Our 92 GV burned :-(

Topic: Our 92 GV burned :-( (Read 1941 times) previous topic - next topic

Our 92 GV burned :-(

March 21, 2018, 08:31:03 am

We arrived at a state park in south Florida on Saturday afternoon to start a 2 week vacation. We left about an hour later to get some dinner, and came back to fire trucks and a destroyed motorhome. We didn't have our dogs with us this trip so no loss of life, but we're pretty sure the unit will be totaled due to its age. The fire apparently started in the battery compartment and is electrical related.

Now to navigate the insurance settlement, and I'd love to hear any advice you have.

We are insured with State Farm, along with our house and multiple vehicles, and have been with them 30+ years, so hoping we will be treated as well as we have the one other time we've had a claim.

As you can see on our profile pic and the one below, our GV had a custom paint job and was in really great shape, so we plan to negotiate this as more than the book value. I know you can't expect to get out what you put in, and we bought it already painted, but the book values are so far off reality for older Foretravels. We had a complete new fiberglass roof put on a few weeks before we left, as the original was starting to crack; State Farm has asked me to send them the invoice for that so it looks like they may give us some consideration there.

The basement area is completely destroyed (as is the entry door, where the firemen spent 15 minutes getting in - that's one tough door!). Amazingly, the interior is fine except for smokey smelling clothes and a couple windows they broke out. We have completely removed all our personal items and electronics. What's left is cabinetry, countertops, appliances (including fairly new rooftop a/c units), dining table, etc. in excellent condition. The only interior items that are probably not worth saving are the upholstered items, as they needed recovering anyway (that was my next project). The engine is also likely fine, as the fire was contained to mid-coach.

Is there a market for this interior, that should be recognized by insurance? What about the engine?
I plan to find some listings for the same coach for sale to give a range of current pricing. I'd like them to recognize the salvage value of what's left though.

Any advice or other thoughts are GREATLY appreciated.

Oh, and in case you haven't noticed, the camping community is so great - our "neighbors" in the state park were so sweet, we've had so many offers of help, people brought boxes for us to pack with, water, etc. LOVE the camping community!

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #1 – March 21, 2018, 08:40:17 am

WOW, so sorry to see this.
Just a thought: You haven't done anything or had anything done to the electrical system? If not, could the power hookup have caused the fire?

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #2 – March 21, 2018, 08:43:38 am

Jack & Emily,

So sorry to read about this terrible fire. As you may have noticed, we picked up on your story from a posting on another forum, so It's good to hear from you and know that you two are OK. No words can bring back your beautiful coach, but "things" can be replaced. I don't know anything about navigating the insurance hurdles - others will speak up, I'm sure. Good Luck!

1992 Foretravel Fire! Anyone here?.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #3 – March 21, 2018, 09:03:43 am

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – March 21, 2018, 08:43:38 am

Jack & Emily,

So sorry to read about this terrible fire. As you may have noticed, we picked up on your story from a posting on another forum, so It's good to hear from you and know that you two are OK. No words can bring back your beautiful coach, but "things" can be replaced. I don't know anything about navigating the insurance hurdles - others will speak up, I'm sure. Good Luck!

1992 Foretravel Fire! Anyone here?.

Thanks Chuck & Jeannie, I hadn't seen the other thread. We hadn't seen photos of the fire in progress, as it was already out by the time we got there.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #4 – March 21, 2018, 09:04:23 am

Adjusters are usually trying to do the right thing but they need to have documentation for why they paid what they did so that in a later routine audit they can support their decision. I would look for units that have sold in similar condition (very hard to find) and document any recent things like the roof or tire replacement.

Unfortunately our coaches are like part of the family and we tie a special attachment to them that sometimes is hard to back up with a financial number, especially on such a beautiful classic coach.

Hopefully your agent is a motorhome guy and can help you look for ways to document your loss.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #5 – March 21, 2018, 09:11:06 am

Quote from: nitehawk – March 21, 2018, 08:40:17 am

WOW, so sorry to see this.
Just a thought: You haven't done anything or had anything done to the electrical system? If not, could the power hookup have caused the fire?

