Re: Stolen Bike......

[Erik Miner <Axeis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It will NOT look exactly the same. They know that! Ask anyone who's 
had a car that's been hit and repainted. And ask any used car or bike 
manager if a repaint doesn't hurt resale value! What you need to do 
is find the VERY BEST, and I mean the VERY BEST body shop you can. 
Have them give you an estimate ( in writing) that includes it being 
painted with OEM paint and the cost of new decals. Then get the same 
estimate from the second VERY best body shop around. Lastly get the 
(hopefully discounted) price from your dealer for new factory panels. 
My guess is that new panels will cost less. Then give the information 
to the insurance adjuster. If you give the adjuster 2 estimates for a 
repaint and both are higher than new panels the insurance company 
will be obligated to let you get new panels. The point to make is new 
panels will cost the insurance company LESS than a repaint. Just so 
you know the repaint will NOT fade like the other panels and will 
wear differently, and yes the panels are clear coated. BE tough with 
the insurance people, it's your $$$!

Erik

>Hi Erik,
>
>Believe me, if I could I would.  :)  The insurance companies 
>obligation extends only to returning the bike to the same condition 
>as it was prior to the damage.  If they say it will look exactly the 
>same as factory then I don't have much of an argument.  I'm mainly 
>concerned with whether it will wear/fade at the same rate as the 
>rest of the panels.  And as to whether there is a clearcoat over the 
>decals so I can get that done too.
>
>I don't have much knowledge in this area, and as such find it hard 
>to argue the point with them.  I plan to keep this bike for a long 
>time though and want to ensure that it will not start to deteriorate 
>in a few years, when the insurance company has forgotten my name.
>
>Rick
>
>'00 Sprint ST
>
>
> >>> Erik Miner <Axeis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 30/01/2001 13:04:48 >>>
>If you want it FACTORY then get the insurance company to pony up for
>new factory painted panels, I would. In fact I'd expect a GOOD body
>shop to charge at least as much as new factory panels would cost.
>
>Erik
>
>
>
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