How insurers decide whether to repair your bike

Important things to know:

• Firstly you have a right to choose where your bike is repaired
• If you want your bike repaired then it makes a difference which insurer and repairer you have chosen

How do insurers make the decision on whether to repair your bike?

There are several steps in the process

• Step 1: Your bike will be valued based on its pre-accident condition based on an independent value database. This will be adjusted based on its general condition and mileage i.e. high mileage means the value will be adjusted downwards
• Step 2: Insurers have agreements with salvage companies on total losses i.e. they will receive a certain percentage of the value of your bike from a salvage agent irrespective of its condition. This varies but is generally in the range of 30-50%.
• Step 3: Insurers will subtract the salvage value they will receive for your damaged bike from the pre- accident value of your bike, and then compare this with repairer estimate. So if the repair estimate exceeds 50%-70% of the value of your bike then your bike will be written off if not then it will be repaired

The insurer will also take in consideration whether you have a hire bike; This will increase the likelihood that your bike is to be written off thereby reducing the overall costs to the insurer

Additional factors in making the choice:

• Not all insurers use the same figures so if you are keen to keep your bike, it make sense to choose an insurer that will repair up to a larger percentage of value
• Not all repairers are the same, so it also makes sense to choose one that can carry out specialist repairs and paint to high standard and who are cost effective

How you Improve the chances of your bike being repaired

• Choose a repairer who has the repair of your motorcycle at the centre of their business
• If repair costs exceed the cut off point be willing to look at having some of the damaged parts with after market alternatives such as exhausts. This can significantly reduce costs and make your bike repairable
• Be willing to accept high quality repairs to scratches on panel work and frames
• Above all talk to the repairer and the insurance company to try and find solutions

If you have any questions or would like further information please get in touch