Well... It finally happened...

[bobsmith]

In the last 8 months of riding, I've been fairly lucky in the way that I haven't had any close encounters with other drivers that ended up with me off the bike...

Until.... today...

I was riding home from airport (where I study at massey) today for those of you that know the area, along milson line. like I usually do, I pass the cars sitting at the traffic lights and as I get to the front of the que (besides the first car at the lights,) the light turns green. So I get infront of the que and go along my way until this idiotic van from a road on the left (with giveway sign) turns right onto my road going the other way, of course, the van pulled out right in front of me and for some reason seemed to stop in the middle of my side of the road (he was turning right onto my road but going the other way so if he kept on going he would have been on the other side of the road if u know what I mean)

anyhow, so I ended up going right into him, with both my wheels locked (wet road and I sorta panicked) but then I only had about 5 - 10 m to try and slow down as much as I can before ending up splat on the side of the van. Luckly I came out with only badly swallon and sprained right hand and nothing else thanks to all my gear but my bike didn't fair as well but lucky it was only about 20-30m from the lights so I was only doing 30km/hr or so I think

the stupid part is this... I was taken away in an ambo (thumbs up to everyone there who were all really helpful when I was really shaken up and couldn't think straight) and from what I hear the :Police: turned up and questioned a few people. After which they came to the hospital to ask me a few questions. I told them that the van pulled out in front of me and I had no time to stop and that just prior to that, that I had over took the traffic stopped at the lights and got on the front of the que as the light turned green as I got to the front.

after a few hours I rang them at home to see what's happening and they advised me that because I over took at the lights illegally that they'll be sending me a ticket in the post, and because of that that they've found that the van driver and I were both at fault. Now, I'm thinking this is bollocks, so I ask how they figure then they tell me that they interviewed the driver at the front of the lights and he said that he had crossed the line first before I got infront of him and thus I actually overtook him "in" the intersection. Of course I believe that we both crossed the line into the intersection at the same time at the worst or that I was in front of him anyway. His argument was that because I was overtaking the cars on the intersection I was where the van driver did not expect to see me (though well well before the van driver pulled out I was well clear of all the traffic and driving in the middle of lane as normal.

two issues here
1. Even if I was overtaking illegally, I don't see how that puts me at "fault" for the accident as the van driver still failed to give way and I was driving normally before the van pulled out infront of me,
2, I didn't actually overtake illegally, them thinking that I did so is based on the sole statement from some stupid driver who were probably annoyed by bikes passing him all the time when he's stuck in traffic.

now this wouldn't be such a big deal except that if they say I'm at fault as well, I will have to pay my insurance company for the excess (which is upwards of $500) and I will have to pay for new helmet etc myself also I'll lose my %40 no claims bonus which with all the vehicles I have ensured cost me about $1000 every year.

Now I see two options,

1, Talk to the :Police: again tomorrow when my head is clearer and try to reason with them
2, Pay a lawyer and go in guns bkazing (figuratively of course) with a lawyer

what are your thoughts?

[MattRSK]

I really don't know mate, I'm just glad your ok. Now I fear you may be guns blazing in the cops threads again.

[Brett]

Hmm, bloody bad luk. I would try talk to the cops again and if they do not see sense, get a lawyer involved.

[terbang]

Now I see two options,

1, Talk to the :Police: again tomorrow when my head is clearer and try to reason with them
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: They won't wanna know yer now (tickets in the mail) but I guess its a free service

2, Pay a lawyer and go in guns bkazing (figuratively of course) with a lawyer

Your best bet but man do they know how to charge to get back what?


The most important thing is you are still in one piece and will ride again..
Chin up there flying man and don't let them stick it to ya :cool:

[kiwifruit]

sorry to hear of your off bob :(
id go for option one then option two if necessary (minus the lawyer)

[Drum]

You've been shafted Bob.

Cough up the $500 bucks excess and consider yourself lucky you can still walk.

[bobsmith]

Cough up the $500 bucks excess and consider yourself lucky you can still walk.

I wish it was only a matter of $500 bucks, then the cost of hiring a lawyer I would not be able to justify. But it's going to cost me several throusand dollars over the next few years in the increased insurance premium etc (I have a 40% no claims bonus)

[Drum]

Bugger.

I feel for ya.

On the bright side - this isnt a "biker down" thread.

