scott.743

Over a month ago, I was hit by a driver at a stop sign, who then was cited for failure to control. I'm in contact now with the driver's insurance to replace my bike. My problem is that my Kestrel Rt 900 is a one of a kind, i.e. 60cm, (can't find that size) and completely debadged of logos. My LBS at first gave me a rough figure of how much to replace the bike, ($4300), but the adjuster wanted a full estimate to justify the cost. The second version however, now only includes replacement costs for the damaged parts, including a similar used frame from eBay for only $1650. I'm not looking for a windfall, but I'm feeling like the LBS hasn't been very helpful since I've had to do a lot of leg work for them, so does anyone have any suggestions?

10 Wheels

Written estimate from a bike shop is what insurance companies require.

lsberrios1 

the insurance company should be able to pay you the replacement cost in cash or the actual cash value. That depends on what is the agreement between the driver and his insurer. Just make sure to get a detailed estimate of what it will cost you to return your bicycle to previous condition or a brand new one. I believe you will only be able to collect your damages in ACV or an inbetween of RC and ACV. Make sure to ask for as much money as possible. Insurance companies have way too much money and many times will try to get away with a freaking scam. If they feel threatened by a lawsuit they will look for an inbetween since legal fees and others are worth much more to them than an extra $1k. Take it from me I work in the field. Good luck.

fordmanvt

Find another bike shop. If they think they've got a sale coming they should help you out.

silmarillion

$4300.00 should cover the frame. What about the rest of the bike?

Yep have them write an itemized estimate for each part including shipping and assembly.

Sorry about your bike that sucks. Hope your okay.

I agree with Isberrios1, stay on them. Don't be rude but I would be direct. If their person was at fault, the last thing they want is to have to fork over money for legal fees court costs etc. Which will be on them if this thing starts to go south.

Insurance companies also know how much these bikes cost. They know you just don't go to Wal-Mart to pick up a Kestrel.

A fender-bender on a Benz or a Bimmer could easily trump the cost of replacing your bike.

scott.743

No luck from a second bike shop, since they service counter didn't see any large cracks in the frame. They called Kestrel to find out their policy, but Kestrel just told them to have it x-rayed. Outside of riding it and listening for noises, there doesn't seem to be any way to tell if the frame is compromised. I definitely don't feel safe riding it ever again, but it doesn't seem like I have many choices.

spunkyj

First, are you dealing with a bike shop that deals in high end road bikes? If not, that's where I'd head.

Second, would you feel comfortable using your frame if it were x-rayed and deemed to be structurally sound? If so, have the Insurance company pay for the x-rays, as well as the analysis of a qualified expert, as per Kestrel's advice. At this point, it may be more cost efficient for them just to settle with you. But if the frame is found to be structurally sound, then you are going to have to trust that outcome.

Third, it may be worth it to contact Kestrel directly. Unless you know otherwise, your LBS may not have explained the context to Kestrel properly: they may have simply asked how to tell whether a frame has been compromised in general, rather than asking, for the purpose of an insurance claim, whether the frame ought to be replaced due the possibility that it has been compromised (or warranty voided). See the difference? Explain what kind of impact the frame endured and get some kind of written statement from Kestrel to give to the Insurer.

GrandaddyBiker

How about some money for all the inconvenience you have been through. If there were medical injuries the insurance company would act differently. You may or may not have any physical injuries but how about the mental stress over this? (I would be stressed out) Tell the insurance company you want to see a doctor and you are going to file a claim for them to pay for your stress treatment. That would sure get a Lawyer interested and without injuries no lawyer will want this case. Tell the lawyer the insurance company has dragged this out so long you need treatment for the stress. See how they react to that. Forget about being mister nice guy here, you are dealing with an insurance company. You should be paid for the time you can’t use your bike. If this was a car you would be entitled to a rental car. The Trek shop where I live rents high end road bikes for $50.00 a day (can get a car for less). Use your imagination; there has to be a reason why must use your bike every day. Politician do this all the time, it is called spin. They are not going to give you a rental bike but make them think you and your lawyer are going to demand one. Do you know how to bluff?

Do not settle for just getting your bike fixed. You deserve to be paid for all the trouble they are putting you through.

sauerwald

Express your concerns for your safety on the existing frame, and ask the insurance company to write you a letter taking responsibility for any future accident caused by their failure to address the unseen damage caused in this accident. My guess is that once their lawyers look at it, $4300 is going to seem pretty inexpensive.

Commodus

It seem clear that you should have the frame xrayed and checked out, as per Kestrel's recommendation, at the Insured's expense. If it's safe and undamaged, well of course they shouldn't have to pay for it.