Totally get where you’re coming from. I had a similar run-in with an adjuster who acted like my dash cam didn’t exist until I sent them three different angles. This part hit home:
Some companies will say one thing on the phone and then act clueless when it’s time to pay out.
It’s wild how fast they “forget” those conversations. You’re spot on about getting everything in writing—saved me a headache more than once. Delaware insurance really does feel like a moving target sometimes, but being thorough pays off. Good on you for staying sharp about it.
Man, Delaware insurance is like playing dodgeball blindfolded—never know what’s coming at you next. I swear, adjusters must have selective memory when it comes to phone promises. Last year, I had to dig up old emails just to prove a rep said something about my coverage. Felt like I was prepping for a court case, not a fender bender. Keeping receipts (literal and digital) is the only way I sleep at night... well, that and not driving after midnight anymore.
Title: Finding decent car insurance in Delaware without losing your mind
That’s a pretty spot-on description of dealing with insurance here. I’ve seen more than a few folks get tripped up by what was said on the phone versus what actually ends up in the paperwork. It’s wild how much can get “lost in translation” between a call and the official docs. You’re definitely not alone in feeling like you need to keep a paper trail for everything.
One thing I always tell people—never rely on just a phone conversation, no matter how friendly or reassuring the rep sounds. If you get any info about your coverage, ask for it in writing, even if it feels awkward. Most companies will send an email summary if you request it, and if they won’t, that’s already a red flag.
Another step that helps: after every call, jot down who you spoke to, the date and time, and what was discussed. Even just scribbling it in your notes app can save you later. If something doesn’t match up down the line, having those details makes it way easier to push back.
I know it sounds tedious—like you said, prepping for court over a fender bender—but unfortunately, that’s kind of the reality right now. Delaware’s insurance market is small and sometimes feels like it runs on its own set of rules. I’ve seen people get different answers from two reps at the same company within an hour of each other... which is honestly baffling.
One thing I might gently disagree with: not driving after midnight is smart for safety (and rates), but sometimes claims issues pop up no matter when you’re on the road. The best defense really is keeping those receipts and records handy.
If it helps at all, most adjusters aren’t out to get anyone—they’re just juggling way too many cases at once. But yeah, mistakes happen, and it’s frustrating when you’re the one left sorting them out.
Hang in there. You’re doing all the right things by keeping records and double-checking everything. It shouldn’t be this complicated, but until things change... being your own advocate is key.
Couldn’t agree more about the need to keep everything in writing. I’ve had reps tell me one thing about coverage for my car, then the docs say something totally different—especially when it comes to “agreed value” versus “actual cash value.” Ever notice how the details for luxury models seem to get lost in the shuffle? I always wonder if anyone’s actually reading the VINs or just plugging in generic info. Has anyone managed to get a straight answer on OEM parts coverage in Delaware? I’ve had to push back a few times just to get clarity, and it’s never as simple as it should be.
Yeah, I’ve run into the same nonsense with “agreed value” vs. “actual cash value”—it’s like they hope you won’t notice the difference until it’s too late. Had a claim last year and suddenly my “premium” coverage didn’t mean squat for OEM parts. They tried to stick me with aftermarket junk, even though my paperwork said otherwise. I swear, half these reps just read off a script and don’t bother checking the VIN or trim level. If you don’t push back hard, they’ll walk all over you. Delaware’s supposed to have some consumer protections, but good luck getting a straight answer without three phone calls and a headache.
