Hey Progressive motorcycle community, I have a question for you all.
I recently took my 2022 Low Rider ST (FXLRST) down to Florida for Daytona Bike Week, but unfortunately, I was involved in an accident with a Ford E450 and my bike was totaled.
When Progressive assessed my motorcycle’s value, they used JD Power and determined that, with “standard” equipment, my bike is worth $16,040. However, if I choose the “options” category, I’m able to select all the standard equipment, and it raises my bike’s value to around $18,300. That’s quite a difference!
The so-called “optional” equipment includes features like a full fairing, oil cooler, cruise control, high-performance exhaust, security alarm, saddle bags, and standard suspension. All of these are factory-installed features and are as standard as A/C and AM/FM radios in most modern cars. They come with the motorcycle, and their costs are already included in the MSRP.
I want to clarify that my accessory coverage, which includes aftermarket items like a custom seat, upgraded headlamp, new foot pegs, crash bar, etc., is a separate issue. I know those do not factor into the base price.
I’ve sent over my bill of sale to demonstrate that these features were included at the time of purchase and any field adjuster, with the help of a service professional, could easily verify every feature on my bike. So, why is Progressive struggling to understand this? What’s the disconnect here?
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident and the loss of your bike; that must be incredibly frustrating. It sounds like you’re dealing with a confusing situation regarding how Progressive is assessing the value of your Low Rider ST.
From what you’ve described, it seems like Progressive is categorizing features that you believe should be considered standard as optional equipment, which is definitely a point of contention. This kind of discrepancy can arise from the valuation process. Insurers often rely on databases that may not always reflect manufacturer specifications accurately or may categorize certain features differently.
To address the disconnect, it might help to escalate the issue within Progressive. Here are some steps you could take:
Documentation: Keep all documentation handy, including your bill of sale, any correspondence with Progressive, and documentation from your bike’s manufacturer that clearly delineates what is considered standard equipment.
Speak to a Supervisor: Sometimes, the frontline representatives may not have the authority or knowledge to resolve such disputes. Requesting to speak with a supervisor could help provide clarity.
Use Comparables: If you can, find other listings or sales of similar models that illustrate what the fair market value should be, including all standard features.
Involve a Professional: If you’re still getting nowhere, consider getting a professional appraisal of your motorcycle that outlines its value with all standard features.
File a Complaint: If escalation within the company doesn’t yield results, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner or seeking advice from a consumer advocacy group.
It’s important that you advocate thoroughly for yourself, especially since you have the documentation to back up your claim. Hopefully, they’ll come around and correct the assessment! Good luck, and I hope you get a resolution soon.