I live in rural Ohio. My nearest authorized Onewheel service center is in California. When I crashed and bent the rails, the repair quote was $400, but shipping the 35lb board back and forth was going to cost $200. I needed to know if insurance covers the logistics.
Key Takeaways
- Transportation Costs: Most standard policies only pay for the repair (parts and labor). They rarely cover the shipping cost to get it there unless specifically stated.
- The “Reasonable Repairs” Clause: You can argue that shipping is necessary to effect the repair. Some adjusters will approve it if there are no local options.
- DIY Payouts: If shipping is too high, ask the adjuster if they will pay you the labor rate directly, and you fix it yourself (if you are capable).
- Trip Interruption: Some premium policies cover shipping the bike/board home if you crash while traveling.
The “Why” (Indemnity)
“We will pay the cost to repair or replace.”
They argue “cost to repair” means the mechanic’s bill. You argue “cost to repair” includes getting it to the mechanic.
The Investigation: The Shipping Label
I negotiated with three adjusters.
1. The Hardliner
- Stance: “We pay the invoice from the shop. Shipping is your responsibility.”
2. The Specialist (Sundays)
- Stance: “We cover ‘Logistics’ up to $100 if no local repair is available.” (Check specific policy wording).
3. The Workaround
- Stance: The shop adds the return shipping to the final repair invoice as “Handling.” The insurer pays the total invoice. This often works.
Comparison Table
| Cost Item | Covered? | Note |
| Parts | Yes | Minus Deductible |
| Labor | Yes | Standard Shop Rate |
| Inbound Shipping | No (Usually) | Negotiable |
| Return Shipping | Maybe | If billed by shop |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Ask the Shop to Bill Shipping: Do not buy your own label at UPS. Ask the shop to generate the label and put it on the repair estimate.
- Verify “Local”: Prove to the adjuster there is no authorized shop within 50 miles. Screenshot the dealer locator map.
- Bundle the Claim: Ensure the total (Repair + Shipping) exceeds your deductible significantly. If repair is $200 and shipping is $100, and deductible is $200, it’s barely worth it.
FAQ
Can I take it to a local bike shop instead?
Only if they are willing to work on it and issue a formal invoice.
[IMAGE: Map showing “0 Service Centers found within 100 miles”]