i have been through this a couple times now. the process usually goes like
this:
1. get a pro like k7lxc or kc1xx to write up an estimate that includes
EVERYTHING, travel time for crew, removal of broken antennas, the new antennas,
feedlines, assembly, installation, etc, etc.
2. the insurance adjuster reviews the estimate and declares it too big, they go
to anyone they can find in your area that has 'antenna' in their business name
and gets a lowball estimate based on installation of a tv antenna or business
band vertical.
3. you get the name of the other guy, call them up, get them to admit they have
never seen a tower like yours and have no idea what they are doing.
4. you go back to the adjuster and tell them the other guy isn't qualified to
touch your tower. now here you have a decision to make.... if you are
actually going to do the work yourself you can offer to cut the expense by
about 50% off the estimate, which will make the adjuster feel like they won,
take the cash and buy some better antennas and put them up yourself. OR you
can hold out for the pro to come and actually do the work. I have gone both
ways and it comes out about even one way or the other.
remember, removal of damaged antennas is NOT something to be taken lightly...
especially if there is any hint of damage to the tower itself. if the antennas
are unbalanced or in a condition where they may break during removal it is
definately a job for a pro.
Jun 9, 2011 01:00:05 PM, K7LXC@aol.com wrote:
In a message dated 6/9/2011 5:23:06 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request@contesting.com writes:
> While I was in Asia a tornado came through the yard and damaged three
antennas - two of the three antennas on the tower and one ground mounted. My
insurance company isn't exactly sure how to figure the damage and thought
maybe an electrician could look at the antennas. I am sure some readers
have been through this kind of thing and I was wondering how it was handled.
by their insurance company. Let's not clutter the forum with replies but if
you have experience and you are willing to share your experience I would
appreciate an off-forum note to w6nws [at] arrl.net.
My condolences on your damage.
I do insurance estimates and have done several dozen over the
years. Electricians don't know anything about this kind of thing and neither
does your insurance agent.
Your insurance company wants a professional estimate because they
want the work to be done by professionals. If you send me photos of your
damage, I can give you an estimate. I charge $100 for my time to prepare it.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for amateurs
Cell: 206-890-4188
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