Insurance claim question

[SeaS2R]

I had a minor accident and am now looking at filing a claim with my insurance company.  I'm still making payments on the bike and my wife speculated that the insurance/finance company (both through State Farm) may require that it be repaired back to stock condition.  Does anybody know if this is true?  This seems like an ideal time to upgrade the stock exhaust (which was damaged).  I'm in Washington state, if that matters.

Thanks all!

[Drjones]

Don't know specifically, but it stands to reason that they would require that it be repaired to protect the value of their asset.

Personally, I'd put the money you're thinking about spending on exhausts instead on the principle of the loan and pay it off as fast as possible that way it is your asset then can do whatever you want.

[donnykidd]

(Please note these are my opinions and not representative of any local laws or regulations)
Couple of items to address your question. First, always consider the actual cost when making a claim to your insurance company. Take into consideration the estimated damage, your deductible, pervious claims, if any.  Your driving record infractions, if any.  All these factors are considered when generating your premium.  Absorb what you can when you can and use your insurance to cover catastrophic losses.  Your out of pocket expenses can be significantly lower in the long or short term if your rates increase dramatically due to any past history noted above.

Second, the bike is your to do as you will. Stock or after-market, your call. Same theories apply to a house, car etc.  The finance companies can take said properties if you default on payments.  If your property is a total loss, the finance company would be paid first, any gap in value recovered versus debt owed, is your responsibility.  Unless you have gap coverage and/or total replacement cost.