Hit a washout with the xplorer which was about 5' wide and 4' deep....YIKES! Twisted the swingarm, rear axle, rim and cracked the rear plastic(the support arm under the seat) Not noticable. Also tweaked the rear support for the rear rack(frame). Easily straightened. No one was hurt, just a little sore. I'd post pics but you can't tell there is anything wrong unless you really eyeball the rear axle/swingarm.

I was debating turning it in to insurance(progressive) seeing how I could repair it with a torch and parts off Ebay for about $250. But, that's what insurance is for.

Since the rear support is connected to and part of the frame they considered it frame damage and totaled the machine out.

I was a little concerned with the prices they may use for replacement and what they may give for accessories. We've made a few claims(home,car) in the past with other companies and have gotten the run around and less than adequate compensation so we had a bad taste in our mouths! We have replacement value on the ATV and up to 3K in accessory coverage...(pretty standard).

They valued a 98 xplorer at $1300+ which is pretty low for this part of the country, they really hold their value at about 2K...but, they use MSRP on all accessories which they valued at $1600+, very pleased! They offered buyback in the amount amount at $400. So, took the buyback! Keeping the machine/accessories and they cut us a check for $2500+. We feel that's more than adequate and for once a Insurance company was on our side.

In the end I'll swap out the swingarm/axle/rim, straighten the rack support and get it back to normal. Really a fairly easy fix. Thinking I'll sell it, take the cash from sale and from the claim have 4K+/- to buy a different ATV. That's nice for a 98 xplorer that was worth 2K.

Made the claim on Tue, adjuster showed up on wed. and they cut the check today...fast turnaround!!

As far as a "new" machine...really want to stick with Polaris, I'll probably be replacing with a Sportsman 5-600?? From the looks of the used market I can get into a well taken care of, fully rigged(plow/windshield/winch..etc) 2005 or 2006 with low miles for around $3200-$3500.

Thumbs up to Progressive! Obviously I would recommend them to anyone!

Wenty

 

nice to hear thats the best pr they can get. I might switch

 

sounds like you made out good. good for you

 

I really like Progressive I have them on my cars and they have always been fair

 

Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like a good company to deal with.

 

I have Progressive on my PWC's...looks like I may have to add to my ATV also.

 

I have Progressive on everything, hit a sign last summer with the MH broke the windsheild and a little fiberglass. They gave me great service and since no accident in 5 years no deductible to pay.
I keep our 3 Polaris ATVs chained and with a dog in the back yard so thought I would drop the insurance this year but now maybe I will keep it since I have dropped in more than 1 hole and hit a few banks.

 

Yes, the disappearing deductible is nice...we've had them for 4 years and our deductible was $62. We also have our car, truck and boat through Progressive. Nice to know they'll take care of things promptly when the time comes...still have a smile on my face!

Speaking of dropping insurance...it wasn't 6 months ago I was talking to the wife and told her "the xplorer isn't worth a whole lot, if something happens I can fix it cheaply...think we should cancel?" Being the smart one she is, she reminded me coverage was only $6 a month and we should keep it. She was right.

Just got in from the garage, axle, carrier and shock are removed...now working on getting the swing arm out of there which looks to be a little more involved than I thought. Now that I'm under there and poking around, the above looks to be all that's tweaked...besides the rear rack support("frame") which I took the big pipe wrench to and straightened(5 minutes)and a quick coat of black spray paint...looks new! I may just keep this machine, still runs like a top...it's served me well.

Wenty

 

nice to hear of a story that works out like this. that is exactly how an insurance company should work....

 

Wenty: I assume you will no longer have insurance on it since they will not "re-insure" the wheeler since THEY considered it totaled ?