You buy insurance to make the car look "Like it never happened" - so yes they need to restore the car to look like it did the day before the collission with the telephone poles.
Any particular reason for running into a bunch of poles? If they where part of some construction project, did you slide on loose rock or mud caused by the construction company? Or something else cause you to slide into those poles?
You want to get to the bottom of a problem like that, or the next guy driving along will do the same thing you did, crash into the same poles, because nobody informed the construction company the stuff they sprayed on the roadway is causing cars to slide around!
Any particular reason for running into a bunch of poles? If they where part of some construction project, did you slide on loose rock or mud caused by the construction company? Or something else cause you to slide into those poles?
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Fred.
Yes, in fact there was something else: The person who hit the post was lying on the side of the road cry "please help me!". I will admit: I let this distract me. I was looking at him while I slowed down to try and help. Then "boom!".
In the cold world of liability and insurance, I don't think the human condition matters.
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Happy Ford F-53 Class A Owner (2008 Gulf Stream)
2010 Ford Fusion Toad (with 6 speed manual transmission - the only way to tow)
Brake Buddy Vantage, Blue Ox Aladdin Tow Bar,
TST RV 507 TPMS, Power Master Voltage Controller
Been years since I was in the auto insurance business, but I think anything that is permanently mounted to the vehicle will be covered by the insurance.
Well, it's either covered or not. Make the claim and you'll find out. Insurance the same on the MH and the Toad, think it might be covered. Homeowner's Policy; check it, too. Good Sam? Make the claim there, too.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
Over the many years I've been insured by them, Allstate has covered accident and vandalism damage that included repair/replacement of aftermarket trailer hitches, step bumpers, mirrors, a CB radio, and even hubcaps on my vehicles. I'll check with my agent, but I don't see why a baseplate would not be covered the same as any other permanently installed hardware.
Dutch_12078 wrote: Over the many years I've been insured by them, Allstate has covered accident and vandalism damage that included repair/replacement of aftermarket trailer hitches, step bumpers, mirrors, a CB radio, and even hubcaps on my vehicles. I'll check with my agent, but I don't see why a baseplate would not be covered the same as any other permanently installed hardware.
You raise a good point. Comprehensive coverage certainly handles vandalism. I don't think it applies to accident related damage in all cases
And as you suggest, the significant attribute appears to be: The base plate was permanently attached and not meant to be removed. My agent believes this will help my case and will ultimately cause it to be covered. As several people have mentioned, the claims adjuster has the ball right now. Her next move will be interesting.
I have "premium insurance" which protects my rates so long as I don't have another claim for 3 years. So having an 'at fault accident' is not the end of the world. I will, however, be on the hook for a $1000 deductible if the accident is deemed to be 'at fault'.
I can sue the other driver for this $1000 in civil court. There is no doubt that I can prove: "He put the post on the road". I have pictures and witnesses. I get conflicting information on whether doing that makes him liable for my subsequent collision with the post.
First....check with YOUR policy. Each company has different rules and different states have different rules.
I used to work for USAA insurance as a claim adjuster, and back in the day it would have been covered under the comp/collision portion of the policy.
However, it got me to thinking and I double checked. YES, the front tow bar is covered under comp or collision...and I also double checked on our truck topper. It's also covered. No additional riders are needed since they are permanently attached to the car.
Not all insurance companies/policies are the same, so it's best to check.
Now, that being said...if you hit an unmoving object, it's generally a collision (at fault) loss and it may increase your premiums.
Be prepared to fight ahead of time. Say you end up in the hospital, appraiser shows up a few weeks later, looks at your car, and then compares it to several similar vehicles, NONE of which will have the towing modifications. DO NOT let them appraise it unless you are there.
I am an insurance adjuster in Canada. Check your policy. It defines the vehicle in clear terms.
In Canada the definition is - The vehicle described in the policy and its equipment. We cover aftermarket add ons like truck caps, chrome steps, giant tires, alarm systems etc. Heck we even include child safety seats which can be removed from the vehicle as equipment. Here in the frozen north the base plate and wiring would fall in the definition.
So check your policy, see how they define the vehicle, then check the exclusions to make sure after market parts are not excluded then base your fight with the adjuster (if you need to have one) on facts not feelings or general opinions. Insurance is a contract and the company will have to honor its terms.
2006 Damon Challenger 348F Ford V10
2011 Ford Fusion on a Dolly
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