Good points raised here, though I'd advise caution on relying too heavily on informal notes. I've seen insurers get picky if the claim is substantial or unusual—especially with vintage vehicles. Had a client once whose handwritten mechanic receipts were questioned because they lacked specific details. Ended up okay, but it was stressful. Maybe consider backing up casual documentation with more formal invoices whenever possible? Curious if anyone's had similar experiences with larger claims...
Had a similar situation myself a couple years back. Client had this gorgeous '68 Mustang, kept meticulous handwritten notes on every little tweak and tune-up. Thought we were golden until the insurer started nitpicking about "lack of official documentation." Took weeks of back-and-forth before they finally caved. Lesson learned—now I always tell folks, handwritten notes are great for nostalgia, but formal invoices save headaches...and hairlines.
"handwritten notes are great for nostalgia, but formal invoices save headaches...and hairlines."
Ha, that made me chuckle...but honestly, aren't handwritten notes at least somewhat valid if they're detailed enough? Curious if insurers ever accept them as supplementary proof alongside official docs. Anyone had luck with that?
Handwritten notes might feel reassuring, but honestly, they're not worth much when things get messy with insurers. Had an issue a while back trying to prove some engine work was done by an old-school mechanic who only scribbled stuff down. Thought detailed notes would help... nope. Insurer basically shrugged it off.
The thing is, insurers want accountability and traceability—official invoices give them that. Handwritten stuff just leaves too much room for doubt or interpretation if there's ever a dispute. Even if the detail is there, it doesn't mean much unless there's a proper business header, date stamps, and signatures that can be verified.
If you're stuck with handwritten notes from a mechanic who isn't big on formal paperwork (been there), try at least backing them up with photos of the work being done or receipts for parts purchased separately. That helped me once when I had no official invoice but could at least show proof of parts bought around the same time as the handwritten note. Still wasn't ideal, but better than nothing.
Bottom line: nostalgia doesn't pay out claims. Better safe than sorry—get proper documentation whenever possible.
I get your point about insurers preferring official paperwork, but honestly, I've had a different experience. A couple years back, my vintage bike needed some serious carb work, and the mechanic I trust is one of those old-school guys who barely even owns a printer. All I had was his handwritten notes and a few photos I snapped while he was elbow-deep in grease.
When I had to file a claim later (long story involving a minor garage fire), the insurer initially pushed back, sure. But once I explained the situation clearly and provided those photos along with the handwritten notes, they actually accepted it without much fuss. The key was being upfront and detailed about why official invoices weren't available.
So yeah, official docs are ideal, but don't underestimate the value of clear communication and supporting evidence like photos or parts receipts. Sometimes insurers can be more flexible than you'd think...depends on who you're dealing with and how you present your case.