[thehollowmen]

I wish it was only a matter of $500 bucks, then the cost of hiring a lawyer I would not be able to justify. But it's going to cost me several throusand dollars over the next few years in the increased insurance premium etc (I have a 40% no claims bonus)

I so know that feeling.

Bike vandalised for $700 worth of damages three days after I got it and my premiums go up $800 a year!

I wasn't even at fault. I was in drinking coffee with some friends.

Anyways, good to hear you're ok. You look after yourself and try and organise with the cops what went on. But it does show the big rule, try not to enter the intersection with someone on your right or left.

[Jamezo]

Been there, done that. Seems they just make some noises about traffic violations and hope to scare you away (I'm still waiting for that infringement notice you bastard!). They don't care about finding who was really at fault, just minimising the investigative work they have to do and issuing tickets.

'Aint got much advice for you, except that that 'ticket' is possibly a bluff to get you to walk away. A lawyer may be an option, but the system is stacked against you.

[Ixion]

I am sorry to hear of your misfortune, though relieved that you are not badly injured (whilst grieving for the poor bike).

I have a question, though.

You say that the van came out from a road on your left. Once you saw that he was not going to give way , could you not have turned left into that road, rather than trying to brake?

It do not ask this in any negative or derogatory sense. It is just that in my experience one of the most common mistakes novice riders make is to try to brake, rather than dodge. Our manoeuverability is our strength. Folk who take up biking after learning to drive a cage tend to carry the cage instinct of "hit the brakes" through into riding.

So I ask this question to highlight to others that it is a good idea always to think first "where can I go ?" rather than "Can I stop ?"

[Korea]

Well about time~! Welcome to the Crasher's Club! You passed the entrance exam with honours!

Sorry to hear that the witnesses aren't backing your case~

Newbies be warned: It's rough when you're all shaken-up but "Don't admit liability" until you get your head around what happened...

I think you should explain your case/situation, keep cool, go over the facts, be nice but persistent... and hope for the best.
(oh, and if it goes to court and you see them prepping lube - run!)

Good luck with that~ let us know here how you get on.

[Zapf]

sounds like u are a bit heated up..

can you draw up a diagram of that happened? your explaination is a bit confusing.

[Smorg]

crazy motherfucker named ICE CUBE

[BNZ]

Yeah im a bit confused about what happened. Where you in your lane or over taking at the point of impact, and if you were in your lane, how long had you been in it since pulling in from over taking?

If you were over taking stopped traffic and the van pulled out between this traffic not seeing you then it sounds like you fucked up. I dont quite understand your details, so not sure whats going on? Sorry but it does kinda sound like another "boo fucking hoo i crashed and its everyone elses fault" thread that we see a lot of.

If its a grey area go for the lawyer mate, no harm in trying. The got a law school at Massey down there?

[Meekey_Mouse]

I won't even try to understand all the technical stuff :P but glad to hear your ok :)

[bobsmith]

Here is a diagram for those who couldn't understand what I was trying to describe. for reference the distance frm the lights to the intersection the van came out of is probably about 25-30m

Ixion. I know what you're saying. In hindsight, I do believe the van was way too close to me when it pulled out in front for me to go around (ie go into the road) it was a wet day as well. but even if it was far enough I don't know if I would have thought to do it. will remember for the future thanks!

when the van pulled out and hit me. I was well clear of the traffic and in the middle of my lane (well slightly to the right on the right wheel track of cars where I usually ride)

[SARGE]

see?... good insurance (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=36172) is mandatory ...you just never know .. and that 27% premium isnt looking so overpriced now .. is it?

[bobsmith]

I'm not following you sarge, I have full cover on my bike and paying 450 a year that would make it just under 10% premium (since it's insured for 5000)

perhaps you've mistaken me with someone else?

Well my premium is about to go up big time unless I get this sorted out right.

[Finn]

Sorry Bob, but your incident was avoidable. 10 meters is plenty of time to stop doing 30 k's even in wet conditions. As Ixion said, you could have tried avoiding the van by going behind it. Also, you should have seen the van starting to pull out well in advance if you were aware.

You did what most newbies do and slam on the anchors.

[McJim]

Dependant on the distance between the traffic lights and the Van junction a good lawyer may be able to conclusively argue that the two infringments are un connected - this means you still get a ticket for overtaking in a junction but then the blame for the collision will fall 100% on the shoulders of the van driver.

