I get where you’re coming from—most of the time, a scratch or two isn’t the end of the world. But I’ve seen some folks get hit with way bigger headaches than just a little paint chip. Last year at a local cruise-in, someone’s door swung open and left a nasty dent in my buddy’s quarter panel. The guy who did it just disappeared into the crowd. Insurance didn’t want to touch it because it was “unidentified,” and the repair cost way more than touch-up paint could fix.
I guess my worry is that it’s not just about show queens—sometimes even daily drivers can get hit with something major when you least expect it. Do you think it’s worth rolling the dice, or is extra coverage just peace of mind for those worst-case scenarios?
Insurance didn’t want to touch it because it was “unidentified,” and the repair cost way more than touch-up paint could fix.
- That’s rough. I’ve had similar luck with insurance—unless you’ve got a name or plate, they’re not much help.
- For me, extra coverage is mostly about peace of mind. I don’t lose sleep over every ding, but big stuff? That’s a different story.
- I guess it comes down to how much risk you’re willing to take. Some folks are fine with a few battle scars, others want their ride spotless.
Ever tried those portable cameras or dash cams at shows? Wondering if they actually help in situations like this...
I’ve actually tried a dash cam at a couple of meets, but honestly, unless you catch someone in the act, it’s not a magic bullet. The footage is only as good as the angle and battery life. Still, it’s better than nothing—at least you feel like you’re doing something proactive.
I get what you mean about dash cams not being a cure-all. I’ve seen folks at shows with all sorts of setups—some even have those little motion sensors that beep if someone gets too close, but honestly, I wonder if that just annoys people more than it deters anything.
From my side of things, I’ve had clients ask if dash cam footage actually helps with claims after an incident at a show. Sometimes it does, but only if it’s clear and actually catches what happened. Otherwise, it’s just another gadget to worry about charging.
Have you ever thought about those GPS trackers or even the old-school steering wheel locks? I know they’re not flashy, but sometimes the low-tech stuff works best... Curious if anyone’s had luck with those or if it’s just overkill for a car meet.
I know they’re not flashy, but sometimes the low-tech stuff works best...
Honestly, I think you’re onto something with the old-school methods. Steering wheel locks might look outdated, but I’ve seen them make people think twice—especially at crowded shows where it’s all about quick deterrence. GPS trackers are great if you’re worried about theft, but for most meets, I’d say visible deterrents do more than folks give them credit for. Sometimes simple is just less hassle, too.
