Definitely agree with all of this—no matter how careful you are, it’s just impossible to control the crowd. A few things I’ve learned over the years:
- Even “do not touch” signs don’t stop everyone. Some folks just don’t get it.
- Event coverage is a lifesaver. I once had someone lean over my hood for a selfie and left a watch-shaped dent. Insurance handled it, thankfully.
- If you’re showing something high-end, sometimes peace of mind is worth the extra cost.
Honestly, it’s less about being paranoid and more about being realistic. The cost of a single repair can easily eclipse the price of extra coverage.
Never fails—no matter how many signs you put up, someone’s gonna touch the paint. I get why folks want the extra insurance, but honestly, sometimes the price just feels steep for a regular car. Has anyone found a decent middle ground? Like, is there short-term coverage that doesn’t cost a fortune? I don’t show anything fancy, just my daily driver, but even a small scratch would annoy me...
Has anyone found a decent middle ground? Like, is there short-term coverage that doesn’t cost a fortune?
You’re right, the cost for “event” insurance can feel out of proportion, especially if you’re not showing a classic or high-value car. Here’s what I usually suggest: check if your current policy covers “comprehensive” damage at off-site events—sometimes it does, sometimes not. If not, some companies offer per-event riders or short-term add-ons, but you’ll need to ask specifically. They’re not always advertised. It’s not always cheap, but for a daily driver, you might get away with a lower deductible or limited coverage just for the show. Worth double-checking your policy wording—sometimes there’s more flexibility than it seems.
Not sure I totally buy that there’s “more flexibility than it seems” in most standard policies. I’ve seen plenty of claims get denied because the car was at an event and the fine print excluded that kind of use. Even if you ask your agent, sometimes they’ll say you’re covered, but the underwriter sees it differently when something actually happens. Has anyone actually had a claim paid out for damage at a show under their regular comprehensive? Just seems risky to assume unless you’ve got it in writing.
You’re right to be cautious—those exclusions can be tricky, and I’ve seen situations where the agent’s word didn’t line up with the actual policy language. It really does come down to what’s in writing, not just what you’re told over the phone. I’ve handled claims where folks thought they were covered at a show, only for the underwriter to point to that “public exhibition” clause. It’s frustrating, but reading every bit of the fine print (and getting clarifications in writing) is the safest bet. The risk is real if you’re assuming coverage based on a conversation alone.
