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[Hugh Janis]

was involved in a minor fender bender with a minivan friday evening.  I was in a left turn lane moving forward slowly to re-enter the traffic lane to my right when the van came toward the turning lane to avoid a car half in a parking lot and half in the lane to her right.  Minor scratch to my clear coat on the fairing tip is only damage.  Big dent and scratch down to the primer on the quarter panel of the van.

Here's my questions.  Driver of van filed claim with my insurance this morning and adjuster called me.  I wasn't going to file claim since damage is minor.  What is the name of the company that paints the Screamin' Eagles?  How do dealers handle body repairs that involve painting of Screamin' Eagles?  I want to make sure the adjuster has this information before he sees my bike so when he gives me an estimate it's accurate.

Should I go after her insurance co to repair mine?  I've got a $500 deductable.  Adjuster said if they figure the fault was 50/50 they go after the other ins co for the other half.  It could have been avoided if I had stopped in the turning lane.  It also could have been avoided if she didn't come in my lane to avoid the other vehicle.

TIA

[erniezap]

Not sure who does the paint but typically HD sends replacement parts pre-painted.  I'd figure out the cost of parts and labor and then make the decision

[skreminegul07]

Each state is different as far as finding fault.  Usually the lane changer is at fault.
As far as every bike claim I have see, the dealer and insurance company will write it up for a factory painted replacement.  They do not want to get involved with color matching and fussy owners.  They will put in for a new fairing period.

[LRebel]

Ok I wasn't there, but based on your description, it was her fault if she came into your lane and hit you - she was taking evasive action to avoid an accident and she caused another accident.  Was there a police report or a witness?

Your insurance company is referring to contributory negligence (the 50/50 thing).  The problem with this is that your insurance company could decide that it was 50/50 fault and her insurance company could rule otherwise (more or less in your favor).  I would definitely suggest that you contact her insurance company to file a claim... it's worth a try.

I believe that HD will base the damage estimate on ordering all new painted parts to replace damaged parts.

Sorry about the damage to the bike, but glad it was minor and you were not injured    

[Screamin]

First, sorry about the collision. Gratified it wasn't worse. Because you're posting I take it that thankfully you weren't hurt. Any citations issued? Also, imagine you've cleaned up the bike and checked for other damage. If you left a gash in the other vehicle I suspect something other than the fairing hit (hbars, lever, .) Also, have never heard of a dealer painting to match for the repair. Yours may turn you on to a shop that can handle the clear but I've only seen dealers do replacement parts.


Strangely, my son and daughter in law got hit by a GMC 1/2 ton yesterday in a restaurant driveway (other guy's fault). Minor boo boos on the bike and they literally jumped off and landed on their feet (whew). Tough weekend.

[Hugh Janis]

I know the adjuster can't make recommendations on how to deal with this regarding the other insurance co.  My deductable is $500 and my ins will go after them for 1/2 of it no matter what.  I tried to ask him a couple questions over the phone.  I'll be able to pick his brain a little more when he comes to see the bike.

The police didn't issue any citations.  They said I could get a copy of the MV-104 from the office if needed.

My 11 year daughter was on the back.  it was like slow motion.  I was going so slow I was having trouble steering.  I was going straight and she was coming toward me I couldn't get the bike to go left or grab the brake.  As soon as the fairing touched it forced the handlebars into a right turn which put the whole weight of the bike against the van.  It brought me to a stop and I stood the bike up and pushed back to get some space.   There was a lot of traffic in the area for a free REO Speedwagon concert (my destination).

Thanks for the advise.  I'll make sure the estimate is for new fairing front.

[amigo Jorge]

was involved in a minor fender bender with a minivan friday evening.  I was in a left turn lane moving forward slowly to re-enter the traffic lane to my right when the van came toward the turning lane to avoid a car half in a parking lot and half in the lane to her right.  Minor scratch to my clear coat on the fairing tip is only damage.  Big dent and scratch down to the primer on the quarter panel of the van.

Here's my questions.  Driver of van filed claim with my insurance this morning and adjuster called me.  I wasn't going to file claim since damage is minor.  What is the name of the company that paints the Screamin' Eagles?  How do dealers handle body repairs that involve painting of Screamin' Eagles?  I want to make sure the adjuster has this information before he sees my bike so when he gives me an estimate it's accurate.

Should I go after her insurance co to repair mine?  I've got a $500 deductable.  Adjuster said if they figure the fault was 50/50 they go after the other ins co for the other half.  It could have been avoided if I had stopped in the turning lane.  It also could have been avoided if she didn't come in my lane to avoid the other vehicle.

TIA

Thanks to God you are ok mi amigo...............