Fire inspector believes it started in the battery compartment. We did have two new batteries installed a few weeks ago, although the ones replaced were only 3 years old. I thought that was a bit odd that they needed replaced already but maybe that was normal. Or maybe a sign of an electrical issue?

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #6 – March 21, 2018, 09:23:37 am

Fortunatly you and the DW are OK, no pets lost, unfortunate that you lost such a beautiful coach. Going to be a big hassle I'm sure but hopefully State Farm will be more than fair. A coach like that is hard to find and replace.
Best of luck to y'all.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #7 – March 21, 2018, 09:26:38 am

Once had State Farm. Parents had State Farm. Zero claims from either of us....ever!!
Canceled S.F. 54 years ago.
Filed a claim with them for a hit & run in a parking garage. '57 Volkswagen front & rear end severely damaged, along with transmission. Another vehicle apparently thought our parking space was empty and tried to park in where we were.
Standard trans wouldn't work after the hit.
S.F, denied trans damage, and then proceeded to raise our premium!!

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #8 – March 21, 2018, 10:04:29 am

My sister is a insurance broker and told me that after our Airstream was wrecked, it would be best to not file a claim, in that the insurance co. would total it and prolly cancel, due to my age (72)! She also said all insurance companies communicate and I might have a problem getting insured for the FT. What a crock, after so many years!

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #9 – March 21, 2018, 11:37:21 am

Glad y'all are ok. As others have said the M/h can be replaced. Good luck with the insurance.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #10 – March 21, 2018, 11:48:56 am

SO sorry! That is just heartbreaking to see .... but so very glad you are OK and adopting the "it is just stuff" mentality. That is hard mental work, to be sure, but it is the only way to go. I am thinking that there will be calls to Mac the Fire Guy for some small fire suppression units for the battery compartments of some rigs, now that we see your very sad photos. They are not just for your fridge compartments, it seems!

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #11 – March 21, 2018, 01:26:32 pm

So very sad to see this. I have had bad dreams about having a fire on our coach, and I'm probably not the only one on this forum.
About three years ago, I saw pictures of your coach on your introductory post. I saved them in my Foretravel photos folder. Personally, I can't stand white vehicles. Have been dreaming of getting a sweet paint job on "George", and your coach was the nicest I have seen (for MY tastes, anyway). I sure hope that the damage can be repaired and you can keep enjoying your "rolling house". I'd hate to hear of that beautiful motorcoach being consigned to history.
Glad to know that you and yours are OK after this. Bless those "neighbor" campers for their efforts while you were away during the fire. Ya gotta love the coaching community. Have yet to meet a bad apple.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #12 – March 21, 2018, 01:45:50 pm

As with the others, I'm really happy no one was hurt. It is incredible that the fire was localized. Usually motorhomes are "well involved" by the time engine companies arrive (personal experience) due to light weight materials and formaldehyde used in construction. This adds to my appreciation of FT.
You are on the right track with regard to getting sales information on similar coaches. Since the fire damage did not extend to the interior of the coach, you may consider taking the settlement and then buying the "salvage" (coach) for very little money. I have friends who have done this with cars and ended up ahead after they had the repairs done.
We use Progressive insurance and are insured for "stated value", because the NADA values are so low. You determine what the real cost to replace it would be and pay the appropriate premiums. I believe this is good info for all FT owners.
Good luck
Sven

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #13 – March 21, 2018, 01:55:40 pm

Quote from: Carol Savournin – March 21, 2018, 11:48:56 am

SO sorry! That is just heartbreaking to see .... but so very glad you are OK and adopting the "it is just stuff" mentality. That is hard mental work, to be sure, but it is the only way to go. I am thinking that there will be calls to Mac the Fire Guy for some small fire suppression units for the battery compartments of some rigs, now that we see your very sad photos. They are not just for your fridge compartments, it seems!