I commute 26km through Auckland every day, I've spent 20 years commuting through major cities on a push bike...I automatically ASSUME all cars in side street WILL pull in front of me.

This has saved me from incident in the cage funnily enough - I have had a few occasions where I've had to swerve and hit the gas for traction in the car to avoid a collision where braking would have caused a lot of damage.

Glad you're alright though - maybe the cops are pulling your leg for all the grief you've given them in this forum?

[R6_kid]

Filtering past stationary cars is not illegal if you are between two lanes in the same direction.

In situations like this its always best to let your head clear before making a statement, as you need know what you have to say so that your side is given across clearly and without misunderstanding.

10m is a long way to stop from 30kmh, when you get back on your bike find a decent sized carpark/quiet road and accelerate up to 50kmh constant and practice heavy braking without locking up. We've got courses in Auckland that help you with these skills but not sure what there is down your way.

Bad luck mate, tell the Police that regardless of you being at the front of the traffic the other guy still caused the accident. Sounds like what they are saying is that you caused the accident simply because you were there.

[ManDownUnder]

I wish it was only a matter of $500 bucks, then the cost of hiring a lawyer I would not be able to justify. But it's going to cost me several throusand dollars over the next few years in the increased insurance premium etc (I have a 40% no claims bonus)

Mate - if you're really not at fault it's your #1 priority to prove it, to the satisfaction of the Police.

Despite what others have said, contact the cops first, personally. No guns blasing, just ask that your side of the story be listened to, for the record. Put your side of that same story on the insurance claim, because if it's the other guy's fault you should not lose your no claims bonus etc. The other party will have to pay.

Good luck

Edit - looking at that doagram, I see what you mean. And if the cars were stationary at the lights you're sweet. A stationary car is technically parked, a rule used by many of use to split to the front of a que at the lights. You also took off from the lights on the RHS of the car - perfectly legal, and at worst (i.e. the car is moving) you over took it on the right... again 100% legal.

I looks like the age old problem of a motorcyclist having their speed underestimated by a vehicle that pulled out in fron of them.

The only concern I would have (i.e. a point to clarify) is your position on the road at the lights. I'm not sure how things are viewed by the Police if you are deemed to be passing a car while going through lights/a controlled intersection. I can't recall the rules etc but I think that one's a no no. Make a point of emphasising the car was staionary when you left the lights (i.e. you passed on the RHS, and the car was stopped.... i.e. that "parked" technicality is in play.

Hope that makes sense.
MDU

[Motig]

Best of luck,but you might have used all your luck in surviving relatively unscathed in the crash tho. I'm thinking that the opposition lawyer/police/your insurance will take your statement of overtaking the cars as an admission you were speeding and shoot you down with it. Still no harm in trying.

[ManDownUnder]

Best of luck,but you might have used all your luck in surviving relatively unscathed in the crash tho. I'm thinking that the opposition lawyer/police/your insurance will take your statement of overtaking the cars as an admission you were speeding and shoot you down with it. Still no harm in trying.

Get them to examine the damage to the bike and van... should be possible to get a reasonable indication of speed

[Ixion]

Useful hint to novices. Watch the FRONT WHEEL of cars waiting in side streets etc. You will detect movement of the wheel long before you register that the car itself is moving. I always like to do a little leftward swerve in the direction of a car waiting at a giveway/stop sign intersection, as I approach (a) it draws their attention to you (b) it seems to intimidate them a bit (c) it positions you better to duck behind them if they do pull out in front of you

On a powerful bike you can sometime sbe better to go round in front of them, but this is a bit riskier, and not recommended on a 250. Not a matter of power as such, but of torque, takes too long to change down

[Motu]

Yeah,actualy aiming at them wakes them up,I use that tactic a lot if I don't trust them....just to reafirm to them that you are there.30kph is pretty slow,you won't even lock your brakes at that speed....correction,I won't even lock my brakes at that speed....

[Str8 Jacket]

lol at Motu!

I find that I lift my visor and look at the driver, if they fail to make eye contact or even look at all then I usually begin to brake and get ready for them to pull out. When they do pull out in front of me ive usually stopped by then and I give my air horns a big blast. Made an old guy actually stop roll down his window and apologise one day. He hadnt seen me, but he'd heard me! Poor old fart....

