Insuring replacement bike after accident

pixelchick10

My DP had a bike accident (his insurer says the other driver has admitted responsibility) ... and we've had an insurance cheque for the value of the bike minus 150£ excess (£650) as it was a write-off. Few questions ...

1. What's the best way to claim back the excess? We've had a "Helphire" bike while his is off the road -- and they claim to get back uninsured losses such as the excess. Or he does have legal expenses cover through the policy ... not sure which route to go down.

2. He's now bought a new bike -- although when he rings up the broker(he had two months insurance cover left on his previous bike), they say they can't insure it yet ... obviously he's not riding the bike, he's still got the Helphire one. But we're keen to get the bike insured and the hire bike back to Helphire. How can we speed this process along? Shouldn't we be able to transfer the two months outstanding insurance to the new bike and get it insured straightaway? Thnks for any thoughts/advice

lisyloo

Don't see why you shouldn't be able to transfer the insurance although be aware that there may be an admin fee and the new bike may be more expensive if it's bigger/better/newer.

Why do they say they can't transfer it yet?

pixelchick10

Lisyloo thanks for your comments -- when I spoke to the broker yesterday they said that I won't get the remaining two months back as to quote "the insurance has done its purpose and paid up". I don't know what the delay is -- but the broker is calling the insurer today (so they say) to sort it out. I think I'll try calling the insurer again myself -- but they're one of those insurers that just deal through brokers. If is isn't sorted soon, I am tempted to go ahead and insure the new bike with a new insurer ...

missile

Most likely it will be in the policy small print> insurance terminates in the event of a total loss of the vehicle.
I would contact both helphire and legal cover (DAS?)to reclaim uninsured losses. Remember to claim for any damage to clothing. Even although it may not appear to be damaged, manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet after an accident.
No Idea why they are refusing to arrange cover for DPs new bike. Unfortunately you only find out how good your broker and insurer are in the event of a claim. I would suggest you try Carole Nash

lisyloo

It's quite normal that you can't get a refund after a write-off claim.
However you can seomtimes transfer to a new vehicle.
My nephew did this recently when he wrote off his car with Direct Line.
Do you have a policy booklet you can check?
In post #1 you were talking about a transfer whereas in post #3 your broker was talking about a refund. Make sure you aren't talking at cross purposes.

I would chase it up as you say.
I don't see that the on-going insurance is really connected to the claim.
Sometimes claims take ages to sort out (I'm trying to settle one now for my FIL that's 2.5 years old).