Insurance will always lowball you. So I agree, once you get the estimate from them, have the dealer have a look and see how close they are.

 

Also contact your homeowner's insurance, not just the HD insurance holder. I believe a tree falling may be covered under the homeowner policy, thus you may limit your out of pocket costs.

 

Hey Chris Do Not Sign Anything, until you know everything, in writing! Now welcome to the Forum Chris don't be a stranger, we're good people around here, "well some of us" LOL

 

Some adjusters are generalists, and know very little about motorcycles. It's best to pay the $100 and get a repair estimate from a dealer...

Not all dealers have a collision specialist, and not all collision specialists are really good.... Try to find a dealer close by with a good reputation for collision repairs.

I got hit on my '03 Heritage, slow speed, minor collision. The front end was tweaked, broken windshield, but no frame damage. All just bolt on parts... A nearby dealer gave an estimate. He missed things I saw, and was obviously just guessing about damage. I paid them their estimate fee, and took my bike home. I found (by word of mouth) another dealer who had a collision repair section in their dealership. His estimate was spot-on, and he found things I missed (as well as the other dealer). My insurance adjuster knew of him (the collision shop manager) and their shop. My insurance accepted their estimate with no arguing, even though it was higher than the estimate given by the other dealer...

The bike survived and it's been three years since the accident/repair. I'm still enjoying the bike...

 

I have to agree, neighbors big pine dropped a branch that size on her truck in the driveway it twisted the frame under the bed.

 

Typically the homeowner’s insurance won’t cover damage to licensed vehicles. They could cover a lawnmower or off road ATV and tools in the shed.

 

Not all insurance companies are out to lowball their customers. My bike was wrecked and Esurance came through with flying colors. I was hoping they didn't total my bike because I finally had it the way I wanted it. They didn't and when I got it back from the dealer, it was as good as new, if not better. They even paid for a new helmet, leather vest (that got cut off at the ER) and for a very expensive pair of progressive lens sunglasses. Of course, a few months later, my rate went up, so I said, "Screw this!" and switched insurance companies.

 

Give your adjuster a call and discuss honest expectations. Most of these guys are overworked and want as little trouble with the customer as possible. Be polite and upfront, you will get the same in return.

 

Agree.

 

I was in the body shop business for over 40 years.4years of that I was assistant manager at a major dealer with 16 franchises,so I dealt with adjusters many times per day.I totally disagree.Most adjusters are more than fair when you have an honest claim. If you happen to get a young,fresh out of school adjuster that doesn't seem qualified,call the company and ask for a different adjuster.
But,I do agree that it would help to have the bike at a dealership when the adjuster sees it.