[Finn]

Useful hint to novices. Watch the FRONT WHEEL of cars waiting in side streets etc. You will detect movement of the wheel long before you register that the car itself is moving.

Adopting the theory of target fixation, Bob would have then hit the front wheel.

[bobsmith]

Yeah, I revisited the place to get a grip of what happened and how things were...

It seems like that I must have been doing more like 40-50km/hr and the distance between lights and where the van pulled out is more like 20m. which just reaffirms me that I clearly didn't pass the car IN the intersection as if I did the car behind would have been very very close to me when I hit the van... I'm just waiting the police officers to come on duty so I can ring them up and talk to them again.,

[hsvboy06]

At 50km/h you cover 20m in about 1.5 seconds. If you accellerated at a constant rate from a standing start then it'd probably be about 3 seconds.
My guess is that the van driver saw the traffic stopped at the lights and just didn't expect anyone to be at his intersection that quickly.
That doesn't make it your fault, but my impression is that you gunned it from the lights (leaving the cars way behind) and personally I think that's unwise in situations like this.

[spudchucka]

I'm just waiting the police officers to come on duty so I can ring them up and talk to them again.,

How about I e-mail the Palmy station a montage of some of your previously posted opinions of the NZ police, might help get things sorted out nice and quick for ya.

[bobsmith]

How about I e-mail the Palmy station a montage of some of your previously posted opinions of the NZ police, might help get things sorted out nice and quick for ya.

are you trying to tell me that I should just forget it and call the lawyers first?

[Str8 Jacket]

are you trying to tell me that I should just forget it and call the lawyers first?

hehe, turn for the books.....

[McJim]

are you trying to tell me that I should just forget it and call the lawyers first?

I think Spud's just messin' witcha. He's enjoying the fact that you have to be nice to police officers at this moment in time.

I don't for a second think that any of the police on the forum take the cop bashing personally - I know I never get personally upset about the stuff said about Debt Collectors and Accountants!

This might be a good time to bury the hatchet with the boys in blue online and ask for their advice?

Just a thought. :)

[Sketchy_Racer]

I havn't read all the previous posts,

But,

When the traffic is stopped, You ARE allowed to pass. Its called passing within your own lane. So i cant see what you did there.

Regardless on how fast you left the lights (unless you were doing a wheelie or burnout, which you get done for excessive acceleration) The van has no right to pull out infront of you. Its HIS problem to make sure he doesn't pull out infront of you, regardless. How ever, If you WERE speeding, then it can become your fault. From what i read of your original story, The van must pay out.

Good luck anyway dude, Oh

I guess your not coming to the Great KBer ride then?

[bobsmith]

Thanks everyone for the support

McJim - I thought as much. I don't really have much trouble with individual police offiers usually as long as I meet them while they're not on duty... ;) it's the police force as a whole that I don't like :) Wouldn't want Mr Spud to be disappointed at the lack of reply to his remark though.

RG100 - well the traffic wasn't completely stationary when I passed the first car, they were just starting to move, and my argument is that I passed him before getting actually into the intersection (as he took off really slow and he was stopped fair bit away from the lines) I was probably along side his rear wheel when he started moving oh so slowly however I did still pass on the right and before the intersection which was legal they're saying however the car driver testified that he had already proceeded into the intersection when I passed him which I don't agree with.

Oh and when's the great KB ride? hopefully I'll have my bike fixed or a new one by then.

[Freakshow]

This is a really interesting Thread...

Thanks to all those with there what you should have done stories and prevention stories. Some of them I do in my own way and others I m going to think about more.

My opion is you had 10 metres to hit a parked van bad Idea. Really that means you had plenty of time before that to reconise idiot (as anyone else using the road is) was crossing infront of you.



How about I e-mail the Palmy station a montage of some of your previously posted opinions of the NZ police, might help get things sorted out nice and quick for ya.
Spud that was a great comment by the way.


I havn't read all the previous posts,

But,

When the traffic is stopped, You ARE allowed to pass. Its called passing within your own lane. So i cant see what you did there.


Is this true??? As far as I knew it was a bit dodge. I always thought I am in no mans land when splitting until I am back in a lane flowing with the traffic.



Hope you get better Bob, the only bad mistake is one you dont learn from.

