[TowerTalk] Slightly OT - antenna damage

[David Robbins]

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 at aol.com wrote:


In a message dated 6/9/2011 5:23:06 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, 
towertalk-request at 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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