My glovebox is basically a filing cabinet at this point.
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve told a client to “document everything,” I’d have enough to buy OEM parts for my own car. Honestly, you nailed it—insurers will absolutely try to sneak in aftermarket unless you’re waving receipts like a flag. They’re banking on folks getting tired or confused by the process.
I’ve seen maybe one case where an insurer proactively offered OEM, and it was on a nearly new Lexus with a very, very vocal owner. For anything 10+ years old? You’re fighting uphill, paperwork in hand. It’s not paranoia—it’s survival.
Honestly, I get the whole “document everything” thing, but sometimes I wonder if we’re giving insurers too much credit for being sneaky. Half the time, I feel like they’re just following some script and don’t even care what parts go on my old Honda. I’ve had a couple adjusters just shrug and say, “Whatever’s in the policy.” Maybe it’s luck, or maybe my car’s just not worth the hassle... but I haven’t had to wave receipts around yet.
I get where you’re coming from—sometimes it really does feel like we’re just following a checklist, especially with older cars. But honestly, the “document everything” advice isn’t just about catching sneaky insurers. It’s more like insurance for your insurance, if that makes sense? Most claims go fine, but every now and then something weird pops up—like a missing part or a dispute over what’s “reasonable.” Ever had a situation where you thought it’d be simple, but then you got asked for something random out of nowhere? That’s usually when the receipts come in handy.
It’s more like insurance for your insurance, if that makes sense?
That actually sums it up pretty well. I know it can feel like overkill, but you’d be surprised how often the “random” stuff comes up—like, I once had a guy get asked for proof of a $30 wiper blade replacement after a hit-and-run. Totally unexpected. It’s not always about mistrust, either; sometimes it’s just the way claims get processed. Having those receipts or photos handy just saves so much back-and-forth later.
Having those receipts or photos handy just saves so much back-and-forth later.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, sometimes it feels like we’re asking for way too much. I’ve seen people get tripped up over missing a $10 receipt for an air freshener, and it just drags things out. Sure, documentation helps, but there’s a point where it starts to feel less like protecting yourself and more like jumping through hoops. Not every claim needs a paper trail for every tiny thing, you know?