[bobsmith]

Okay, I just talked to the insurance company and I'm confused. They're saying that while I have no claims bonus on my car and my contents I actually don't have one on my bike so that won't be affected. I thought that the no claims bonus was something that goes across all of your policies??? and the person told me that this claim while it will delay my no claims bonus for the bike until starting later, it won't affect the no claims bonus I have on my car which is great! but I'm not sure if that person knew what he was talking about. Does that sound right>???

Hmmm if that person was right, even if the worst happens it might not turn out too bad... strage though was that my bike is insured for 5000 and I'm paying 470 a year on premiums for full cover... apprently without no claims bonus... DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT???

[beyond]

Bit of a rock and hard place mate. :(

Mostly I've noticed that the boys in blue respect the comments of middle aged motorists over the comments made by some young, lout on a motorbike.
Speaking generally here but that seems to be the case especially when one or more gang up on you.

When I had been riding for several months on my 250 some 30 years ago, things weren't much different. I overtook a line of cars on a country road and the first one, (lady) turned in front of me without indicating, into a right hand road. Tried turning with her and smacked into the right pillar, smashing her windscreen, door and window, bonnet as I went over it and totalled her right front hub.

Remember lying in the ditch and the old geezer following her in the other car said, "Good, the buggers going to die."!!!!

I remember the bikey who stopped to help and saw the whole thing. So I'm in hospital, the bikes a writeoff and the lady said she was indicating and the old geezer said she was. I said no way in hell would I overtake someone indicating and the bikey up the road testified that she wasn't indicating at any stage.

Well, I got done for careless, had no insurance, my bike was totalled plus I had to pay all the damages on the old trouts car and I had a witness too.

There's justice for you. :(

Prepare for the worst and if it's better than that, you're lucky.

[sAsLEX]

If the cop is desk bound or you can catch him at the station would be better to go in person, that is if you are a respectable looking person, take that diagram and make a statement of your recollection of the facts.

[The_Dover]

I think you should go right in there and tell that motherfucker JUST how you like your PORK.

Put that bitch in his place.

[bobsmith]

thanks guys. I think I might wait for the weekend call up a friend's brother who's a lawyer have a chat with him to make sure I know everything I should do/say then talk to them first thing next money, will help me organise my thoughts better and prepare myself as well. I don't think I want to talk to them while I'm so hot headed...

Anyway here are some pics I took today when I went to revisit the site.

[ManDownUnder]

Okay, I just talked to the insurance company and I'm confused. They're saying that while I have no claims bonus on my car and my contents I actually don't have one on my bike so that won't be affected. I thought that the no claims bonus was something that goes across all of your policies??? and the person told me that this claim while it will delay my no claims bonus for the bike until starting later, it won't affect the no claims bonus I have on my car which is great! but I'm not sure if that person knew what he was talking about. Does that sound right>???

Hmmm if that person was right, even if the worst happens it might not turn out too bad... strage though was that my bike is insured for 5000 and I'm paying 470 a year on premiums for full cover... apprently without no claims bonus... DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT???

Sounds bloody odd... but I wouldn't rule it out.

You'll still be liable for the excess if you are held responsible though

Edit - get what they said in an email... in writing... pronto. Point at it later if you need to

[MikeyG]

Okay, I just talked to the insurance company and I'm confused. They're saying that while I have no claims bonus on my car and my contents I actually don't have one on my bike so that won't be affected. I thought that the no claims bonus was something that goes across all of your policies??? and the person told me that this claim while it will delay my no claims bonus for the bike until starting later, it won't affect the no claims bonus I have on my car which is great! but I'm not sure if that person knew what he was talking about. Does that sound right>???

Hmmm if that person was right, even if the worst happens it might not turn out too bad... strage though was that my bike is insured for 5000 and I'm paying 470 a year on premiums for full cover... apprently without no claims bonus... DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT???


I'm with AMI and they have done the same for me. Also on the bike policy it only takes 1 year without crases to get the full no claims bonus.

If you can't afford full insurance straight out you can get third party initially then upgrade to full cover after one year and get the full no claims bonus on full cover straight away

[Zapf]

thanks guys. I think I might wait for the weekend call up a friend's brother who's a lawyer have a chat with him to make sure I know everything I should do/say then talk to them first thing next money, will help me organise my thoughts better and prepare myself as well. I don't think I want to talk to them while I'm so hot headed...

Anyway here are some pics I took today when I went to revisit the site.

Yep correct the facts, and send them the photo... in writing. Looks like its clearly the van's fault (give way to the right). But you should have also seen the van pulling out and either slow down or avoided.

