Gear insurance?

[Ulsterkiwi]

Interested in hearing from those who have had a similar experience.

Had an off the other week. Insurance have written off the bike. Cheque on the way. Thats ok, am working on a replacement.

When arranging the insurance I took out gear cover which obviously was an additional cost.

They have my gear as well as the bike wreck. The plan was to replace rather than cash settle on the gear. A replacement helmet has been ordered but the assessor has informed me he has sent the gear to a dry cleaners and will then check for damage. (there was a fair bit of mud from the crash.) I was doing maybe 50kph when I came off. My body went on the verge which was soft (which is probably why I wasnt seriously hurt, sore shoulder for a few days and a stiff back for a few more) and my head whacked off the tarseal (which is why I lost the visor and it got visibly damaged)

I am a newbie, I acknowledge that, but my understanding was that gear is a use once and replace kind of deal. I took most of the impact on my shoulder, elbow and hip on one side, exactly where the armour is. The textile outer has not fallen to pieces but in my head the gear has done its job. Is the armour/fabric designed to take multiple impacts? Am I being overly cautious? Are the insurance company being difficult? How far do you think I should push this?

Cheers for your input

(and by the way for those who want to know the accident was completely my fault, I was stupid, I know what I did as its all on video, I wont do it again and no you cant see......)

[haydes55]

Post the vid or we will disapprove of you!

Also helmets are one impact items because they are made of foams and hard shells which, once damaged, aren't as safe next time around.

Textile gear and boots etc aren't always ruined in a crash. If it's ripped, got holes or broken armour then it's destined for the bin. If it's scuffed and minor damage then it's fine. Also if the zip or a seam breaks/falls apart, insurers may opt to repair, rather than replace.

[yod]

From a bin I had in '08 I had the helmet replaced (obviously), jacket replaced (torn shoulder), pants replaced (torn knee), gloves replaced (stone went through the leather and into my hand), boots I kept as they just had a minor scrape on one toe.

Insurance took all the gear (this is under a my contents policy) and gave me a cheque after advice from a bike shop on the value (thanks Pauly )

[Ender EnZed]

my understanding was that gear is a use once and replace kind of deal.

That's really just helmets. In practice, textiles are often a one bin only item but that's more do with them ripping and melting rather than the invisible internal damage helmets get. Plenty of racers wear leathers that have been down the track more times than you'd count at a lot more than 50km/h. If your gear still looks and feels fine then it probably is.

Having said that you should still look closely for any small tears and take the armour out to check as well. If you're going to be paying the excess then you may as well try and get some new kit if you can.

[Grashopper]

When arranging the insurance I took out gear cover which obviously was an additional cost.

Are the insurance company being difficult? How far do you think I should push this?

Wait, you don't have gear insurance but you want the insurance company to replace it?

[Ender EnZed]

Wait, you don't have gear insurance but you want the insurance company to replace it?

In this sense, "took out" means that he obtained gear insurance at additional cost.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Wait, you don't have gear insurance but you want the insurance company to replace it?

Uhm.....no.... I took out gear insurance as an extension of the bike cover and it was an additional sum added on to the premium. So I have cover, the insurance company have already ordered a replacement helmet but are equivocating about the gear. My query was should I insist that they replace it as I was in an accident.

[Grashopper]

Thanks guys, that makes more sense

[Ulsterkiwi]

[jolly_26]

I've never had a crash like this but was told by my insurer that if I crashed and my gear was even a little bit damaged it would be replaced, and that's pretty much what it says in the contract. What company are you with?

[Ulsterkiwi]

Star, have to say they have been pretty good up to this point. Communication has been good and they have been pretty quick processing things. Mind you it has all gone quiet since I emailed asking if the company was prepared to guarantee that my gear would give the same protection in any subsequent accident if they decide not to replace it.

[jolly_26]

Star, have to say they have been pretty good up to this point. Communication has been good and they have been pretty quick processing things. Mind you it has all gone quiet since I emailed asking if the company was prepared to guarantee that my gear would give the same protection in any subsequent accident if they decide not to replace it.

That's probably a great email to send, it'll have them thinking "hmm, what if we don't cover it and he ends up with his skin all down SH1?"

[Ulsterkiwi]

That's probably a great email to send, it'll have them thinking "hmm, what if we don't cover it and he ends up with his skin all down SH1?"

you would have thought.....

instead I have received one of those "I am in the trade 20 years and this is how its done" emails in response. I was civil how I asked my question and have received a telling off from someone whose wage is paid for by my premium. Ah well, what would I know......

The consensus seems to be unless the fabric is compromised the gear is ok for the next time? If the gear is ok I guess I am happy enough to have it returned so I appreciate the feedback folks.

Will let you know how I go with this.

[cbfb]

you would have thought.....

instead I have received one of those "I am in the trade 20 years and this is how its done" emails in response. I was civil how I asked my question and have received a telling off from someone whose wage is paid for by my premium. Ah well, what would I know......

The consensus seems to be unless the fabric is compromised the gear is ok for the next time? If the gear is ok I guess I am happy enough to have it returned so I appreciate the feedback folks.

Will let you know how I go with this.

Try a quote from NAC, then ring your mate from Star and let him know you won't be needing his 20 years experience in shit customer service any more

[Ulsterkiwi]

got a quote from NAC, have to say Star have the edge, cheaper premium, smaller excess, slightly better cover (Star will cover un-named riders) The assessor has been contrite. Still no decision on repair/replace, will see how that pans out.

Cheers again