Re:
You're dealing with people when you file a claim. Insurance companies are people just like any other company. Your policy clearly states what is and what is not covered, and the procedure to follow to file a claim.
Read the policy. That first contact at the insurance company probably asked you questions and put you on the spot to see if you slipped up and said something or acted in a way that was suspicious. Big deal. The people working at insurance companies take claims and get so many BS stories every day that they probably have a hard time believing anyone.
Just file your claim, get a copy of the police report, meet with the adjuster, be polite, be patient, and don't demand anything until you've read your policy and know what's covered. Be nice. They're working for a living and so are you. They get yelled at and cursed at every freakin' day.
They'll make you an offer. You'll know if it's fair or not if you've done your homework.
Get a copy of the NADA vehicle pricing and information guide for your part of the country. Get the latest version. Visit
http://www.nada.com They cover 3 month periods of actual transactions in your part of the country. Look up your bike, your year, make, model, mileage, condition...
Your local bank loan officer will have a current copy. Only use the NADA guide.
Read your policy to see how options and accessories are covered. Make a final list of your loss. Don't forget sales taxes. Don't sign the check until the amount is correct.
Done.
Insurance companies are in the business of paying claims. Good insurance companies pay claims fairly and promptly. Successful insurance companies make money by underwriting good risk, not by dragging their feet on claims.
You had a loss. You'll be paid. It's all in writing in the policy you purchased.
I've been in the insurance industry for 15 years (commercial/specialty lines, property). Buy a policy underwritten by a large, big name, old, successful company. Good companies hire good people.
Modified by DanST4 at 10:14 PM 5/5/2005
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