Insurance Question

[Johnocyprus]

I was knocked off my Honda motorcycle by a panel van yesterday who drove off without stopping. I’ve got the index number however it is recorded as uninsured on the insurance database. The bike is a write off and I have fully comp cover. I can’t identify the driver so I can’t see the Police being able to help.( I reported the RTA to the Police online ). My insurance company want to take my bike away to their “ centre” where it will be assessed.
It’s been 15 years since I had an accident and the last time an insurance assessor came to my home to inspect the damaged motorcycle.
Can I insist that the assessor comes to see the bike where it currently is, ie my home? They tell me that is not possible. I’m concerned that once the bike disappears into their “ system “ my rights and negotiating position re settlement may be diminished. I’m insured with Zurich but the claim is being dealt with by an accident management company.

[Jocko]

If you have the registration number then the police will contact the registered keeper to ask who was driving and if he doesn't know/won't say they will charge him with at least "failing to report". Same as they do for speeding. That is certainly the way it works here.

[Westy36]

  Sorry to hear of the accident. Hope you're ok.

The insurer will want the salvage for inspection. I understand they often do this remotely with photographs from the body shop or what have you.

Most insurers will allow you to buy back the salvage, best speak to them.

NB Some catagories of total loss have to be scrapped, so you'll not be allowed the salvage

https://www.gov.uk/scrapped-and-written-off-vehicles/insurance-writeoffs

[Johnocyprus]

Many thanks for your replies. Yes I’m fine thanks just a few abrasions.  I need to know if I can insist on the assessor coming to my home to inspect rather than it disappearing into the “system” and me losing  any control; any opinions please?

[Westy36]

Pleased it was only scratches.

I'd be on the phone to them at 9am to ask. Some insurers can be very helpful, others less so. Let us know how you get on.

[Lord Voltermore]

I doubt you can 'insist' where the inspection is carried out.  Inspection is often carried out by independent, self employed, engineers who may inspect several  other bikes on behalf of various insurers on the same  visit.  They will want it to be a neutral and suitable place,  not  subject to potential  undue influence from the bikes owner being present.

You may get them to agree before it goes that  you have first rights to salvage, if its written off  , which should improve the chances of getting the bike back,even if its not repaired.  Its then down to arguing the payment of the claim rather than the possession of the bike.

[Johnocyprus]

Some very useful information given. Thanks again.