Charging storage to an insurance company

[MCCycleWorks]

So I had a customer drop a wrecked bike off at the shop because his insurance needs an estimate of damages written up. The bike is obviously totalled, but I went ahead and wrote up the estimate anyways. I've never had to deal with this before, how do I go about/what are the rules regarding charging storage to the insurance company for the motorcycle?

 

Thanks in advance.

[pfseeley442]

What I've done is contact the insurance company for their rates per day, usually different for fences and not fenced. Then when they call to tow it away they will ask for the total and I've always been paid right away, also don't forget about repossessed cars, same thing.

 

 

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[MCCycleWorks]

Ok, I have the receipt where they paid city storage and a transfer fee to the body shop there, then storage from the body shop before it was sent to me. It's already cost them $1200 just to get the bike to me, I'm assuming they are going to want it pretty quick.

 

What's the rules on acquiring the bike? Will they offer a buyout option to the owner, and if he declines they pick it up? It has some good parts on it I could use on some bikes I have, wondering how to get my hands on it.

[alfredauto]

I've bought cars from insurance companies, I just asked for the price. In NY they give me the paperwork I give them the cash. Most of the time copart pays more than i want to pay so they get the car I get the storage. If you hammer the ins. Co. on storage they will blacklist you, just keep it in mind. It really depends on your area, I get $35/day outside but in a city its probably double or triple that.

[MCCycleWorks]

Interesting. I don't have a fence, but I also don't leave anything outside. Thanks for the info.

[SMMotors]

You can't change for the estimate, but you can charge what's called an "administration fee" I usually charge $300. If the bike is totaled,I would be charging my admin fee PLUS storage fee from the time the estimate was sitting to when it was hauled off.

 

I charge $65/day storage and have always gotten it. As far as getting blacklisted, customers can bring their car/bike to whatever repair facility they wish.

 

Your not going to get blacklisted as much as your not going to become a preferred vendor for said insurance.

 

It's all a giant game. Don't think that because insurance already spent$1200, that they are in a hurry.

 

Make your money, learn the game.

[MCCycleWorks]

Ok, I wrote up the estimate the same day it was dropped off, do I need to notify them that it's done before I can start collecting storage? I tried calling and got stuck on hold and after 10 minutes just hung up.

 

Thanks again

[carolinahigear]

You start collecting storage the first day.

[HarrytheCarGeek]

49.95 Per day or fraction thereof at our yard, 19.95 extra per day for indoor storage. Also Admin fees, plus clean up fees for oil spill and debris.

[Blastr2k2]

Your state and local laws permitting, you can charge for estimating, any tear down for estimate, any transporting, any measures to protect the unit, clean up, admin fees, and Inside storage. If you're not sure what the rate for inside storage is in your area, call a legit local body shop for going rates.

Add everything up and see if the parts are worth it. Depending on your bill, it might be best just to get the $$