Things I"m learning about insurance...

[mhorowit]

Background: the A&P had made an estimate to repair and it fell within the repairable range. Then he checked the engine 'dial-out' and found the flange wobbled too much. Red flag and with the engine involved, we figure the ins.co. will declare it totaled.

Speaking with the person who may crack it open and determine what needs to be done, he suggests to take the engine off the things to be covered i.e. tell the ins.co. I'll pay for repairs out of pocket.

Anyone bargained with the ins.co. like this? - Mike

[alwaysoar]

insurance

Why would you pay out of pocket when the insurance company will pay? Are you thinking of telling them that it might have happened earlier?

[mhorowit]

The ins.co. will pay say 65% of the insured value before declaring it totaled. Seems to me, I want to get as close to that magic % so it's not totaled, then pay for the rest (this assumes I want to work on it) - Mike

[crispy critter]

Mike,
The real question is you need to ask yourself is...do you want to work on it or do you want to fly??If you can get the insurance company to pay for someone else to do the repairs then you would be better off and probably get it flying again much,much,MUCH,sooner.
As for the engine,if the prop did not hit and the nose didn't take a hard hit then the crank was already bent.You may be able to get an A&P/AI to help you out on the estimate and get that covered too but really wouldn't be fair to the insurance company.All that adds up to is a moral issue that only you can decide to do or not.
One more thing,I have seen some A&P/AI's that dialed a crank and was WRONG!!Some crank dials are very sensetive and/or tempermetal,if it is not done perfectly and patiently it would be VERY easy to goof up.....and trust me, .009 is basicly impossible to see with the naked eye.I'm not trying to offend your AI but you might want to consider getting a second opinion before you crack the case apart.

[mhorowit]

Kev - I called the guy who will crack the case - he said exactly the same thing; also that he'd run by Front Royal and take the measurement himself; that should have happended about three hours ago. I should know something tomorrow. Stay tuned. - Mike