I hear you on the belt buckle thing—had a guy with a big metal watch once, just resting his arm on my door while he chatted. Left a nice little swirl mark as a souvenir. I try to be friendly at shows, but sometimes folks just don’t realize how easy it is to leave a mark.
I’ve found that being present helps, but it’s not foolproof. Some people are just in their own world, especially if they’re excited about your car. I started bringing those little “please don’t touch” signs—not in-your-face, just something subtle by the windshield or on the dash. It’s not perfect, but it gives people pause before they get too close.
Insurance is a must for me too, even though dealing with claims can be a headache. I had to file once after someone’s kid scratched my quarter panel with a toy car (seriously). Took weeks to sort out, but at least I wasn’t out of pocket for the repair.
One thing that’s helped my peace of mind: I take detailed photos of my car before every show. If something does happen, it’s easier to prove the damage wasn’t there before. Not saying everyone needs to go full CSI, but it saved me some hassle last time.
At the end of the day, you can only do so much. Being there, having insurance, maybe a sign or two... it all adds up. But yeah, I still get nervous when someone leans in with keys dangling from their belt loop. Guess that’s just part of the territory when you care about your ride as much as we do.
DOES YOUR RIDE NEED EXTRA PROTECTION AT CAR SHOWS?
That photo tip is spot on—makes life easier if you do need to file a claim. One thing I’d add: jot down the date and location with the pics, just in case. And yeah, insurance is a pain but it’s a lifesaver when stuff happens. I’ve seen people try to buff out scratches themselves at shows and make it worse... sometimes it’s better to go through the process, even if it takes a while.
Totally agree on the photo tip, and yeah, jotting down the date/location is clutch. I’ve seen way too many folks try to “fix” a scratch themselves and end up with a bigger mess or uneven paint. Insurance can feel like a hassle, but honestly, it’s cheaper in the long run if something big happens. Just make sure your policy actually covers show events—some don’t unless you add it on, which trips people up. It’s worth double-checking before you roll in.
DOES YOUR RIDE NEED EXTRA PROTECTION AT CAR SHOWS?
I get where you’re coming from about insurance, but honestly, I think people sometimes overestimate what it’ll actually do for them at a car show. I’ve had a couple of “incidents” over the years—one time a kid leaned on my S-Class with a belt buckle, another time someone tried to squeeze between cars and left a nice little scuff. Both times, I checked my policy, and guess what? The deductible was so high it didn’t make sense to even file a claim. Plus, my premiums would’ve shot up. In the end, I just paid out of pocket for a pro detailer who specializes in high-end finishes. Way less hassle.
I’m not saying skip insurance altogether—obviously you need it for the big stuff, like theft or major damage—but for minor scratches and dings at shows, I honestly think it’s smarter to invest in good paint protection film or ceramic coating. That’s saved me more than once. And if you’re showing something rare or vintage, half the value is in the originality of the paint anyway. Insurance isn’t going to fix that if some amateur tries to buff out a scratch and ruins the patina.
Also, about those “show event” riders—some of them are ridiculously expensive and full of loopholes. Read the fine print... some won’t cover you if your car is unlocked or if you’re not standing right there when something happens. It’s wild.
I’d say: document everything, sure, but don’t rely on insurance as your main line of defense. Physical protection and being picky about where you park at shows has done more for me than any policy ever has. Just my two cents from someone who’s been burned by both sides of this.
DOES YOUR RIDE NEED EXTRA PROTECTION AT CAR SHOWS?
- 100% agree on the insurance front. I’ve read through my policy more times than I care to admit, and the exclusions list is longer than the coverage. Like you said, deductibles make small claims pointless.
- Paint protection film is a game changer. I had it put on my ’67 Mustang after a rock chip at a show—worth every penny. Ceramic coating helps too, but it’s not magic against careless people.
- On the “event rider” thing: I’ve seen some that won’t pay out if the car’s windows are cracked open or if you’re more than 10 feet away. It’s almost like they’re looking for reasons not to pay.
- For rare cars, I’m with you—original paint is sacred. I’d rather deal with a tiny scratch than risk a repaint or some hack job “touch-up.”
- One thing I’d add: bring your own stanchions or rope barriers if the show allows it. People seem less likely to lean in when there’s a physical boundary.
- And yeah, park away from high-traffic areas if you can. It’s not always possible, but it’s saved me from door dings more than once.
Insurance is a safety net, but prevention and smart prep go way further at shows.
