Hi guys,
We had an accident on Saturday. Basically, out of a van in front fell off a box of screws and nails and the car (Landrover) on front of me managed to stop on a sixpence and I stopped on its tow bar/tailgate. Luckily the speed wasn't very high and nobody was hurt (my pillion has a bruised shin and I've got a slightly sore wrist). The bike isn't badly damaged but it's bad enough so that we had to come back in the back of my mate's van.
From what I can tell without striping it all down, the damage is as follows:
-bent fork tubes
-damaged radiator
-bent brake disc
-broken fairings.
Now, to the main part of the question.
I haven't involved my insurance company just yet. I'm trying to find and price up replacement parts but, from what I can see, it's going to cost me more than the insurance excess (£400+£100 voluntary). That's why I'm considering getting it done via the insurance. But because I've never had any dealings with them (other than paying for best part of 20 years for cars and 6 years for bikes) I'm not sure what options are there and what do I need to watch out for.
Am I right in thinking that, if I make a claim, the insurance company will send someone over to assess the damage and quote a repair. The insurance company will cover the cost and charge me the excess. If the cost of the repair is greater than the value of the bike, it will be written off and I will get cash value minus the excess. Now here's a couple of questions:
-how long can it all take?
-how do they value the bike?
-what options should I have through out the process?
-what do I need to watch out for?
-if I think they're low balling me, can I appeal the valuation?
Alternatively, if anyone can recommend good value for money replacement parts or even has some laying around in their garages, I'd very much appreciate.
Regards
B