DOES YOUR RIDE NEED EXTRA PROTECTION AT CAR SHOWS?
I get where you’re coming from—car shows can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve put a lot of time (and money) into your ride. I’m pretty particular about my car, but I’m also not looking to throw cash at every “just in case” scenario. Honestly, extra insurance is one of those things that sounds good on paper, but the fine print can be a nightmare. Like you said, insurance companies will look for any reason to deny a claim. I had an issue once with a scratched wheel—nothing major, but because I didn’t have a recent enough photo, they wouldn’t cover it. That was a lesson learned.
I do think there’s value in keeping some kind of record, even if it’s just a quick video before each show. It doesn’t have to be fancy or super organized—just enough to prove what was on the car and its condition. I keep everything in a cloud folder so it’s not lost if my phone goes missing or gets wiped.
As for leaving expensive stuff at home, I’ve definitely done that when I felt uneasy about the venue or crowd. There’s no shame in prioritizing peace of mind over showing off every last mod. Sometimes I’ll swap out the high-end wheels for stock ones or leave the rare badges off if it’s not a big event. It’s not ideal, but neither is dealing with theft or damage.
One thing that helps: check if your regular auto policy covers “agreed value” or “stated value” for modifications and accessories. Some insurers offer this as an add-on, and it can make claims less of a headache since you’ve already set the value up front. It usually costs less than full-blown show car insurance but gives you more protection than standard coverage.
At the end of the day, it comes down to how much risk you’re willing to take on versus what you’d actually lose if something happened. For me, unless it’s a really high-profile event or I’m displaying something irreplaceable, I stick with basic precautions and don’t go overboard with extra coverage. Just my take—everyone’s comfort level is different.
DOES YOUR RIDE NEED EXTRA PROTECTION AT CAR SHOWS?
That’s a good point about insurance fine print—sometimes it feels like you need a law degree just to file a claim. I’m with you on the “quick video” trick though. I’ve started doing that before road trips too, just in case. Honestly, I’m not sure I’d ever pay for extra show coverage unless my car was worth more than my house... which, let’s be real, is not happening anytime soon. Swapping out the fancy stuff for peace of mind makes sense to me.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think a lot of folks underestimate the risks at car shows—even if your ride isn’t some six-figure unicorn. It’s not just about theft or major damage; I’ve seen people brush up against cars with belt buckles, or kids with sticky hands getting way too close. Even a minor scratch or ding can be a headache to fix, especially if you’re particular about your paint.
I know extra coverage can feel like overkill, but sometimes peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks, even for us “regular” car owners. I’d rather pay a little now than get stuck with a repair bill later. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but after seeing a buddy’s car get keyed at a show a few years back, I’m not taking chances. Just my two cents—sometimes the “it won’t happen to me” mindset is what gets you.
DOES YOUR RIDE NEED EXTRA PROTECTION AT CAR SHOWS?
Even a minor scratch or ding can be a headache to fix, especially if you’re particular about your paint.
Couldn’t agree more. I’m not rolling in a collector’s dream car, but I’ve spent enough time (and money) keeping my daily driver looking decent that the idea of some random kid’s ice cream smearing across my fender makes me cringe. People think “it’s just a car,” but they don’t realize how much effort goes into keeping it nice.
I used to think extra coverage was just for the high-end guys, but after seeing a friend get stuck with a $500 bill for a door ding at a local show, I changed my tune. That stuff adds up fast, especially if you’re on a budget. Honestly, even if you’re careful, you can’t control what others do—one careless move and you’re out more than the cost of extra insurance.
I get that it feels like overkill sometimes, but peace of mind is worth something. Plus, fixing paint isn’t cheap anymore... not with labor rates these days. I’d rather skip eating out for a month than risk having to repaint half my car.
Honestly, even if you’re careful, you can’t control what others do—one careless move and you’re out more than the cost of extra insurance.
That’s the part that gets overlooked a lot. You can baby your car all you want, but once it’s parked at a show, it’s basically at the mercy of everyone else’s attention span. I’ve seen people squeeze between cars with backpacks, strollers, you name it... and half the time they don’t even realize they’ve brushed up against your paint.
Extra coverage isn’t just for the Barrett-Jackson crowd either. A lot of policies will let you add “event” or “exhibition” coverage for not much more per year. It’s worth checking if your current insurer offers something like that—sometimes it’s as simple as a phone call before the show.
I get why some folks think it’s overkill, but with repair costs these days, even a small scratch can turn into a big bill. Personally, I’d rather pay a little upfront than stress every time someone walks too close with a belt buckle or purse zipper.
