Trailer involved in an Accident

[oside trailer]

I am sad to report that my home-made trailer has been involved in an accident. The collision was the other (fully insured) driver's fault and fortunately no one was injured, however, Allstate Insurance says they cannot provide estimates on trailers.

Since I built the camper over a "Coast Customs" utility trailer (company seems to no longer exist), it has no real "market" value. But Allstate says they will accept any reasonable estimate from a "qualified" shop to repair the damage.

Any suggestions? Any input would be greatly appreciated... need to act fast to avoid paying storage fees at the tow yard.

(btw: damage was limited to the tongue, so hopefully it is still salvage-able. )

[Woodbutcher]

If it is only the metal and not the body of the trailer that is damaged any good welding shop should be able to fix you up. If not unbolt the body and have a new trailer frame made. They have to make you "whole" so don't cheat yourself.

[S. Heisley]

Boy! That's tough! Sorry that you were involved in an accident.

If someone hit my trailer, I would get several estimates. The first place that I would check would be an RV repair place because they are used to dealing with trailer damage and may see things that some place else might not. Also, their repair estimate cost would probably be higher and would make any other place's estimate look good.

[DIY-Stu]

"They have to make you "whole" so don't cheat yourself."

Absolutely agree. You were taking it somewhere yesturday and it needs to do the same tomorrow. And by the way you've already paid to camp this weekend, so they better hurry or you'll have to add on rental charges.

[asianflava]

Take it to an RV repair place and see what they say... take it to a couple different places. Treat it like a regular car accident, you'd take your car to a repair place to get estimates also.

Just because it's homebuilt, doesn't mean that they cannot repair it. Most likely their estimate will be for more than it would cost for you to do the work yourself.

[Jim Edgerly]

First off, sorry for your loss!

If they hit your trailer while it was attached to the tow vehicle, then make sure there is no hidden damage under your tow vehicle. A blow like that could transmit the shock right up the tongue and to your trailer hitch, possibly damaging the hitch, or where it mounts onto you vehicle. Make sure to get it checked out before any insurance claim is submitted.

I'm building a woody, so I guess if I get hit I would take it to a qualified carpenter.

[the other side]

Glad no on was hurt!!! Maybe if you can find a "trailer" shop. We have a shop that does nothing but trailers about 1 hour from my house. The guy made a comment the last time I was in, "We can do ANYTHING to a trailer." If he meant that and it is just the trailer tongue (not the body) then maybe they could atleast give you an estimate. The shop by me is called "The Hitchman". Hopefully you can "get er dun"! What good is the insurance if they are not going to insure?
Good Luck and sorry about your situation!

[Deryk the Pirate]

Im very sorry but glad no one was injured.

I would try the rv dealer, as well as a welder for the frame, a tire place to check your axle, and a carpenter for the body of the trailer.

Best of Luck!

deryk

[dan galvin]

Glad no one was hurt
First thing i would do is rent a flat bed U Hall trailer and get it out of storage take to a fab or weld shop see if they can fix it. If nothing else get it home
That is my thought

[Wild Bill]

I agree with Dan, Get it out of storage and home where you can look it over better and get good pictures, If you post a couple here we will have a better idea of the damage and can make better suggestions. I agree to check your tow vehicle for damage transmitted thru the trailer frame. It is unfortunate to be hit like that, especially at the beginning of camping season. Good luck to you. Bill

[48Rob]

Glad to hear no one was hurt!

This is another perfect example that shows why it is important to have the value of a homebuilt camping trailer worked out, in writing with your insurance company.

In this case, your insurance company would not pay, but they, and you have legitimate "proof" of value.

The other guy's insurance company may be great and pay whatever it takes, but they might also tag your trailer with a very, very low value.
After all, "it is just home made" and there are no comparable values to look up.

Rob

[Jiminsav]

ALLSTATE is a bunch of thieves and you should research your legal position before you sign any papers..and it don't say where you are located..that might help us some.

[Nobody]

I was 'rear-ended' while towing my TD last Labor Day weekend. Fortunately the little 'decorative' bumper that I'd built & added to my TD protected most of the rear of the 'coach' & apparently directed most of the impact to the chassis. Trailer was still towable so after careful examination & a few miles at minimum speed, I continued on with my trip to an adjoining state. Upon return home a more extensive examination revealed that the impact at the rear was transmitted to my TV (thru the chassis??) enough to cause some distortion/misalignment of the receiver. No damage to the TD chassis other than the rear 12-15". Took a couple of months (mainly just to get some attention from the other driver's insurance company), an estimate from a RV service/repair shop, another estimate from an auto repair shop (receiver), & a visit from the Ins Co estimator/rep. They finally came up with an adequate settlement offer for damage to the TD which I accepted. Actually took longer to get them to pay for the new receiver than the TD (Toyota won't warranty the tow rating unless the factory receiver is replaced with a 'like' item which apparently is available only from Toyota ). I was able to repair the structural damage and pretty much of the cosmetic damage without a great deal of trouble.

Do as others have said, get your TD home & get an estimate or three from a 'qualified' RV service/repair shop, at least as a start. Also, very important, keep accurate records/notes of all contacts with everyone you talk to or visit with that has any connection no matter how remote, with the accident and/or subsequent activity. Good luck, sorry 'bout your accident.

[Bucko6]

I handle insurance claims for a living and can assure you most carriers/adjusters want to get your claim resolved promptly and reasonably. Perhaps posting some pictures of the damage may allow members to direct you to a proper repair facility. It the trailer is a total loss, I agree it will be very difficult to establish a value. No guide books to refer to and not much of a selection to use to show value through market research. eBay may be a good source to assist in establishing a value. If the trailer is repairable, I am thinking your best bet is a local RV facility. A good shop can handle anything from frame work, suspension, fiberglass, aluminum, carpentry, electrical, etc. And yes, the insurer may ask you to sign a release once you have agreed on the cost to repair or the value of your trailer. Good luck and post photographs and additional questions.

[caseydog]

Take it to an RV repair place and see what they say... take it to a couple different places. Treat it like a regular car accident, you'd take your car to a repair place to get estimates also.

Just because it's homebuilt, doesn't mean that they cannot repair it. Most likely their estimate will be for more than it would cost for you to do the work yourself.

I agree completely. Get estimates from shops that repair campers and RVs. That will qualify as a legitimate estimate. I've been with Allstate for over 20 years, and when my last car was hammered by an uninsured guy in a big SUV, they didn't nickle-and-dime me.

Get a reputable RV repair shop to write up an estimate. If you go to one, and they don't want to mess with it, then go to another. There is someone out there that will do you right.

CD