Insurance companies suck

[Drum Pro]

So I got a call from my insurance company and they wanna total my Stella for a dent to the leg sheild and a scrape to the right side cowl. I know it could be fixed and on top of that raise my rate for the privlige. I told them to go frak themselves and fix my bike. Updates when they come in....

[MrChet]

You can ask for more than their first total loss offer, buy it back and fix it. It will have a branded title but if you keep it no big deal. I'd take pictures of the damage so if you ever do sell it you can prove it wasn't major damage.

Most states require the insurance company allow you to buy back a totaled vehicle. It should be pretty cheap.

[Drum Pro]

But I haven't agreed to them tottalling it.

[skipper20]

So I got a call from my insurance company and they wanna total my Stella for a dent to the leg sheild and a scrape to the right side cowl. I know it could be fixed and on top of that raise my rate for the privlige. I told them to go frak themselves and fix my bike. Updates when they come in....

Just out of curiousity, who's your insurance company

Bill in Seattle
'12 170i Italia
'11 220i Blur

[Drum Pro]

Progressive

[mattgordon]

But I haven't agreed to them tottalling it.

I'm not sure you have much say in the matter....it's based on percentage of repair costs to replacement value.

[Robbie]

Good ole Progressive......never seen such a 'Total Happy' outfit.
They generally try to total if the repair expense exceeds 60% of current book value.
Problem with a Stella is, it is steel.
Because of this, the bike shop (and Progressive) will create the estimate using replacement parts, as though it was a plastic covered scooter or motorcycle.
So, if your legshield is bent, the estimate will show complete replacement as opposed to straighten and refinish.
Same for the cowling.....replacement.
Then there will be a sublet charge to take the components to a body shop for refinishing because Stella parts are supplied in primer.
This is because bike shops have no need for folks that straighten steel.....majority of bikes are plastic, parts are pre colored, repair is only the simple exchange of parts.
Too many parts, or severe frame damage, and the bike gets totalled as it should.

If you can, see if you can locate a body shop that does restoration work....shouldn't be too touph for your location.
Ask if they are willing to repair your machines cosmetic concerns. (This means you have to get it to them for inspection).
Have an estimate written......between the body shop and the Progressive inspector a fairly accurate estimate can be made.

Based on your description (no photos) this is less than a grand....lots less.

Keep in mind, the estimator for Progressive primarily handles auto claims (steel cars) and this could make the claim easier for him/her to handle as well.

As an example, Scooterworks in Chicago sends all Stella (and steel Vespa) repair to a body shop for steel repair and refinishing to prevent totalling if possible.

Good luck,
Rob

[TVB]

But I haven't agreed to them tottalling it.

I'm not sure you have much say in the matter....it's based on percentage of repair costs to replacement value.

Yeah, you can argue, but it's their decision to make.

[Drum Pro]

No TVB it's mine cos I have the option of taking it to a body shop myself which I did and got a quote of $1500 with paint. The adjuster thought he could buy all new pannel and parts to fix it when it doesn't need that. Or I have the option of dropping my claim altogether and subsequently dropping them as my insurance company. Why would I scrap my scoot for a ding on the leg shield and scrape on the cowl when I know for a fact it's still rideable and I know for a fact the engine and fork are strait? If I let them scrap it that means I'll get a check for $2650. not including my deductable of $250. that means I won't have a scoot and be out $2000 to get a replacement scoot. I'm not having that. What the isurance company is going to do is just fix it anyway and sell it for more than they paid out. although it will have a salvage title. Plain and simple I am not going to be bullied into anything I don't want to do. especially when I know the claim is less than 50% of their vaulation.....

[mattgordon]

No TVB it's mine cos I have the option of taking it to a body shop myself which I did and got a quote of $1500 with paint. The adjuster thought he could buy all new pannel and parts to fix it when it doesn't need that. Or I have the option of dropping my claim altogether and subsequently dropping them as my insurance company. Why would I scrap my scoot for a ding on the leg shield and scape on the cowl when I know for a fact it's still rideable and I know for a fact the engine and fork are strait? If I let them scap it that means I'll get a check for $2650. not including my deductable of $250. that means I won't have a scoot and be out $2000 to get a replacement scoot. I'm not having that. What the isurance company is going to do is just fix it anyway and sell it for more than they paid out. although it will have a salvage title. Plain and simple I am not going to be bullied into anything I don't want to do. especially when I know the claim is less than 50% of their vaulation.....

