance company. The two response above pretty much cover it all.
     
  5. REEK

    REEK New Member

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    That just plain SUCKS! Everytime I've laid my bike down, it always seems surreal. My first thought as I go down is "so this is how it ends". Luckily to date, it hasn't ended. Just alot of hurt but no end. Glad you just have a few bumps and scrapes. Having said that.....

    Unless you like getting raped for money in the long run, forget insurance, for the reasons stated above.

    Just look at it as an opportunity to start a "91 VFR revival/Frankenviffer/etc." thread. Owning an older bike usually means you're no stranger to the wrench. So have fun! If you decide against that route, I'm sure someone on this board would take it off your hands for a fair price.
     
  6. Rubo

    Rubo New Member

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    sorry about the crash.I know exactly how you feel.
    I would not make a claim.Bike is not worth all the extra premium.I would suggest take this opportunity to make a standard seating street fighter.
    Once free from plastic you will find more freedom.
    just to inspire you
    [​IMG]
     
  7. Rollin_Again

    Rollin_Again Member

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    I went through this exact same situation when my brother in law wrecked my old 1993 a few years ago. It had 43k miles on it and was in very good condition (7 out of 10) Because of the limited availability of parts your insurance will without a doubt total it out. If you plan on fixing it yourself be prepared to be very patient waiting for parts on Ebay. Progressive indeed totaled mine out and gave me about $2800 after deductible. I bought the bike back from them for about $700 which I easily made back parting it. If you are intent on owning a 3rd Gen I would take the money they give you and buy another one. If you have enough cash you can buy the bike out and have a parts bike for cheap. The damn rear wheel is worth $250-300 by itself. Any pics??


    Rollin
     
  8. suse

    suse New Member

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    Funny this topic should come up right now. My son-in-law just laid down my '05 last week. Luckily he was only traveling about 25 mph. The upper and lower cowl is damaged. I ended up with a scuffed up oil cover, passenger foot peg and damaged handle bar weight. That was enough damage to total the bike once the Dealership sent the estimate to the insurance company. But, you have to understand that at dealer price on parts and labor it doesn't take much to push it into the $4000 area. Anyone who looks at the bike laughs when I told them it was totaled! Anyway, they "gave" me $4700 for the bike and after my deductible and buy-back I ended up with a check for $3763. I only own a balance of $2600. So, after everything is said and done my bike has been paid off and I have $1200 left over to replace parts. And all the new replacement parts will run me about $1100. So, I think in the case of a newer bike it is worth it to total it and buy it back.
    I had someone hit me on my '07 ST1100 and I asked the insurance company what the maximum they would give me before they totaled the bike. Because again, the dealership wanted an insane amount of money for repairs. My insurance company gave me the maximum amount they could before totaling it. I did the repairs myself and it is as good as new. Maybe you could work out the same deal?
     
  9. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    Could be a good deal. The other issues to consider would be the salvage title preventing issuance of another full coverage policy and resale issues down the road.
     
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