if you can document it like you’re auditioning for CSI, you’re probably covered.
That’s actually spot on—good documentation is half the battle. I’ve seen claims get delayed just because someone forgot to snap a wide shot of the scene or missed a close-up of the damage. One time, a guy sent in photos that were so blurry, we couldn’t even tell which car was his. Had to go back and forth for days.
But I’d add: if your parked car got hit and there’s any chance it was a hit-and-run, definitely file a police report—even if it feels like overkill. Some insurance policies require that for uninsured motorist coverage. It’s annoying, but skipping that step can mean your claim gets denied or stuck in limbo.
My usual checklist: take clear photos from all angles (including street signs or landmarks), jot down the time and location, look for witnesses or cameras nearby, and file online with the police if they won’t come out. It’s tedious, but it saves headaches later.
Honestly, if it’s a classic ride, I’d go overboard with the photos—can’t trust adjusters to know what’s original and what’s not. I had a buddy who missed snapping the trim damage on his ’68 Mustang and it turned into a nightmare. And yeah, police report every time, even if it feels like paperwork hell. Insurance will look for any excuse to wiggle out of paying, trust me. Better safe than sorry, especially with older cars where parts are a pain to replace.
Yeah, totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve seen insurance try to lowball folks just because they didn’t have enough pics or paperwork. It’s a pain, but covering every angle really does save headaches later. Classic parts are a nightmare to source, for sure.
You’re not wrong about the paperwork and photos—having everything documented makes a huge difference if things get complicated. I’ve seen claims fall apart over missing receipts or unclear photos, especially with older cars where parts are tough to track down. It’s a hassle up front, but it really does help your case. Sometimes I wonder if folks realize just how picky insurance can get when there’s not enough info... It’s frustrating, but covering your bases is the best bet, even if it feels like overkill at the time.
Sometimes I wonder if folks realize just how picky insurance can get when there’s not enough info...
Yeah, the paperwork side feels like a chore, but it’s saved my bacon before. My “system” is basically: snap pics of everything (even the random screws on the ground), keep receipts in a shoebox, and email myself copies. It’s not pretty, but when my old Civic got rear-ended, I had every doc ready to go. Insurance still made me jump through hoops, but at least I wasn’t hunting for stuff. It’s a pain, but way cheaper than getting denied.
