Honestly, it drives me nuts that the people who do the right thing end up paying for other people’s mistakes. I mean, why should you be out a couple hundred bucks just because someone else bailed? Isn’t that what uninsured motorist coverage is supposed to help with, or does it not cover hit-and-runs in Nebraska? I’ve heard it’s different state to state, but it always feels like the insurance companies win no matter what.
Isn’t that what uninsured motorist coverage is supposed to help with, or does it not cover hit-and-runs in Nebraska?
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. It’s frustrating when you do everything right and still end up footing the bill because someone else messed up or just took off. I looked into the Nebraska thing too, and uninsured motorist coverage does help in hit-and-run situations here, but only for injuries—not property damage. That’s what really gets me. You’d think if you’re paying for extra coverage, it’d actually cover your car getting smacked by some ghost driver. Insurance always seems to have these little loopholes...
You’d think if you’re paying for extra coverage, it’d actually cover your car getting smacked by some ghost driver.
That’s exactly what bugs me too. I’ve got an old ‘72 Chevelle I baby, and the idea that a hit-and-run could leave me with a busted fender and no help from insurance just makes me nervous. Years ago, my neighbor’s classic Mustang got sideswiped in a parking lot—never found the guy. He had to pay out of pocket since his policy didn’t cover property damage from hit-and-runs either. Makes you wonder if it’s worth adding collision just for peace of mind, even though it costs more...
Years ago, my neighbor’s classic Mustang got sideswiped in a parking lot—never found the guy.
It’s wild how many folks assume uninsured motorist coverage will handle hit-and-runs, but in a lot of states—including Nebraska—it only covers injuries, not your car. Like you said, “the idea that a hit-and-run could leave me with a busted fender and no help from insurance just makes me nervous.” That’s a real worry, especially with something as irreplaceable as a ‘72 Chevelle.
I get the hesitation about adding collision, though. It’s not cheap, and if your car’s value isn’t sky-high, it can feel like you’re just throwing money away every year. But then again, one bad day and you’re looking at thousands out of pocket. I’ve seen people regret skipping it, but I’ve also seen folks pay for years and never need it. Kind of comes down to your risk tolerance and how much you’d lose sleep over that “what if.”
Ever looked into agreed value policies for classics? Sometimes they’re not as pricey as you’d think, and they can give a bit more peace of mind than standard coverage. Just a thought...
Totally hear you on the “what if” anxiety—classic cars are a whole different animal when it comes to insurance headaches. I actually used to think uninsured motorist would cover my Nova if someone bailed after a fender bender, but nope, found out the hard way it’s just for injuries here. Not a fun discovery.
I’ve been back and forth on collision myself. It stings paying for it year after year, especially when your ride spends more time in the garage than on the street. But then I picture some knucklehead backing into my car at the grocery store and just driving off, and suddenly that premium doesn’t seem so bad. It’s like paying for peace of mind (which, honestly, is hard to put a price on when you’re attached to your car).
Agreed value policies are interesting. I thought they’d be crazy expensive, but when I checked Hagerty for my Nova, it was actually not that much more than regular coverage. Not saying it’s for everyone, but if you’d rather not roll the dice with regular collision, it’s worth a look.