Replacing helmet/jacket on home and contents insurance?

**Devil** · 13th March 2012, 12:48

Well I tried searching because I know the topic has come up before, but I cant find the damn things!

I'm in the unfortunately position of having to replace my jacket and helmet after an off. I dont have the extension on my bike policy so I am going to use the house contents policy.

Any tips/tricks/arguments to use in this situation when dealing with the insurance company (AA)?

Anything words or phrases to specifically NOT use?

**nodrog:Me** · 13th March 2012, 13:07

Originally Posted by Devil

Anything words or phrases to specifically NOT use?

Wheelstand, speeding, Valentino Rossi.

I would got to your freindly motorcycle shop and get a quote for the replacement value first. Then argue with your insurance company from there.

And I would be claiming it as sporting equipment not clothing.

**Devil** · 13th March 2012, 13:25

Originally Posted by nodrog

And I would be claiming it as sporting equipment not clothing.

Under the premise that sporting equipment would be replaced new for old, whereas clothing is 'current value'?
Sensible. Ta.

**5150** · 13th March 2012, 13:30

I once dropped my near new Arai RX7RR Corsair helmet. Went to the bike shop and got a quote for replacement. They even rang my insurance and under home content organised it all for me. Insurance tried to argue that the helmet was old and we were able to prove it that it was the current model and only 6mnths old. then they tried to get the shop to fix it (replacement vents, etc) which the shop flat out refused for obvious safety reasons. The Insurance finally agreed and payed for the new lid minus access fee. Then they asked for the old helmet back so they could auction it off to some poor sod in order to recover their money. The shop made sure that it went back in an unusable condition, straps cut off and with a big visable crack on the side. That will fix the stingy fuckers

**Tigadee** · 13th March 2012, 13:35

Originally Posted by 5150

Then they asked for the old helmet back so they could auction off to some poor sod in order to recover their money.

Amazing that they can even think of that!

**5150** · 13th March 2012, 13:38

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Amazing that they can even think of that!

You would be amazed at what items I have seen at the insurance auctions

**placidfemme** · 13th March 2012, 13:43

Hey, I had the same issue a few years back when my home and contents were with BNZ. They claimed my helmet as "Sports Equipment" and refused to pay out. I got a letter from my local bike shop (Red Baron) at that time stating as I used my bike for commuting not racing my helmet was actually "Safety Equipment". They paid me out.

So maybe on the claim form if you put Safety Equipment it will be more possible they pay out.

Just my 2c.

Good luck!

**Devil** · 13th March 2012, 13:50

Policy does say Sporting Equipment is covered. Exceptions are anything that is being used in a timed or race event (which it wasn't).

**wickle** · 13th March 2012, 14:00

Good luck with the AA mate , I had to claim for gear that was stolen, many phone calls an emails over my claim that it was safety equip to theirs that it was clothing. They what receipts from four years ago proof that i had paid "cash" for some items , renewal of insurance policy's and membership is due soon!

**Devil** · 13th March 2012, 14:08

Fortunately I shouldn't have to worry about the receipts thing because I still have the gear in my hands, albeit damaged!

Sucks to hear.

**Bassmatt** · 13th March 2012, 14:15

How bad is the damage? I wouldnt be surprised if they offered to pay to have it repaired rather than replaced.

**5150** · 13th March 2012, 14:16

Originally Posted by Bassmatt

How bad is the damage? I wouldnt be surprised if they offered to pay to have it repaired rather than replaced.

Helmets should never be repaired!!!!!

**Bassmatt** · 13th March 2012, 14:27

Originally Posted by 5150

Helmets should never be repaired!!!!!

Was only referring to the jacket.

**placidfemme** · 13th March 2012, 14:27

Originally Posted by Bassmatt

How bad is the damage? I wouldnt be surprised if they offered to pay to have it repaired rather than replaced.

You can't repair helmets, if it were possible the helmet would need to be returned to the shop it was purchased from, then from the shop to the supplier, then from the supplier to either the manufacturer or another supplier, and with mass production as it is, why would they? Which is why every helmet manufacturer recommends replacing a damaged helmet, never head of one instance where a helmet has been professionally repaired. The price in shipping along from one source to the next would almost on its own justify buying a new one.

Edit: Just saw above post. Nevermind