You'll be hard pressed getting it repaired to pre-accident condition (the way I assume you want it) , for $1500.

The body shop that gave you that quote will likely get into it, then tell you "it's more involved than we thought" especially if they aren't scooter folks. Then you'll be at their mercy.

I've had more than one independent body shop/painter over-promise, and under-deliver in my life and at least when the insurance company doesn't total the vehicle, and you use an approved-by-them body shop (no, you don't have to use "their" shops) you know it'll be done on-budget, and to your satisfaction or the shop doesn't get paid till it is. Insurance companies are their biggest clients. Their bread and butter.

If that can't be done within the scope of their standards....totaled.

Aside from the cowl, there are no body panels to replace, the legshield will have to be fixed by hand, other pieces removed, masked and feathered for color matching panel to panel...labor costs more than parts...

Heck, you can't hardly have them fire up the paint gun for $1500 let alone do the body work.

And that's more than just a "ding" on the legshield. Sorry.

Sad fact is, your Stella's book value vs. the cost to repair (the way THEY want to do it) are too close to each other=total loss.

Not trying to be negative, I've BTDT and just being realistic about it....but Good Luck man, I hope you fight the good fight.

[stASH]

I'm surprised to hear this. I have Progressive and wrecked my Stella this past winter. I had to replace both cowls, the front fender, and repair damage to the leg shield. I also had my windshield, brake lever, mirror, and kickstart lever replaced. The body parts came factory painted, not primer. They also gave me replacement cost on my gear and accessories (helmet, jacket, gloves, thermoscud, even my Bluetooth interphone). They didn't total my bike, and since I've had a policy with them for a long time, they have accident forgiveness, so my rates stayed the same.

I will say that my local shop is very good and experienced, and knew insurance companies tendency to total wrecked scoots, so they kept their estimate low initially, then once repairs had been started, added a few items. My claims adjuster was really good too, and always seemed willing to make sure things were getting done right.

Maybe I was just lucky...

[Drum Pro]

So it looks like they are going to play ball. I got a written estimate of $400.00 for the damages and I figure another $300-$400 in parts so I contacted them and they just got to give the green light....

[ericalm]

A LOT depends on the adjuster and the claims person.

The best thing owners can do is to get estimates from a reliable shop, price out replacement parts and gather as much info as possible to provide the adjuster and your claims person. In general, adjusters don't know a damn thing about scooters. They'll often just write them off because they're relatively cheap vehicles.

Being able to buy it back from the insurance co. if they total it may depend on the laws in your state. I think (but am not 100% sure) that in CA, they don't have to sell it to you because they may put it in a salvage auction. NoHo Scooters bought my totaled Stella from insurance for $500 but it was a wreck!

[Drum Pro]

I already did what you said. I just got off the phone with the adjuster and pretty much kicked his ass in a verbal debate. I could see tottalling it if it was a complete wreck but it's just a dent in the legshield on the right and a scrape on the right side cowl. Scooterwest has the parts I need in stock and scooterlounge has the cowl. The leg shield trim is $22.95
The right turn signal housing in $29.95
The right side cowl is $258.70 (Painted)

[Drum Pro]

Some pics:

[Robbie]

I think a new glove box too judging by the photo.

Rob

[Drum Pro]

Nah the shop gonna fix the glovebox...Do you guy think this warrants a complete total?

[Robbie]

Nope...it's a fixer.....there is no major damage, nothing to affect safety or safe operation.
Other than going down on its side the machines chassis experienced no 'sudden stop' type forces like hitting a stationary object like a curb or pole.

It'll be fine.

Rob

[lovemysan]

I can't say that I blame you. I wouldn't want to fool with inspection, titling, taxes, shopping, etc either. Scoot looks minty fresh other than the damage.

[Drum Pro]

Update: Do you guys remember that Dead Kennedy's song, "I fought the law and I won"? Well they are gonna fix my scoot. I'm just waiting for the check from the insurance company.....

[skully93]

Glad to hear it. I know most people just roll over and take it, but that's not fair. As you say, you can't replace the thing for the value given. I would argue too. If you buy a scoot new, there is no way that you'd get your $$ worth.

A few friends have had used scoots stolen or wrecked, and came out ahead. That doesn't hold if you are like me and get attached to them .