I actually thought the fridge might have been the culprit, remembering something about Dometic units having a fire-related recall a few years ago (although ours was newer, we were told by the previous owners that it had been replace I believe due to that recall). Turns out there does not appear to be any damage to the back of the fridge via the exterior access door, so I'm pretty sure it is not fridge related.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #14 – March 21, 2018, 02:17:30 pm

Quote from: EPEisenman – March 21, 2018, 09:11:06 am

Fire inspector believes it started in the battery compartment. We did have two new batteries installed a few weeks ago, although the ones replaced were only 3 years old. I thought that was a bit odd that they needed replaced already but maybe that was normal. Or maybe a sign of an electrical issue?

I think you are on the right track with thoughts of the recent battery work and the "early" battery replacement. 3 years is pretty short service life for batteries, assuming they were being properly maintained. I'm betting you had some sort of electrical malfunction related to batteries and/or battery charging circuit. Just a guess...

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #15 – March 21, 2018, 02:32:13 pm

Which Inverter/charger did you have in the coach?

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #16 – March 21, 2018, 02:41:47 pm

Quote from: stevec22 – March 21, 2018, 02:32:13 pm

Which Inverter/charger did you have in the coach?

We had not changed it out in the 3 years we owned the coach, presuming it was the original?

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #17 – March 21, 2018, 02:43:36 pm

Sorry to hear about your loss, a real bummer to have that happen.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #18 – March 21, 2018, 03:16:37 pm

So sorry about the loss but important thing is no one got hurt. The others are right. We love our stuff but it is just stuff. Been down your road. Stood in the middle of the street in 95 and watched my Ace Hardware store burn to the ground. A year later we had a new , better store and it all worked out. Hope your story has a similar ending.

Now the question. For hot rods, classic cars, and the like there is an insurance instrument called " stated value " polices. You state the value of the car etc. then pay rates accordingly. There are of course limitations but this might be an avenue for those like me who have " classic " rigs. Does anyone out there know anything about this and have any insight?

Thanks to all.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #19 – March 21, 2018, 03:31:38 pm

That is what we did on our coach. We came up with an agreed value which was $60,000. in our case as they did not want to go much higher. You may need documentation (we had it) and pics. I was very easy and did not cost that much more.

John

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #20 – March 21, 2018, 03:38:12 pm

Quote from: John and Stacey – March 21, 2018, 03:31:38 pm

That is what we did on our coach. We came up with an agreed value which was $60,000. in our case as they did not want to go much higher. You may need documentation (we had it) and pics. I was very easy and did not cost that much more.

John

I'm familiar with stated value insurance, as that is what I have on my 1987 BMW convertible. Insured through a carrier who specializes in classic cars, and since it is not my daily driver, it's actually cheaper than State Farm was. But don't have that on the motorhome. Lesson learned.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #21 – March 21, 2018, 03:59:38 pm

John : Who is your insurance carrier. Have any contact information?

Thanks

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #22 – March 21, 2018, 04:09:09 pm

We had Progressive, they went up this year quite a bit, complained, they came down a bit...sorry not enough.
We are now using Safeco...our agent is Berg Insurance Group(Robert Berg),16724 Telge Rd, Cypress, TX 77429, (281) 351-6944
Tell him John Smith recommended him, may help....He has my home, business, and vehicles insurance. I call him every time there is an increase and he has always done us right. If you have any questions feel free to call me...713.907.4311

John

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #23 – March 21, 2018, 04:31:04 pm

Opinions are like ....
Well, you've heard that before.
I'm a retired property/casualty claims rep. Sent you a pm. willing to discuss loss and claim with you.

Re: Our 92 GV burned :-(

Reply #24 – March 21, 2018, 05:06:13 pm

Quote from: Mogan David – March 21, 2018, 04:31:04 pm

Opinions are like ....
Well, you've heard that before.
I'm a retired property/casualty claims rep. Sent you a pm. willing to discuss loss and claim with you.

Thanks, messaged you back. You can call me at your convenience if you prefer.

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