Insurers Are Hopeless

[RubyRS4]

9 weeks after breaking my shoulder, and 8 weeks after my bike went into the shop, I had enough of not having my phone calls returned about getting my MV Agusta F4 Brutale repaired. So I went into the Swann office in Adelaide and kicked up a stink, followed up with more phone calls and emails about the status of my bike.

I had told them that my broken shoulder had healed faster than it took them to assess my bike. That was not good enough.

Here is an email I got today (everything is happening at once now):

Hi Reuben,

Sorry for the time it has taken to authorise your repairs but please be mindful that your claim was under mandatory investigation due to the accident being a single vehicle accident. As of the 4th April we have authorised your repairs with a $400 excess and a letter was sent out advising you of this. Please note that on the 7th April Bill Mototcycles were advised to begin repairs.

Sorry for any inconveinience.

If you have any further queries please contact us on 1300 657 318.

Regards,

K**** H***

CLAIMS OFFICER

SWANN INSURANCE

"Please be mindful"? So thats their excuse for taking sooooo long. Bills Motorcycles in the city have told me that I must have given them a fair kick up the arse, as Swann told them to repair the bike asap, so "the client" can be happy again.

Never going with Swann again.

I'm just happy the ball is rolling for my repairs! Really shits me a $23K bike is sitting in a shop doing nothing!

[gtrkiet]

O M G u got a MV Agusta F4? very very naice!!!!! i hate you.

[RubyRS4]

O M G u got a MV Agusta F4? very very naice!!!!! i hate you.

Its an Mv Agusta F4 Brutale to be exact ... the naked 750cc version of the F4 1000cc, as shown in pic:

It shares all the same trick bits as the F4, only the engine is peakier. And mine now has Ohlins rear shock, full Corse race system, crash protection, CF parts galore ... hey, had to spend my money on something while laid up with a broken shoulder LOL

Edited April 10, 2008 by RubyRS4

[RubyRS4]

This one it my bike (pic taken about 15 minutes before fateful crash):

Can't wait to get her back!

[Krishy]

nice bike mate....finally they doing something about it.....these insurance companies nowa days.....love taking your premium but dont really wanna fork out a lot of cash when its time to....

[rubzy]

car insurance is pissing me off too, just cars will only market value my car up to $10,000 on 3rd party cos at the mo full comp is too expensive for me even though i know it would be the better option.

[RubyRS4]

Insurance companies suck. End of story.

They're happy to take your money, but lazy-as when it goes to a legitimate claim.

They still have not given me a reason why my bike sat around for 7 weeks! And I'm sure they'll avoid answering that question.

And "be mindful that your claim was under mandatory investigation due to the accident being a single vehicle accident" doesn't say anything. All claims are to be investigated in a timely fashion.

That would translate as "we'd hoped you'd go away but still pay us money, then later we'd claim your bike and profit a further $23K"

Edited April 10, 2008 by RubyRS4

[Dohmar]

Insurance companies suck. End of story.

Not usually into bikes but in the words of the t-1000, "Say, that's a nice bike.."... sucks hard that its taken that long to even get repairs started on it...

-D

[gtrkiet]

thought it was the 1000... looks so much sexier xD

[SLED]

They still have not given me a reason why my bike sat around for 7 weeks! And I'm sure they'll avoid answering that question.

And "be mindful that your claim was under mandatory investigation due to the accident being a single vehicle accident" doesn't say anything. All claims are to be investigated in a timely fashion.

Not all accidents are investigated, only suspicious ones. In your case, being a single vehicle accident, it was a mandatory investigation due to the fact that some others in the past have written their vehicles off intentionally for the purpose of collecting on their insurance.

Other than inspecting your bike, they would've conducted a scene investigation then an advertisement investigation to see if you were recently trying to sell your vehicle and couldn't for one reason or another. Door knocks in the area are also conducted sometmes including sorting through witness interviews and statements. They've got multiple cases like this every week and you would've been just another number.

So in saying that, are you able to say on here what the circumstances of your accident were now that your claim has been approved?

