Thanks for that perspective.

What happens when the cost of repair to the boat exceeds the insurance company's estimate of the boat's value? Do they total the boat and pay the owner the Actual Cash Value?

That is what is happening to me. My hope is that I can substantiate a higher value for my bike (than their estimate) and at least get the insurance company to pay for that.

I'm sorry that you felt ignored before. I read your post and thought I acknowledged it.

As stated earlier, I've not found any local lawyer interested in the small amount of this property damage issue. Can't blame them, it's just not worth their while.

So my options appear to be:
1) negotiate at least the cost of repairs from the ins co
2) failing that, take what they offer and approach the driver for the balance
3) failing that, take the driver to SC court and try to recover there
4) failing that (or deciding it's not worth it), take my lumps and move on.

Notes:
1) a new replacement bike is the only way I can resume riding in a timely manner unless I borrow a bike. Bikes do not seem to be available for rent in my area. I'm sure this is of no interest to the ins co, but the repair will take at least 4 weeks.
2) I have not yet found the definition of new... as in, when is something no longer new? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month? Apparently in England, anything 2 years or less gets a new replacement. Such a deal! I suspect it's a highly variable number here in the USA.