I wish my first post on this forum was for a happier situation, but I need your guidance on an insurance claim issue. I totaled my bike a couple weeks ago colliding with an ******* who whipped out of a parking lot to start a left turn, but then stopped when he realized there was no way to merge into all that traffic. He stopped directly in my path (apparently he "didn't see me"). I clamped on the brakes for a second before the collision, but then I T-boned him at the fender/driver's door and flew over the A-pillar. He was cited on the spot - 100% at fault, but I'm the one who spent a week in the hospital with surgery to repair my left ankle and right wrist. Bones will heal with time. The real problem is that the insurance adjuster says my bike is a total loss, and it was only worth $16k. The bike is 5 years old with 48k miles, but there is no way I could replace it for only $16k. I asked about buying the wreck as salvage, now all of a sudden the salvage value is over $5k. It feels like I'm being raked over the coals.

How do I argue that the settlement value should be higher? How do I negotiate with the insurance company?

 

Glad to here that you're here to talk about it first of all, and welcome to the forum.

Your bike is worth about $14,000 and can be replaced for about $14,000. That's what insurance does, That's not including any other compensation for what he did to you. But I don't think you're being mistreated at all as to the value of just the bike. ( Is there something special about it?)

What do you think a bike that cost $20,000 5 years ago and now has 48,000 miles on it should be worth?.

How many '08's would you like me to find for you for $16,000? There are lots.

( I suspect that I just got trolled guys....)

 

I suppose you're right. It's just hard getting used to the situation. I had a beautiful bike set up just the way I wanted it. The wife and I rode all over the country on it. Now I have no bike, and a check for $16k. It was worth a lot more than that to me. So I guess I have to accept "market value" and live with it.

What do you mean "you just got trolled"?

 

I was concerned that you posted just to see how many responses you'd get, because $16,000 is a helluva lot of money for an '08. ( $16,000 was the invoice amount of a new '08 Ultra when it came out.)

If not, I apologize. But seriously you can get a lot of choices for that kind of money, even '09 new frame models if you look hard enough this time of year.

It's a pain, you've got nothing to ride and you have to start over. I get that.

I assume that you have something else coming for pain and suffering plus medical bills? Look at it as an opportunity if possible to get a better ride than you had. It could be worse, that guy could have had no insurance!

 

I'm happy to get any response. Yep, this is an opportunity. Was thinking to start with a SG and add a detachable tour pak - the wife likes being wrapped up by that backrest. Truthfully tho the 08 Ultra cost me almost $24k out the door back in July 07. But I really enjoyed putting those 48k miles on it, so ...
Just checked cycle trader in MI and 08 Ultras range from $15.9k - $19k. Maybe I'll send those ads to the insurance guy.

 

Also remember that in Michigan when a car is at fault hitting a motorcycle no-fault is not applied. You can go after him and his insurance.

 

Sorry you have to go through this on account of some dumbass who can't drive for sh*t pulling out in front of you like that. At least you're not even worse off physically though.
You might need another $500 to $1,000 to get a replacement without haggling- which is something a good insurance company shouldn't make you have to do. Is that how much your deductible was?

 

If you can show receipts for add-on's and work, insurance adjusters will give more for the bike. You just have to show that is was worth more than a plain 2008 FL. And if you're holding a check, it means you've settled. End of story.
Me?......I'd take the money, put it down on a new CVO Ultra and not look back.
Good luck with the healing.

 

Thanks everyone for your concern. It certainly could have been much worse. I'm talking with a lawyer about the other issues. Deductible was $500. No check yet - $16k is their offer. I guess I was just shocked that the value dropped so much. I thought Harleys held their value.
I'll take your advice though - buy something else and not look back. Actually looking forward to the search.

 

Just happen to have an 08 Ultra with 23k miles and a few goodies. Bring me the $16K and its yours.