[MUFFMAN]

Jim, if the insurance company wants to just paint the parts I've seen good matchwork regarding CVO paint from Tom Lusch @ 419-845-3370 or 740- 360-1219. He is out of Ohio. At least you could drive your bike as is and get fixed this winter. THE MUFFMAN

[FNGw/08SERK]

Jim, sorry to here about the SNAFU. Thank God you and your daughter are ok.

My experience in NY is fault is totally dependent on how the police report describes the incident. The report usually is gospel. Above that the repair or replacement costs would dictate filing a claim. With a $500 deductible I would seriously consider paying out of pocket as long as the other side is not trying to hit a home run.

Again glad to see you and your daughter are good to ride another day!! 

Howie

[J-Carr]

If, and I stress the IF the scratch is only in the clear coat, a really good body/paint man can buff it out and re-spray a clear.  I had this happen to a car with a custome blended pearl/metalic mix that was basically un matcheable.  Hears the rub... The guy who hit me was clearly at fault as I was stopped in a line of traffic and he backed right into my car.  But his insurance would only pay base rate to paint that quarter.  They claimed that it wasn't their fault that I had a super expensive paint job on my car.  Of course I could fight it, but till I would have paid lawyers etc, I still would've been out as much.  My body guy (who has retired, sorry) was able to wet sand, spray and buff and it was undetectable.  The key was it did not go through the color coat.  Only the clear.  I'd check with some body shops and see what they say before investing a ton of money on a complete replacement fairing.

I'm very glad to hear that you are OK.

Ride Safe,
J-Carr

[Boatman]

Thanks for the advise.  I'll make sure the estimate is for new fairing front.

You've got a 35K bike, this is the avenue I would pursue.  Get paid for a fairing and maybe you could fix as others have stated.  Happy you and your daughter are ok..

[skreminegul07]

If, and I stress the IF the scratch is only in the clear coat, a really good body/paint man can buff it out and re-spray a clear.  I had this happen to a car with a custome blended pearl/metalic mix that was basically un matcheable.  Hears the rub... The guy who hit me was clearly at fault as I was stopped in a line of traffic and he backed right into my car.  But his insurance would only pay base rate to paint that quarter. They claimed that it wasn't their fault that I had a super expensive paint job on my car.  Of course I could fight it, but till I would have paid lawyers etc, I still would've been out as much.  My body guy (who has retired, sorry) was able to wet sand, spray and buff and it was undetectable.  The key was it did not go through the color coat.  Only the clear.  I'd check with some body shops and see what they say before investing a ton of money on a complete replacement fairing.

I'm very glad to hear that you are OK.

Ride Safe,
J-Carr

That is pure B/S.  You file a claim against them period.  Insurance is not specifically for damage for certain price cars.  There are limits that the insured selects, but the company can't say how your vehicle is fixed when they are at fault. 
A friend had his bike hit by a car in a parking lot.  He files a claim against the owner's insurance and asked for a loaner.  They said it cover's transportation only.  I told him tyo go to a supervisor and then then their supervisor.  He got the rental for the length of the repair.  The rental was over $5000 and they paid it.  You have to bitch and yell, but they (other guys policy) have to fix it your way. 

[J-Carr]

That is pure B/S.

Your absolutely right.  And I could have taken them to court and won.  But the costs involved and the time to get it fixed would've been the problem.  And there is a matter of what's fixable.  You do not always have the "right" to a replacement part if the part is deemed fixable.  I checked with a lawyer at the time.  The problem is determining what's fixable.  The costs to do that and win are stacked against you.  I hate that system as much as anyone, but trust me, it's an uphill fight.

My point was that there may be a way to get it fixed so it looks as good as new without having the headache and expense of fighting it.  If it's a chargeable accident against you, the increase in premiums, or cancellation if you have a second claim is not worth it if there's an alternative.

I certainly wouldn't suggest getting a touch up job or a bad paint match.  Just consider if a quality repair can be done.

Ride Safe,
J-Carr

[HarleyRider2004]

1st off...Glad you both are OK.

Now since they are trying to say it is a 50/50 fault thing the easiest thing is to file the claim on their insurance, and file it with yours as well let them fight it out.  But you must insist that you do not feel that the accident was your fault since she came over in your lane.  Your insurance will if reimburse your deductable if they can get it back.  The claim has been filed now...so use your company to fight for you.  Then worse case it should go on you as a not at fault claim.

I would insist that the parts were new...and would not settle for repaired parts.  Glad you are OK!

[customryder]

accept nothing less than new parts, this is common practice. I have repaired many & the only way to go... to protect your investment.
 www.jeffsautobodyshop.com