[Tangles]

id say its that shit-heap rear tyre

[RubyRS4]

Not all accidents are investigated, only suspicious ones. In your case, being a single vehicle accident, it was a mandatory investigation due to the fact that some others in the past have written their vehicles off intentionally for the purpose of collecting on their insurance.

Other than inspecting your bike, they would've conducted a scene investigation then an advertisement investigation to see if you were recently trying to sell your vehicle and couldn't for one reason or another. Door knocks in the area are also conducted sometmes including sorting through witness interviews and statements. They've got multiple cases like this every week and you would've been just another number.

So in saying that, are you able to say on here what the circumstances of your accident were now that your claim has been approved?

But 7 weeks!!! And who the hell intentionally crashes an MV Agusta???

But anyway, the circumstances of my crash was (no great story really):

A friend of ours was doing a photo shoot for some personal pics, and my bike was being used. So I was riding it from location to location. We were nearing Port Adelaide and I was approaching a LH turn at a set of traffic lights. I had my GF in the car, so I'd been riding in a sensible manner all day (which I always do anyway). Anyhow I took the LH turn at about 45kph and the front washed out on me on some gravel. The bike went down and my shoulder was thrown at the gutter, breaking my collar bone. Then while sliding, the MV decided to run me over, and I'm crushed between the median strip and the bike, breaking my shoulder blade in two places (the gutter got 'under' the body armor), damaging muscles and internal bruising in the process. However if I'd gone over the median strip, I would have been run over by oncoming traffic.

I had leg injuries from the bike on top of me and regardless of all the protective gear I wore, the bike sliding over the top of me wasn't helping.

I was lucky at the scene, because my GF was a nurse and two other friends (Grim and Nene actually) help assist me thru my injuries. The ambos stabilised me and rushed me off to hospital. I was there for almost the week under observation and awaiting possible surgery.

Throughout the whole ordeal I was conscious. It was one of those times I wished I was out cold. The pain was bad, real bad. I almost blacked out a few times from the pain alone. I have a high pain threshold, but 'damn' that was intense.

Shits me I'd been riding 18 years, crashed at the race track many times including at over 180kph with not a scratch, yet it was gravel at about 45kph that almost killed me.

Still, I love riding and will never stop. I only have momentary involuntary pauses sometimes.

id say its that shit-heap rear tyre

It was the front PP that gave on gravel

Yeah wasn't happy with the mismatched tyres. Much prefer Pilot Powers both ends for the street and SC1 Corsas for the track.

I had the bike booked in for new rubber for the Tuesday, only to have the crash the Saturday before.

Edited April 11, 2008 by RubyRS4

[Tangles]

Pilot Power rocks

the rear tyre in pic looks like a touring tyre (ie good for 11,000kms, but no good for corners)

glad that you are ok tho, thats the main thing

wish I could say the same

[RubyRS4]

Pilot Power rocks

the rear tyre in pic looks like a touring tyre (ie good for 11,000kms, but no good for corners)

glad that you are ok tho, thats the main thing

wish I could say the same

From memory, I think the rear was a Pilot Road or Pilot Sport.

I like PP on the road, but on track they're rubbish compared to Super Corsas when pushed hard.

I've had the rear break out with the Pirellis and I can ride out the slide and control/feel what its doing.

The PP let go without warning and theres no saving it.

My preference has always been:

PP for road

SC for track/race

Edited April 11, 2008 by RubyRS4

[Tangles]

From memory, I think the rear was a Pilot Road or Pilot Sport.

I like PP on the road, but on track they're rubbish compared to Super Corsas when pushed hard.

I've had the rear break out with the Pirellis and I can ride out the slide and control/feel what its doing.

The PP let go without warning and theres no saving it.

My preference has always been:

PP for road

SC for track/race

yeah the rear looks like the "sport"

had one, crap.

Pilot Powers are the beez knees on the road

on track, never did it, the road (Hills) was my weekend track.

so forgiving, and heaps of feedback for the road (talking 2x speed limit corners)

with the front letting go, sounds like it just washed out on the gravel.

