Honestly, it’s wild how they just ignore stuff like new tires or brakes. I get that they need a standard, but when you’ve just dropped a few hundred bucks making your car safer, it stings to have it all wiped out with zero acknowledgment. I’ve tried arguing my case before—no dice. It’s like unless you’re restoring a ‘68 Mustang, they don’t care. Still, I keep my receipts too, just in case. Maybe one day the system will catch up and actually reward people for taking care of their cars... but I’m not holding my breath.
Yeah, it’s frustrating how none of that upkeep matters when it comes to insurance payouts. I’ve had the same thing happen—put new tires on, replaced the brakes, then a month later someone rear-ends me and the adjuster just shrugs at all the receipts. I get that they have to use book value, but it feels like there should be some credit for keeping your ride in good shape. I still keep every receipt too, just in case, but honestly, I’m not expecting miracles.
Yeah, it’s a tough pill to swallow. All that maintenance definitely keeps your car safer and running better, but when it comes to claims, it’s all about the numbers on paper. I wish receipts counted for more, but the system’s pretty rigid. At least you know your car was in top shape, even if the payout doesn’t show it.
Yeah, it’s rough when all that effort you put into keeping your car in shape doesn’t really show up on the claim. Here’s the thing:
- Insurance companies look at market value, not how shiny your engine is or how new your tires are. It’s frustrating, but that’s the math they use.
- Receipts for maintenance? Great for peace of mind and maybe resale, but they don’t usually bump up a payout.
- Comprehensive coverage is what covers hail and other “acts of nature.” Without it, even a spotless maintenance record won’t help much.
I get why people feel shortchanged. I’ve seen folks with cars that were babied from day one get the same check as someone who barely changed their oil. It feels unfair, but the system’s built to be objective (or at least as objective as possible). If it helps, at least you know you did right by your car—even if the insurance company doesn’t send you a thank-you card...
Honestly, this is one of those things that just grinds my gears. You spend years taking care of your car—regular oil changes, keeping it clean, maybe even splurging for the good tires—and then when something totally out of your control happens, like a hailstorm, the insurance company just shrugs and cuts you a check based on what they think the car’s worth. Doesn’t matter if you’ve babied it or treated it like a rental.
I get that they need some kind of system, but it does feel like a slap in the face. I had a buddy who kept his old Civic in mint condition, like, you could eat off the engine. Some clown sideswiped it in a parking lot and the insurance payout was barely enough to get him into a rust bucket. Meanwhile, I’ve seen people who never even pop the hood get the same deal. Makes you wonder why you bother sometimes.
But honestly, I think it’s still worth it to take care of your stuff. Maybe insurance doesn’t care, but you do. Plus, when it comes time to sell, at least you’ve got something decent to offer, and buyers notice that kind of thing way more than insurance adjusters ever will. I guess the real lesson is just to double-check your coverage—especially if you live somewhere with wild weather. Comprehensive might seem like a waste until it’s not.
At the end of the day, you can only control so much. Doesn’t make it any less annoying, but at least you know you did right by your car. That’s gotta count for something, even if it’s just peace of mind.
