That “cosmetic damage” clause tripped me up too. I had a claim a couple years back after a hailstorm—my roof looked like a golf ball, but since the car still ran fine, they called it cosmetic and wouldn’t cover it. Super frustrating. I started keeping digital copies of everything in Google Drive after that, just in case. As for agreed value, I’ve only had to use it once (on an old Miata), and they did stick to the number, but there was still a lot of back-and-forth about what counted as “modifications.” It’s never as straightforward as you’d hope.
I started keeping digital copies of everything in Google Drive after that, just in case.
That “cosmetic damage” thing is such a gray area. I had a similar run-in after a hailstorm in Colorado—my Outback looked like it’d been through a war zone, but since it still drove, they just shrugged it off. Drives me nuts because resale value tanks, even if it’s “just cosmetic.” I totally get keeping digital records now. And agreed value is great in theory, but yeah, the “modifications” debate is always a headache. They’ll nitpick over the smallest stuff, like aftermarket wheels or even a stereo. Insurance never feels as simple as the commercials make it sound.
- Totally hear you on the “cosmetic damage” mess.
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Had them question my window tint once... seriously?They’ll nitpick over the smallest stuff, like aftermarket wheels or even a stereo.
- Keeping digital copies is clutch. Paperwork gets lost in the glovebox vortex.
- Insurance adjusters seem to have a sixth sense for finding mods you forgot about.
- I swear, the only thing more confusing than insurance is trying to explain why I need a radar detector.
Insurance adjusters are like bloodhounds for mods, I swear. Had one ask if my classic’s original radio was “factory correct”—like that’s gonna change the payout? And yeah, paperwork in the glovebox is a black hole. Digital copies saved me more than once.
Yeah, I get why it feels like we’re nitpicking, but those little details can actually matter for some claims—especially with classics or custom work. Factory-correct radios, for example, can affect value if you’ve got agreed value or stated value policies. Not always a huge deal, but sometimes it’s the difference between a payout and a debate. Digital copies are a lifesaver, though... gloveboxes eat paperwork for breakfast. Ever tried to track down a build sheet from the ‘70s? That’s a whole adventure.
