Claiming under drivers insurance experiences/tips

[lone rider]

I had an impromtu meeting with the bonnet of a car on the weekend and after dropping in to the LBS a couple of days ago he thinks there's not much to salvage on it. Frame is completely wrecked, broken in 3 tubes, deraileurs took a decent whack, di2 so not sure they survived, hanger is so bent cant even check, carbon bars not game to use again, wheels look straight but again not sure what confidence i have them especially the rear. LBS has given me a written report and quote for the same branded bike with similar specs, I dont have insurance for the bike only the stuff that comes with CA membership and my home contents covers next to nothing under portables cover. The police attended and there was little doubt the driver was at fault, I have the drivers details so understand the letter of demand route but wondering how well-prepared do I need to be? Will 1 quote be enough and should I get the letter written up by a lawyer, looking at over $6k to replace so dont want to stuff it up.


If this is not the right forum board, mods feel free to move.

[AUbicycles]

Before getting a second quote, see what the insurance conpany wants.

Don't forget other costs like damaged gear and also medical costs. Generally a check-up is worthwhile because it is best not to discover there are any medical issues later.

The key task is do umenting everything, particularly a log of all events incl. phone calls and names and details, In the best case you won't need it, in the worst case you will be thankful and this type of documentation also can be useful if ut goes to court.

The insurance company may make an offer which is far less than value of your losses - for example depreciation. But that is rubbish because you can't get back on the road and have to pay out of your pocket to get the same standard. This means haggling, so it may go back and forth ... but remember, the insurance company want to keep their costs down but this should not be your problem or liability... so also be aware if they try and make it to hard for you.

Your own Cycling Australia insurance is not directly relevant as the insurance of the driver is respnsible. That said, there may be some kind of legal aide option if need be and in the case that the offender wasn't properly covered, your insurance would then kick-in.

There is a 'service provider' who looks after the valuations, admin and replacement of bikes... it is like a specialist provider where the insurance companies pass over cycling related insurance claims. The company also does deals in which the replacement bikes are purchased directly from the brand at a lower than retail cost. I have had direct experience but it is one way in which replacement bikes are provided - you have to make sure it is a fair 'deal'.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.


Via IThingy

[Arbuckle23]

Mate of mine was hit by a car a few weeks ago.
Stuffed around by the the car drivers insurance company.
Had his own cover for the bike and ended up going via them to get a good result.
May have got somewhere with the drivers insurance, but they wanted to play the long game.
It is my understanding his insurance company will try and recover from the driver.

[lone rider]

Thanks for replies. Medically I'm mostly ok, bruised hip and have shoulder impingment which doc says will be ok after a cortisone injection, xrays have cleared everything. I'll send off a letter today and play the waitng game i guess.

[human909]

but remember, the insurance company want to keep their costs down but this should not be your problem or liability... so also be aware if they try and make it to hard for you.

From my experience and reading other people's experience your claim if it reaches the insurance company will either go into the "deal with it and pay it" box, or "fight tooth and nail for it box".

I had the unfortunate experience of the latter. I was offered $100, then $150 for my broken bike despite 3 quotes over a grand. I even had a quote from the same store they used that was over 10x their initial offer. I gave up dealing with them and contacted the industry ombudsman in writing. Suddenly they were ringing me and offering me ~$900.