Modified Bike Insurance - again

[johnners987]

I appreciate there are a host of posts on the above topic but just wondered if any of them reached anything that might be considered a satisfactory conclusion?
I'm getting close(r) to finishing my bike and, while it will primarily be for track use, I will want to run it initially on the road for testing, set-up etc. and I won't be able to resist going for the occasional road run if it's just sat in the garage (social events associated with this forum would be on the list too).
I made some preliminary enquiries when I was insuring my other bike last year, as I thought it worthwhile insuring it for theft while I was rebuilding but, to be honest, it was as though I was speaking a foreign language so I gave up and accepted the theft risk. As soon as I mentioned it was an 880cc TRX + YZF750 + frame and bodywork mods etc they didn't seem to have a clue (after the inevitable sharp intake of breath).
T'other bike insurance is coming up next month so I'll be looking to raise the topic again. Any thoughts on best/ better organisations to approach? Is there a specialist insurance route maybe? Did anyone recently have any favorable experience?
Cheers.

[alextrx850]

Wouldn't you be insuring the machine as a Yamaha TRX 850 at an agreed value instead ?
The insurance book value will be based as the standard model and most likely not much .
So how about asking if you can have an agreed value insurance policy as a trx850 and that it has a lot of accessories.
I'd say that would do it.

[johnners987]

Mmmmm. From my experience all mods need to be specified and an insurance company would use any excuse to avoid paying up in the event of any claim (particularly one that would incur a visit from a loss adjuster). My frustration has generally arisen in the past through dialogue with insurance sales personnel who appear unwilling/ unable to grasp or resolve the problem. As I said in the post they didn't even appear capable of addressing a 'theft only' policy - and this is supposed to be their business. In the absence of any advice perhaps I'll just need to start again and see how far I get this time but thanks for the reply.

[speedy]

I did ask my insurer about "aftermarket exhaust systems" ie was thinking of fitting one!!
They just asked if it would increase performance (of course not) That was Carol Nash who insure all my bikes old and new
I reckon its best to consult a broker, you pay more but you get to talk to someone who knows the business, and if things do go pear shaped they can help
Speedy

[johnners987]

I'll give it another go with plenty of lead time. Hopefully I'll get someone who knows the business this time.
Cheers.

[Mincehead]

They don`t have a clue because they ain`t interested! They exist to extort money from you, I and anyone else they insure, they`re all crooks and I hate them with a vengeance!

[TedsTRX]

Just my 2 cents worth.
Mines insured with Swann Insurance for agreed value of $4500 and my premium is $210 a year for fully comprehensive.
The only questions they had regarding the aftermarket pipes and other non standard bits were pertaining to their replacement value.

It recently dropped off the race stand while I was working on it and smashed up the fairing and various bits.
Second hand fairings in top condition are like hens teeth ( and the freight to WA is horrendous) and a new one is around the $1000 mark ex Japan (really, a grand!!).

I didn't really want to have the other one repaired and the repairer didn't really want to do it(well it looked like a jigsaw puzzle) and well it would never quite be the same and you can always pick the plastic welding and the rest of the bike is still in great condition.

I banged in an insurance claim & they got back to me in under 24 hrs, ( I only had to get 1 estimate) The assessor looked at it within 2 days ( also agreeing that plastic welding wouldn't be the go) and it all got approved with me just having to pay $400 excess.(To be payed when repairs are done and to my satisfaction)
I was able to pick my repairer ( a motorcycle only smash repairs with a really good reputation) and they ordered a new fairing etc and it's just a matter of waiting for the bits to arrive.

I Really cant find anything to fault with Swann's as far as the claim went or the hassle free nature of it. Also they kept in touch via email and Text and Phone all through the process.
Now I just want the bits to get here so it can be put it back together, I'll let you know how that all goes. (and No I don't work for Swann Insurance).
Just saying that It all worked out pretty good so far, and I couldn't be happier. (Well I could, just as soon as my bike's back on the road)

[johnners987]

As they say, the only way to be confident that you've got a good insurance policy is to have successfully tested it! Glad it all worked out.