[bobsmith]

sorry I think I didn't make myself clear. I revisited the place and realised the van must have been much closer to me when it pulled out. I indeed started to brake as soon as the van started pulling out in front of me but I was too late. (ie I didn't go charging into a van pulling out of a road... I'm not THAT dumb) I'm thinking maybe I was maybe about 5 m away when the van pulled out?

[MikeyG]

Was intrigued by your dilemma so looked it up in The Official New Zealand Road Code for Motorcyclists. There is noting in it on lane splitting or passing at the traffic lights but see attchment for page 70 and passing at an intersection.

The way I read it the fact the car beside you was moving is irrelevant as it says you are allowed to pass at an intersection. It does say to check there are no vehicles coming out of side roads but I would interpret that to be side roads at that intersection where in your case the van pulled out of a intersection further down the road.

Grab a copy of it and take it with you when you go see the cops. Don't go in all pissed off and with a I'm right you're wrong attitude cos that will just piss them off. I'd go in with the road code, show them that page and say you thought you were in the right because of this and ask them to explain to you how you were wrong.

[MikeyG]

sorry forgot attachment

[Mom]

Bummer about all this for you........hope that it gets sorted for you with the best outcome given the possible scenarios....

I cant add much to the advice that has been given here except this attitude kept me safe for many years of commuting both city and country..

Imagine everyone driving/riding any vehicle any where close by you, even the ones that hide down driveways or side roads you cant see, (bastards!) are specifically looking to take you out, and always have an alternatative place to go.........always scan for another place to be should the aforementioned have the hide to try what they plan...any place is better than the side of a cage in what ever disguise they take...

Good Luck!!!

[bobsmith]

Was intrigued by your dilemma so looked it up in The Official New Zealand Road Code for Motorcyclists. There is noting in it on lane splitting or passing at the traffic lights but see attchment for page 70 and passing at an intersection.

The way I read it the fact the car beside you was moving is irrelevant as it says you are allowed to pass at an intersection. It does say to check there are no vehicles coming out of side roads but I would interpret that to be side roads at that intersection where in your case the van pulled out of a intersection further down the road.

Grab a copy of it and take it with you when you go see the cops. Don't go in all pissed off and with a I'm right you're wrong attitude cos that will just piss them off. I'd go in with the road code, show them that page and say you thought you were in the right because of this and ask them to explain to you how you were wrong.

Hey Mikey that's really really great!!!! THANKS!!! Just the kind of helpful reply from someone I was looking for!!!!

I will do, Thanks!

[spudchucka]

are you trying to tell me that I should just forget it and call the lawyers first?

Not at all, I would like to witness you sucking up to the pigs though, it'd very funny.

[JeremyW]

Shame to hear bout your accident bob. Had that happen to me a while back, slightly different but still a dickhead van driver.

My advice is if you do some research and find you are in the right get on the offensive with a lawyer and go all guns blazing. Because remember although you have not lost your no claims bonus you will still have an accident which is deemed to be your fault on your record.

I am assuming you are under 25? Becasue I have heard of people having accidents such as this and although they were in the right they have admitted liability to get it sorted quickly and the insurance company has cancelled their other policies (car and contents) when they come up for renewal, then try and get insurance!

I know its a bastard but you will probably have a long shitfight with all involved but if you get on the offensive it will help a lot! The other scary thing that could occur would be for the van driver to come after you! And the police with their reckless driving charges.... please dont do what others have done and hope it just all goes away.... I listened to them and mine is close to getting sorted with Mr shit-for-brains van driver now significantly out of pocket and hopefully a LOT more careful!

[cowboyz]

bummer dude. I have family who live up the end of milson line. that is a dodgey intersection at the best of times. I have seen so many nose to tail accidents just back from that off the hump bridge. hope all goes well getting your bike back together again

[apteryx_haasti]

I'm with AMI ...

Sorry to hijack (and glad to hear you're OK Bob) but can I just ask anyone who is with AMI if they have a garage?

I have all my other policies (house, contents, car) with AMI, but they wouldn't insure my bike because I don't have a garage. I keep my bike in the back of my car port, behind my car (when it's there, obviously), under cover and locked to the carport itself. But, no dice with AMI. I thought that was a bit stink, considering how much other business they get from me.

Went with National Auto Club in the end.

[/rant]