Woo Hoo My insurance company has agreed to my claim for my garage that was burnt down Linky to post
I have never made a claim like this before so am looking for some help on what to claim for,what not to claim for,how to value second hand car parts/tools etc. They said just to get an estimate for the garage so thats not a problem but when i asked about the contents they said to supply a list but how to you claim for things like light pods for a datsun 280 zx turbo? Should i claim for the 2 chassis i lost? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated so i can get a garage back and start collecting more junk
Thanks
Ronnie
Here's a picture for you to study for expensive items. (I can hardly look at that picture without getting a lump in my throat )

I guess all you can really do is generalise. Provide quotes for 2 commercially built locost chassis' as thats the only way they can be replaced via insurance really. Its really not practical to quote for every single little part and tool you had so i'd personally list the larger / more expensive items and then add on a reasonable sum for "various" car parts and same for tools.

Need to start with a list of everything you had, then set about putting a value to those items - I guess Ebay will be your best bet? It's up to the insurer then whether they agree with your valuation although I suspect they'll make a lowish offer to start with so be prepared to negotiate.

Word of warning, don't take the p1ss as an insurer can decline an entire claim if any part of that claim is fraudulent. I've seen claims kicked out for entire total losses before cos people have added a few shiny bits into their claim.

It's a fairly easy question and therefore the answer is easy. What is not so easy is the resonse to the answer to the question..............
Claim for everything!! Claim for two new chassis from someone like MK. Do some research into how much your special stuff was worth. Back up all your claims with printed Ebay items that are similar (use the "completed items" search, when new stuff is unobtainable.
I say claim for everything as there will be stuff you only realise has gone when you need it in a few months time!!
Good luck!

Locost chassis? Surely they look like the latest race chassis from somewhere really expensive!
And , IIRC, didn't you say the engine's had some very shiny internal bits?

Or just be honest and find a reasonable price for a locost chassis from MK or such, and as said, ebay prices for bits, or see about getting in touch with specialist parts folk for the more obscure things.

Itemise everything you can remember and don't rush.

Carry a notepad around so everytime somethng pops into your head, it goes on the list.

As for old parts, there was an article in Practical Classics about insurance companies writing down old stuff. You, iirc, have the right to enforce them to replace such items if price can't be agree upon. After all, the main reason for insurance is to put you in the same position you were before the loss.

ATB

Simon

also dig out as many photographs as you can - i'm thinking to prove that you've got the items (ie to avoid the "sir, i think you're lying, you never had a all steel crank in that ford crossflow".

Which reminds me to go and take random photos in my garage this weekend "just in case".

Easy to overlook things, 3 months after my workshop burglary was settled I went to use my airbrush, it and the compressor had gone and I hadn't remembered
Too late by then.

quote:

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Originally posted by owelly
It's a fairly easy question and therefore the answer is easy. What is not so easy is the resonse to the answer to the question..............
Claim for everything!! Claim for two new chassis from someone like MK. Do some research into how much your special stuff was worth. Back up all your claims with printed Ebay items that are similar (use the "completed items" search, when new stuff is unobtainable.
I say claim for everything as there will be stuff you only realise has gone when you need it in a few months time!!
Good luck!

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quote:

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Originally posted by eznfrank
Need to start with a list of everything you had, then set about putting a value to those items - I guess Ebay will be your best bet? It's up to the insurer then whether they agree with your valuation although I suspect they'll make a lowish offer to start with so be prepared to negotiate.

Word of warning, don't take the p1ss as an insurer can decline an entire claim if any part of that claim is fraudulent. I've seen claims kicked out for entire total losses before cos people have added a few shiny bits into their claim.

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I would note all the older parts you had, and check EBay for replacement (don't forget shipping). For the locost parts, I'd get replacement cost for all of them, from someone like MK, on their letterhead. You don't want a turn-key car cost, just the parts. It may take you a while to add them all up, but don't lose contact with the insurance people. Call them regularly and tell them you're working on it.

It's hearbreaking enough without getting ripped off on insurance you have paid into for years.

sorry double post

[Edited on 10/4/08 by RK]

From my memory it'll be much easier if you can provide receipts for anything you had/bought. It at least shows that you had the object/item to start with. BE SENSIBLE though and don't be too greedy.

It's very easy to forget to claim for things that were in the garage...

... like that brand new tig welder, metal lathe and 3phase compressor

Thanks everyone It is amazing what you forget as my mate reminded me yesterday that my new generator was in the garage

Its too easy to mke the claim more favourable. As said - not worth risking getting it refused. I think id make a list of what actually was wrecked and then try and find evidence to value the claim up. Hopefully you will then settle on true value and be fully reimbursed.


It would appear that the best advice on here ha been;

1. Get an assessor to help you - hopefully there costs will be covered by final claim value,
2. Photograph everything you own in the future if you dont have paperwork to prove it (i know, too late for this claim but may help others).

Fingers crossed it all works out for you.

Joking aside i won't be going daft with the claim i just want most of it replaced. I have got some pictures of what i had in the garage and i took lots of pictures of the charred remains so you can make out things like the welder and the tool boxes.

Some good advice here about not over doing the claim but, be aware that the insurance company will look to negotiate on whatever figure you produce so maybe worth allowing some headroom to allow you to negotiate without being out of pocket?