I’ve actually been through this with Progressive, and they were surprisingly decent about it. My dad handed down his old ‘98 Camry to me a few years back—definitely not a classic, but it’s creeping up there in age. I was half-expecting a hassle, but as long as it passed inspection and I didn’t try to do anything wild to it (no tinted windows or aftermarket exhausts), they didn’t blink. They did ask for a couple extra photos, though, just to check the condition.
A buddy of mine tried to get his ‘70s Firebird on Geico, and that was a little trickier. They wanted to know if it was a daily driver or just for shows, and there were a bunch of questions about modifications. He ended up going with Hagerty for the classic coverage, but Geico still covered his regular car. I guess it depends on how “classic” you’re talking, and what you’re doing with the car.
I’ve always wondered if it’s more about the modifications than the age, honestly. Like, if you keep everything stock and just use it for regular driving, most companies seem pretty chill. But the second you start swapping engines or lowering the suspension, that’s when they get picky.
Have you ever tried to insure something that’s been heavily modified, or is it more just older cars you’re dealing with? I’m curious how strict they get if you’re honest about the changes.
I’ve only tried to insure older cars, nothing wild in terms of mods. But even then, Progressive wanted to know if I’d swapped out anything major. I think once you start messing with the engine or suspension, they get nervous about payouts. I’m always worried about rates going up if I’m too honest, but hiding stuff seems risky if you ever need to file a claim. Anyone else ever get hit with a surcharge for mods?
Never actually got a surcharge for mods, but I've seen it happen—especially with engine swaps or aftermarket turbos. Insurers get jumpy about anything that could change the car’s risk profile. Honestly, being upfront is safer. If you ever have to file a claim and they find out about undisclosed mods, they can deny coverage. Rates might go up, but hiding stuff can cost way more in the long run. Geico and Progressive both ask a lot of questions, but I’ve found Geico a bit less picky about minor changes.
Stuck Between Geico And Progressive In NY, Thoughts?
- This is my first time shopping for car insurance, and honestly, it feels like picking a starter Pokémon—except none of them come with cool powers, just paperwork and anxiety.
- I keep hearing horror stories about mods and insurance companies. Like you said:
If you ever have to file a claim and they find out about undisclosed mods, they can deny coverage.
That’s what freaks me out. I’ve got a set of aftermarket wheels (nothing wild, just not stock), and I’m paranoid they’ll use that as an excuse to jack up my rates or worse.
- Geico seemed chill when I called, but then the Progressive rep started listing every possible “modification” like even a phone mount might count. Is that just a scare tactic, or do they actually care about little stuff?
- The “ask a lot of questions” part is real. Progressive grilled me about my exhaust tip (it’s literally just for looks). Geico barely blinked at it.
- Anyone else get the vibe that Progressive is more strict in NY? Or is it just the luck of who picks up the phone?
- Also, does either company actually send someone to check your car? Or do they just take your word for it unless you file a claim? I keep picturing some insurance ninja popping out of a bush with a clipboard.
I’m leaning Geico right now since they didn’t make me feel like a criminal for wanting my car to look decent. But if rates jump at renewal, I’ll probably end up doing this dance again...
Curious if anyone’s had them actually deny a claim over something minor? Or am I just being paranoid because this whole process is new to me?
- Been there with both in NY.
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That’s been my experience too—unless it’s a turbo kit or something wild, they don’t care much.Geico barely blinked at it.
- Progressive does seem stricter, especially about mods. Had a buddy get hassled over a spoiler that came with the car.
- Never seen either send someone out unless there’s a claim or something looks fishy on paperwork.
- If you’re just running aftermarket wheels and a cosmetic exhaust tip, you’re probably fine. Just keep receipts and pics in case you ever need to prove what was on the car.
- Honestly, most denials I’ve seen are for big undisclosed stuff, not minor mods. But yeah, always better to be upfront than risk it.
