Was at my local HD shop and back in the service area. Saw a Heritage Softail sitting there and really tore down. Asked the service manager what was going on with this bike. He explained that the rider struck a rock, damaged the front rim. The rock then struck the underside of the frame and knocked off some of the powder coating. And that was it..no dented tubing, disturbed welds, nothing. The insurance company insisted on replacing the entire frame. The dealership even advised them, to save a good bit of money, they could have the frame repowder coated. Nope.... insurance company insited on replacement. Didnt think to ask the name of the company but just something that I found hard to beliece as did the dealership. Go figure!!

 

You're right...this does in fact strain credibility.

 

Not the brightest way for the insurance company to limit their cost.

 

That is crazy. Bet the premiums are pretty high to support those choices.

 

Its most likely a liability issue for the insurance company.

 

It's more common than you might think. Any visable damage to the frame will get a fram swap with most insurance companies. We've done them on bikes that fell over and the tab that the engine guard mounts to bent a little. You could bend it back with a cresent wrench but they authorize a frame swap. I guess they figure they are already paying the labor to strip the bike and reassemble it. It's no differn't than them buying a new tank or fender because of scraches.

 

I mentioned this to my GEICO agent and he said absolutely they would replace the frame. He said you just can't tell what damage there is that you don't see. And to be on the safe side they replace. Also, so you know, my rates are cheaper than state farm, allstate etc. I compare every year and GEICO wins every time.