Not all motorcyle losses may be reported to CARFAX, but motorcyles are reported to CARFAX, my '02 Deuce was in CARFAX.

 

Glad to help. Like has been said that VIN on the neck could be there but painted over. Looks like, from the picture you posted, that the bike has been painted in a...how to say this tactfully...low budget fashion. (Not a bad thing, I'm all over low budget...the picture of the Sporty in my sig only had about $2500 of work put into a bike I paid $2500 for...) Thus it is highly possible the VIN is still there. I wouldn't worry about it much unless they give you some BS about not having the full VIN on the frame or something. If they claim that be sure to tell them, in writing, that if you scratch the paint off the frame to uncover the VIN rather than go by the partial on the engine case they will then be paying to have the frame repainted PROPERLY.

Can't tell from your picture if that is a 1200S or not. The entire engine has been repainted in flat black. So looking at those heads and coil will be your best bet in determining if the engine has been changed or not.

This is important. My bike was registered and insured as an 883. I had done the 1200 conversion using 1200S pistons, cylinders, and heads. When it got totaled the insurance company only was going to give me money for an 883 unless I could prove to them I did the 1200 upgrade. I told them, "If you go look at the heads on the bike they have two spark plugs each. Then go to Harley's site and you'll find the only Sportster with those heads was a 1200. There's your proof." They checked and then wrote me a check for the modifications at Harleys retail price.

However I had insurance through Progressive. I've heard some say they didn't have good luck with them. I, however, couldn't be happier. A 1999 883 Sportster, 24K on the clock, as you see it in my pictures and probably under $5,500 invested...and I wound up with a check for $5,500...and got to keep the bike! Yea, can't recommend them enough if you're going to be shopping around.

 

agree 100% not one to promote an ins.co. but in my case my agent lives up to the slogan "like a good neighbor "

 

Glad to hear you aren't backing down from the ins. co.. If more did this it would help all of us.

 

They need to prove it's the same bike as the policy.

 

Going back to your original post, hopefully Brenn or someone else in jurisprudence will weigh in, it does not seem to me you have the right attorney?

In my experience of listening to Dad who retired from the insurance industry so I am absolutely no expert. They would bend over backwards to pay medical bills as they come in, try to close the property quickly and over value to avoid lawsuits and court battle IF their insured was clearly at fault which seems to be the case.

Does not sound like your insurance company or attorney is representing you as they should. Maybe it is wise to pay consultation and get another lawyers read?

 

I thought it sounded a little odd, but being that he's a North Carolina lawyer and I'm not, I couldn't really say that based on what was posted.

Knowing the HUGE difference between what lawyers do/should do and what people think lawyers do/should do/how they should do it, he could be the best lawyer in the world for all I know.

 

Yep, it doesn't matter if you are guilty or not, but more importantly how good a lawyer you retain.

This is the 2nd story I have heard here concerning some real bs insurance co. dealings concerning a motorcycle claim. Makes me wonder how the Insurance Laws in NC are written.

 

Glad husband is doing better. Note my "name". I have been involved in insurance , not a salesman, for my life.
First: Why isn't your insurance company reimbursing you for the cycle? Your attorney should not have to deal with that. Did you have coverage for your cycle under your insurance?
Secondly, you are just fussing and playing their game with the other person's insurance. Get a copy of the policy if you can. (Your attorney should have it)
Contact your State's Dept of Insurance. Insurance is not under the federal domain at all but each State handles insurance in their state. The website should have a link to file a complaint. File with the state Dept of Insurance. Be sure to use the phrase "bad faith" Insurance companies hate those words. You can spend all your time playing their game. Go on the offensive.
(Why do i say get the policy? Because the policy may have an arbitration provision)
Also, if you had coverage for the cycle, then your policy should pay you and subrogate against the other party. Keep track of that subrogation so you get your deductible back)

 

They're written by lawyers (and insurance executives)