Honestly, I don't think AAA has necessarily changed a ton—it's more like specialty cars just don't fit the standard mold. I had a similar thing happen to a good friend who had a vintage VW Beetle. Regular insurers just aren't geared to handle the nuances of classic car repairs (authentic parts, specialized mechanics, etc.). Specialty insurers are pricier, yeah, but sometimes paying a bit extra upfront saves you hassle (and dollars) in the long run...
"Specialty insurers are pricier, yeah, but sometimes paying a bit extra upfront saves you hassle (and dollars) in the long run..."
Exactly this. AAA hasn't really changed much—it's just that the insurance landscape itself has shifted. Regular insurers like AAA are built around volume and standardization. They handle your typical daily drivers just fine, but once you step outside that box—like with classics, modified cars, or even certain luxury models—they're out of their comfort zone.
I've seen it plenty of times: someone brings in a claim for their '68 Mustang or a heavily modded Jeep, and suddenly there's confusion about parts sourcing, labor rates, and valuations. It's not that AAA is intentionally dropping the ball; they're just not set up to handle those unique scenarios efficiently.
Specialty insurers exist precisely because they understand these nuances. They know where to source authentic parts, have relationships with specialized mechanics, and can accurately appraise vehicles that don't fit neatly into standard valuation tools. Sure, you'll pay more upfront—but when something happens (and eventually something always does), you're not stuck arguing over whether your vintage Beetle deserves OEM parts or aftermarket knockoffs.
Bottom line: if you're driving something unique or collectible, bite the bullet and go specialty. It'll save you headaches down the road.
Yeah, I've noticed this too. Had a client once with a restored '72 Corvette—AAA was totally lost figuring out the valuation. Specialty insurers just get it, even if it costs a bit more upfront...
Yeah, AAA's great for everyday cars, but classics or anything unique...not so much. Had a similar issue with a client who owned a vintage Mustang—AAA's valuation was way off, and they didn't seem to grasp the rarity factor. Specialty insurers definitely have the edge there, but honestly, if you're budget-conscious like me, it's worth shopping around. Some mainstream insurers now offer agreed-value policies or classic car riders at competitive rates. Might not have the same niche expertise, but if you know your car's value and do your homework, you can still get solid coverage without breaking the bank.
Has anyone actually had luck getting a mainstream insurer to properly value a luxury or exotic car, though? I've heard about agreed-value policies, but I'm skeptical they'll really understand the nuances—like custom mods, rare trims, or limited editions. AAA definitely seems out of their depth there, but do specialty insurers always justify the extra cost? Curious if anyone's compared claims experiences between specialty and mainstream providers...
