Topic: Custom bike liability insurance

[jreich]

I'm curious if someone could shed some light on what type of insurance, if any, a custom bike builder needs to carry to cover anything that might go wrong after the sale is completed.

I know that with most decent builders, nothing should go wrong, however I am curious how they account and protect themselves from the occasional structural mishap.

What about modifications many of us do to our bikes.....when we sell the bike, does the new owner automatically assume liability for anything that goes wrong? Must we have them sign some type of release of liability to protect ourselves?

Thanks for any feedback.

JD

[754]

Sell it as a show bike or off road track bike, with no warranty EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.

But that wont stop  any possibility of a future lawsuit. Most shops are required to carry liabilty insurance for  work performed and often as a requirement for obtaining a lease .

It is all risk based, higher the risk, the higher the rates, and they will have no problem finding something to bump the rates, do you weld..yes (higher rates)  Do you paint ..even higher..in this town now to put up a legal booth, between 20-30 K!!Heaven forbid you even mention the word brakes or front end.. that will often bump the rates so much that in some cases you are money ahead by not doing that work..

Which brings me too, work that did not happen...

You want say a caliper mounted or a brake thinned.. so you find someone that is capable or does it often. However there will be no recipt or payment by cheque..if you want it done. That or..your disc is billed as turn down thickness of weld-on pipe flange.. or something similar.

So basically the condensed version, you buy some liabliity insurance and hope it is enough to pull you through.. or face the prospect of getting sued for anything you own if something goes wrong.. good luck.. its tougher now than it has ever been..

[jreich]

Thanks for the feedback 754

As for selling bikes as an individual to another individual, would the same liability apply? Anything that a seller can do to completely remove themselves from liability, such as a contract?

How many bikes can a person sell per year as an individual before they have to register as a dealer, or business?

Cheers!
JD

[dustyc]

I recall the Dodge Tomahawk was not sold as a running bike.  That's how they covered their butts.  Then the owner could put the necessary parts on to make it go at their own risk.

[fuzzybutt]

Thanks for the feedback 754

How many bikes can a person sell per year as an individual before they have to register as a dealer, or business?

Cheers!
JD

all depends on what state youre in

[tramp]

i believe that all sales are as is unless a warranty is implied