I’m trying posting this again since the first time it didn’t seem to work. Long story short I took off yesterday from my trip to Wyoming on my first trip in 3 1/2 years. Yesterday was quiet and this morning I needed gas so I went against my own rule and pulled into a very busy gas station in Pueblo Colorado. Are usually avoid busy stations because of all the confusion and chaos. As I was pulling into the pond a woman backing out of a parking spot in front of the convenient store collided with my rear passenger side and tore the jack almost completely off. The rear of the truck camper separated from the side panel almost halfway up. With a ratchet strap and some gorilla tape I was able to secure it enough to travel. Her passenger side bumper and rear panel and light are trash to but fortunately everybody is OK. We have the same insurance company and the representative told me it sounds like a clear case of her being at fault so liability will cover repairs. So my trip goes on but when I get home I need to bring it in and find out how long it will take and how much insurance will cover. I will post photographs when I have access to my computer but right now I’m using my phone at a rest stop. Be safe out there!

That sucks!!!!I hope the rest of your trip is "uneventful" and you have a great time.

Thanks and yeah it most definitely sucks but that’s what insurance is for and at least the camper is still functional for the rest of my trip.

Be sure you ask for an additional amount as diminished value. Almost NOBODY thinks of this when insurance pays to repair a vehicle, but that vehicle has been wrecked, and when it comes time to resell it you definitely WILL be financially penalized for that fact. This is common knowledge, but not so common when it comes to signing off on damages paid by the insurance company. Hope the rest of your trip goes much much better!

Good luck on the rest of the trip. It’s been my experience that insurance companies typically say equal fault if they insure both especially in a parking lot. I’d also put out some feelers to see if you can figure out where to get it fixed. It may take some time.

Good suggestions. I already started looking around for a place close to where I live (hopefully). Haven’t heard back yet. I’ll call again tomorrow then broaden the search. Also, didn’t think about diminished value. Will definitely ask about that! Thank you!Got to where I’m headed and am settled in and about to eat dinner. Definitely great to be out again!Looking to post photos but it seems I need an external photo account or something. This will take some doin’.

What a way to start a trip | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

deltabravo
Nomad
Sep 17, 2020
The other driver's insurance should be paying for it since they are liable.

Looks like a fairly new Lance.
THe way the back was is all fubared, I'd say it's a factory repair, or total it and walk away, then go camper shopping.
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Sep 17, 2020
Doesn’t matter if your camper is insured if it’s the other party’s fault.
(Even though it is, or isn’t, or is...)
Too many don’t verify things they’re told.
Nice walleye.
Seminoe_Joe
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2020
And yet another update.
My current agent is AWESOME. He found out that I DO have insurance as I was told and understood all along. The main office had filed it incorrectly. So...back in action and going to be able to get it fixed or replaced as needed.
This just keeps getting weirder.
2020, you’re killing me!!!!
Geo_Boy
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2020
We have a separate policy for our TC, required in NY if you want your TC covered. I would go after the other driver for your uncovered damages. I would also change agents, it’s obvious that he/she is looking out for themselves and NOT you. What other things have they overlooked with your insurance?
Seminoe_Joe
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2020
That’s what my previous agent told me. That’s not what State Farm is saying now. Got my current agent working on it to see what he can do.
jimh406
Explorer III
Sep 16, 2020
Generally, the camper is covered when it is in the truck.
Seminoe_Joe
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2020
Well 2020 continues to suck eggs. My insurance called me this morning and there’s good news and bad news. Good news is the other driver is liable for damage to my vehicle. Bad news is my idiot local agent wrote up the policy wrong so my truck camper is not actually covered. This will be a very expensive and painful lesson but some other good news is that the fishing is pretty good. If I was a drinking man I’d be three sheets to the wind right now If I was a drinking man I’d be three sheets to the wind right now.
bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2020
I'm sorry that happened to your camper.
As for insurance, I would go for "totalled".
While that idea might be abhorrent and debatable, there is a very likely chance that there will be hidden damage that you will only discover over time.

Impact to the camper frame on one corner could possibly rack the entire frame enough to crack joint welds if it is aluminum frame.
Or it possibly cracked a plastic water fitting causing a slow leak.

I would never buy a camper that was in a wreck. Diminished value? You bet!
Seminoe_Joe
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2020
Thanks for the link! Here goes:

Here’s what I saw after the crunch sound. Not pretty.

Here’s what I was able to do with my ever-present ratchet straps and some clear tape.

And most importantly, here’s what makes it all worthwhile.
I’ll be spending the next week bumming around some of my favorite spots in Wyoming. Hopefully the insurance business goes smoothly and the repairs go semi-quickly!
Full report when I get back home next week.
jimh406
Explorer III
Sep 16, 2020
To post photos, follow the instructions here.

http://photoposting.is-great.net/?i=3

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What a way to start a trip

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