After having an Oops with the wifes bike recently I found dealing with my insurer is becoming increasingly frustrating. Just wondering if others have found the same or am I just being a bit pushy. Here's brief timeline......
September 14, Saturday. I reversed over the wifes bike. I contacted insurer within minutes and was forwarded through 3 different operators to initiate the claim.
September 16, Monday. Insurer called back to arrange tow truck for bike the next day, Tuesday.
September 17, Tuesday. The tow truck never arrived. I contacted the insurer, after being forwarded through 2 different operators, who stated they had not contacted the towing company and would again arrange a tow.
September 18, Wednesday. The bike was collected and delivered to local bikeshop (agreed repairer) for assessment.
September 20, Friday. I was contacted by bikeshop who suggested the bike be 'written off' due to frame damage amongst other things. Contacted shortly after by insurer who had received a report from the bikeshop confirming a probable 'write off', pending a review of the report by the insurers assessor with the insurer to contact me on completion of the review no later than October 3rd.
October 3, Thursday. I called the insurer after hearing nothing. Was told that the assessor would review the report and call me back that day after being forwarded through three different operators. Still nothing.
October 4, Friday. Called the insurer again, via three different operators, to be told that the assessor would review the report that morning and call me back before 1230. No callback. I called the insurer again, via 4 different operators, who confirmed the assessor had agreed that the bike should be 'written off', but it now needed confirmation by their salvage team 'Manheims'. Later that day I called the insurer back, they were unable to contact Manheims and I was advised that as it was a public holiday on Monday in Adelaide it might not be confirmed until possibly Wednesday October 9. After which the insurers payout team would look into it, possibly another 3 or 4 days for completion of their part, say October 13. Then another 3 days to transfer the payout into my account, potentially October 16.
So in a nutshell, it took just 2 days from the bikes arrival at the repairers have all relevant info forwarded to the insurer. But it appears another 26 days for the insurer to complete their part. Up until October 4th I've spoken with 18 different people from the insurance company. I'm starting to understand why insurance premiums are so high.
I'm trying hard to be patient. This is my first claim in over 35 years of insurance so am unsure of the process. The insurer tells me it's normal for a 'write off' to take two months to complete. Would hate to think how it would pan out if this was my sole mode of transport.
Anyway, what are your thoughts or experience?
Cheers, Roo.
Interesting scenaio Rat.
The 'at fault' vehicle, my 4x4, had no damage to speak of so there was no claim on that so no excess to be paid, something I wasn't aware of.
Both vehicles are insured with the same company under the same policy so that made things easier.
When I wrote the triumph off the claim quick and painless. I think it all depends on the insurance company.
What was the approximate time frame from accident to payout Humbug?
I'll say one thin FC, my insurance company (who like to 'share the passion' with fellow motoring enthusiasts) have maintained my agreed values without question but the premiums have crept up considerably over time. I expect they're all the same there.
Glad you had a good result Roo.