How do Motorcycle Insurance Companies Calculate Total Loss Value?

How is the value of a totaled motorcycle determined?

As with all motor vehicles in Illinois, a motorcycle is deemed a “total loss” when its cost of repair plus its scrap value exceeds the fair market value of the bike prior to the crash.

Totaled Motorcycle Calculation Example

As an example, let’s assume your motorcycle had a fair value of $6,000 at the time of your wreck. If your motorcycle’s scrap value was $2,000 and would cost $5,000 to repair, then your motorcycle is “totaled” since its scrap value and costs of repair exceed its fair market value ($7,000 scrap and repair versus $6,000 fair value).

When your motorcycle is a total loss, your insurance company must pay you its full market value, minus any deductibles.

What is fair market value?

NAIC Definition of Fair Market Value

According to The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), fair value (or fair market value) is defined as the amount at which an asset might be sold or bought in a recent transaction between two willing parties. NAIC further explains that the the best evidence of fair value is quoted market prices in active markets and so should be used as the basis for the measurement.

Fair Market Value Defined in Plain English

In simple English, the NAIC is stating that the market value is what an average buyer would pay for your bike in its current condition (before the wreck) on the open market. This value is different from the Kelley Blue Book value or the NADA value, which often can provide a low-ball estimate for your bike’s value. The fair value takes into account unique features, personalization, and sentimental worth that an appraisal guide may not reveal.

Actual Cash Value

Fair market value is different from a motorcycle’s actual cash value (ACV), which represents the replacement cost (for a new bike) minus depreciation of a damaged bike at the time of the loss. Sometimes an appraiser for your insurance provider may determine that the actual cash value is similar to the fair market value, but this is not always the case.

How much must insurance companies pay out for a totaled motorcycle?

Just like with a totaled car, the insurance company must pay the full market value, minus any deductibles for motorcycle claims. The full market value is the value of the motorcycle at the time of the accident, not the time of the purchase. Usually, the full market value is less than the purchase value as depreciation, miles driven, wear and tear are factored in and deducted from the motorcycle’s value. If your motorcycle has low miles and is well-maintained, it will be worth more when calculating fair value.

What is the cutoff value for repair?

Under the Illinois total loss formula, the cutoff value of repair is the fair market value of the motorcycle prior to the accident minus its scrap value. If the repair costs exceed this value, then the motorcycle is considered a total loss, and an insurance company has no obligation to pay for repairs on the totaled motorcycle.

How do I know if I am being offered a fair settlement?

In the event of a total loss, you are entitled to the full market value of your motorcycle at the time of the accident, minus any deductibles. To see whether your insurance company is offering you a reasonable settlement for your totaled motorcycle, calculate its actual cash value and market value.

Insurance companies employ their own in-house appraisers who have the insurance company’s best interests in mind. As a result, these appraisers might underestimate the value of your motorcycle.

Get a Second Opinion

Additionally, having your bike appraised by a third-party is another way to assure yourself of receiving a fair settlement for your totaled bike. It is critical to obtain a second opinion from an independent expert appraiser. When assessing the value of your totaled motorcycle, an impartial appraiser will not have any financial interest in the result and will be more objective.

Can the insurance company install used aftermarket parts to repair my motorcycle?

Auto shops typically use three types of parts to perform repairs. Naturally, high quality, original parts are the most expensive, and insurance companies avoid paying for these parts whenever possible.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts

These parts are typically the highest quality as they come straight from the company that manufactured the motorcycle. Since they are high quality and fit the vehicle perfectly, they are typically the most expensive.

 Non-original Equipment Manufacturer (non-OEM) Parts

These parts are manufactured by other companies and might be made from lower quality materials. Repair shops may have to make modifications to non-OEM parts to ensure a proper fit. As a result, these “generic” parts are substantially cheaper.

Salvaged Parts

These parts are obtained from junkyards and salvage yards. Oftentimes they are refurbished or recycled from other wrecked motorcycles. While they are OEM parts, they are used and parts from a salvage company are typically the least expensive repair option.

Disclosure of Non-OEM Repairs

While you can request that your insurance company use OEM parts to repair your motorcycle, they have the right to use non-OEM parts if the cost of using OEM parts is unreasonable and so long as the non-OEM parts are of like kind and quality. To minimize their costs, insurance companies almost exclusively use generic non-OEM parts to keep costs down, although under Illinois law they are required to disclose this practice whenever it is employed.

Can you negotiate the total loss value of a motorcycle?

Yes you can. The insurance company is financially incentivized to pay out the least amount of money in the event your motorcycle is considered totaled. If you believe their offer is not the fair value, you have the right to object to the offer and demand a higher payment. To increase the chances that they are willing to come to the bargaining table, be prepared to back your demand up with evidence.

Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) can be an excellent starting resource. If it is an expensive motorcycle, it may be worth retaining an appraiser. Documentation of proper maintenance records and special features is also helpful when proving your bike is worth more than the Blue Book numbers. Your motorcycle dealership may also have this information, so you should contact your dealer as well.

If your efforts are unsuccessful, your may have to file a lawsuit or arbitrate your claim. However, this process can be expensive and should only be done as a last case scenario.

Factors that Affect Value of a Motorcycle

• Odometer. The more miles driven, the more wear and tear on a motorcycle. Engine parts will be more worn out, and the overall worth will decrease.
• Vehicle Year. Unless the motorcycle is a collectible, older makes and models tend to depreciate over time as new models and technology reach the market.
• Overall Condition. Motorcycles with no scratches, dents, tears, or fading will command a higher price. Conversely, broken electronics, rust, damaged fairings, and scratches depreciate the value of a vehicle.
• Aftermarket Modifications. Expensive aftermarket modifications and add ons such as LED underglow, large rims, custom paint jobs, and unusual handlebars can impact your motorcycle’s resale amount as the average subjective buyer might not be interested in these features.
• Color. Unusual colors, especially if they are not factory original, can also impact how much your bike is worth.

Who pays the taxes and transfer fees for my new motorcycle?

The insurance company must pay all sales taxes, licensing fees, and transfer fees if you purchase a new motorcycle. As motorcycle owners in Chicago know, vehicle sales taxes and fees can be quite expensive, so hold on to your purchase documents!

What if I owe more than my totaled motorcycle is worth?

Unfortunately, if the fair value of your motorcycle is less than your loan balance, you will be responsible for the difference and will need to continue making payments. Gap insurance can be helpful in these instances, as it will cover any shortfall between the fair market value and the balance on your loan. Check your policy to see if you have gap insurance coverage.

If you were in an accident where the other driver was at fault, you may be also entitled to compensation from that driver’s insurance coverage to cover any shortfall. When making a claim, do NOT provide any written or recorded statements because insurance adjusters use those statements against you to attempt to pay out less than what you are rightfully owed.

What if I was injured in my bike wreck?

If your bike was totaled, there is a good chance that you have been seriously injured too. If that is the case, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to get legal representation immediately. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer.