If possible could you try explain what our best bets to insure an easy claims process as we deal primarily with vintage or custom bikes, experiance with ups and FedEx direct can be awful as far as comparables if your lucky get that far.
I'd like to have an idea as a shipper what I can do to help assure heaven forbid worst case senerrio....
It can get nerve wracking when you have 5 bikes in route at a time....
Last thing I want to do is be denied a claim that I assumed was going to be covered.
Thanks again.
That is a super good question! Damage to a bike sucks, especially an irreplaceable one. Normal shipping conditions are your bike can be upside down, on it's side, or stacked; that is pretty normal. The best way to prevent damage is to package it using great packaging materials!
Claims are super easy at Bikeflights. First, always add "
Declared Value" on our website to your package. We do NOT use our service providers Claim system,
and all of your claims are in front of people who know and understand bikes. Your claim will be denied if you chose "0" as the value of your shipment. We ship everything from huffys, to carbon race bikes, so we do not have a standard value we put on packages.
Here is a pretty basic overview. Submit evidence that your bike was packaged correctly, such as pictures of the materials used to package and how it was packaged. Take pictures of the damage, and submit either a receipt for repair or replacement. The more evidence and good pictures you submit showing your bike was packaged using actual packaging material, the easier we can get it approved. The sooner we receive the information, the sooner we can get you approved!
With vintage bikes, I know a lot of parts are irreplaceable, and the most common damage I see are to Fenders, and other random parts on the bikes that are a little fragile or easily bendable. Always take fenders off. Your package is in a trailer with several other packages. Normal shipping conditions are they will stack it, and lay it on it's side.
My advice is always add in extra padding. If damage occurs, take pictures of how it was packaged and packaging material showing it was decently packaged. Send those in, and work with us on how to make it right.
Here are 2 links that will help you.
https://www.bikeflights.com/pack
https://www.bikeflights.com/shippingpolicy
