"Keeping detailed maintenance logs saved me big-time when I had to justify a valuation after a minor fender-bender...definitely worth the hassle."
Couldn't agree more with this point. I had a similar experience when my '67 Mustang got rear-ended at a stoplight. My insurer initially offered a valuation that was way off the mark. Fortunately, I'd kept meticulous records of every restoration step, part replacement, and even minor tune-ups. Presenting these logs helped significantly in negotiating a fair settlement. It's tedious, but documenting everything really does pay off in the long run.
Great points about documentation—definitely helps clear things up from the insurance side. Curious though, did you guys also get formal appraisals done periodically, or just rely on maintenance logs and receipts? I've seen cases where detailed records alone weren't quite enough to sway valuation disputes, especially with rare or heavily customized classics...
I've mostly stuck to maintenance logs and receipts myself, but after a buddy's nightmare trying to prove value on his custom '68 Mustang, I started getting formal appraisals every couple years. Costs a bit extra, but peace of mind on road trips is worth it...
You're smart to go the appraisal route. Had a similar wake-up call myself a couple years back. I was cruising along the coast in my '72 Corvette when some guy rear-ended me at a stoplight—nothing major, thankfully, but enough to make me sweat about insurance. I'd always figured receipts and photos were enough, but when it came time to prove the car's value, things got dicey real fast. Ended up okay, but man, the hassle...
After that, I started getting formal appraisals done regularly too. Yeah, it's an extra expense and a bit of a hassle scheduling them, but the peace of mind is priceless. Especially if you're taking longer road trips or attending shows out of state. You never know when you'll have to deal with an adjuster who doesn't "get" vintage cars. Better safe than sorry, right?
I've been thinking about getting an appraisal for my '68 Mustang, but honestly, I've always been skeptical about how much difference it really makes. I mean, insurance companies are notorious for finding loopholes anyway, right? Still, your story makes me reconsider a bit...
Have you (or anyone else here) ever had to actually use one of these appraisals in a claim situation? Curious if the adjusters genuinely respect them or if they still try to lowball you regardless. Seems like there's always some fine print or technicality lurking around the corner when dealing with insurance.