Ive saved myself a few times from exactly that, twice on the zx7r when the front went out on gravel around corners, and a few times on the cbr. I dont recall the zx9r ever getting out of hand onme (from the front end), rear end yeah I used to tail slide it a bit in corners.

anyway, stay safe, mend up, and ride like there (will be) is no tomorrow

[RubyRS4]

yeah the rear looks like the "sport"

had one, crap.

Pilot Powers are the beez knees on the road

on track, never did it, the road (Hills) was my weekend track.

so forgiving, and heaps of feedback for the road (talking 2x speed limit corners)

with the front letting go, sounds like it just washed out on the gravel.

Ive saved myself a few times from exactly that, twice on the zx7r when the front went out on gravel around corners, and a few times on the cbr. I dont recall the zx9r ever getting out of hand onme (from the front end), rear end yeah I used to tail slide it a bit in corners.

anyway, stay safe, mend up, and ride like there (will be) is no tomorrow

I found when the PP lost grip, that was it! Regardless of how quick I was to roll a tad of the throttle or use the rear brake to bring it in.

But they are a brilliant hoop for the road ... I just don't have any confidence in them anymore when I'm going around turn 4 at Mallala at 230 clicks.

The SC1 on the otherhand are fan-f**king-tastic. i'll use them on the street too in summer off my race bike as the centers are always still good. I ditch them in winter tho. Slicks on the side and blue tyres don't like the water I go back to PP for the winter and use them up good and proper.

BTW ever seen a PP get smoked big time?

See here:

Edited April 11, 2008 by RubyRS4

[kralster]

I'm using Super corsa's at the moment and love them. I think i'll stick with pirelli's from now on. They have really impressed me.

They did cost a bit more. The rear was about 330 for a 180/55/17 and a bit over 200 for the front but they are really nice.

Nice transition, lots of feedback, and i feel comfortable pushing on them.

[Tangles]

I had a super corser front, but must admit I found the pilot power better in the fact I had as much control (ie doesnt wash out at 230 in deep angles) as the SC and they lasted on average a good 25% longer mileage.

The pilot power rear gives as much grip as you need with 160rwhp, can slide it with ease and comfort, and feel what she's up to. cant say that for a pilot sport or road.

man I so miss my bike

been exactly 51 weeks today since I sold the worked 'Blade

.... can still hear those racing flatslides now. daka daka daka daka daka daka daka daka daka daka daka daka daka daka daka

[SLED]

But 7 weeks!!! And who the hell intentionally crashes an MV Agusta???

Yeah 7 wks is a bit rich. I had a bad spill on a GSXR1100 many years ago on Diagonal Rd, Glenelg after a day at Mallala watching the superbikes. I was face down in the middle of the road with heavy traffic dodging me for a couple of minutes before both lanes were closed down by a nearby cop. I got my insurance approval through within the month by getting the name of the assessor and hounding him every 2nd or 3rd day until he got sick of me. 2 years later I got a 3rd party payout once the injuries had healed as much as possible so they could determine the % of incapacity. Don't know how you will go with injury claim if you have no negligent 3rd party to claim against. Did you go back and take pics of the sight....why that gravel was there.....who was responsible for maintenance etc, etc. Might be a waste of time but investigating the scene could be in your best interest especially for an injury that may cause you a lifetime of pain & suffering.

Goodluck with the whole situation, I'd hate to be going through the hassle of dealing with insurance companies, lawyers, doctors & rehabs again so I can sympathize with you.

[RubyRS4]

I'm using Super corsa's at the moment and love them. I think i'll stick with pirelli's from now on. They have really impressed me.

They did cost a bit more. The rear was about 330 for a 180/55/17 and a bit over 200 for the front but they are really nice.

Nice transition, lots of feedback, and i feel comfortable pushing on them.

Ouch!

I pay $290 at the most for a rear and $180 for the front.

If its for street use only, you could always try purcahsing Suepr Corsas off racers for about $130-$150 the pair. They normal only see 2-3 track days are have plenty of life left in them for street.