I get where you’re coming from, but there’s usually more going on behind the scenes than most folks realize. Claims can drag if there’s missing info or if the body shop’s slow to respond—sometimes it’s not just the insurer. I’ve seen cases where a simple clarification from the repair shop shaved days off the process. Not saying it’s perfect, but it’s not always just the fine print doing the heavy lifting... sometimes it’s just a lot of moving parts.
Ever try getting a quote for a ’72 Chevelle? Now that’s a circus. I get what you’re saying about the body shop delays, but sometimes it really does feel like the insurer’s just waiting for you to blink first. Had a claim where everyone was on the ball except the adjuster—guy must’ve been on vacation or something. Is it just me, or do classic cars always seem to get “special” treatment (and not in a good way)? Maybe it’s all those moving parts... or maybe it’s just old car karma.
Had a claim where everyone was on the ball except the adjuster—guy must’ve been on vacation or something.
You’re not alone there. Adjusters can be hit or miss, and classic cars do seem to get the “special” treatment—usually meaning longer waits and more hoops. It’s partly all those unique parts and the fact that every Chevelle is a bit different under the hood. Hang in there, though. Sometimes persistence actually pays off, even if it feels like you’re just waiting for someone to notice your file.
The adjuster on my last claim must’ve been using dial-up, because I swear it took three weeks just to get a call back. Meanwhile, everyone else—tow truck, body shop, even the rental guys—were lightning fast. I get that classic cars are a different animal, but you’d think after the fifth email with photos and VIN numbers, they’d at least remember the difference between a Chevelle and a Nova.
Funny thing, once I finally got through, the adjuster actually apologized and said he was “catching up after some time off.” I mean, I get it—everyone needs a break—but my car’s sitting in the driveway looking sadder by the day.
Has anyone ever had an adjuster who actually seemed to know classic cars? Or is it just luck of the draw every time?
LUCK OF THE DRAW WITH ADJUSTERS?
That’s been my experience, honestly. I’ve had claims where the adjuster actually knew what a split-window Corvette was, and could talk shop about trim codes and all that. Other times, it’s like they’re reading off a script and just lumping anything pre-1990 into “old car” territory. I think a lot of it comes down to whether your claim lands on someone who’s got a real interest in classics, or if you get someone who mostly deals with late-model fender benders.
The delay is brutal though. Three weeks feels like forever when your pride and joy is collecting dust (or getting rained on). The worst for me was trying to explain why my ‘72 Charger’s fender isn’t the same as one from a ‘73... It just didn’t compute for them.
I will say, military discount or not, it sometimes pays to ask for a specialist or mention up front that it’s a classic. Not a guarantee, but every now and then you’ll get someone who actually cares. Otherwise, yeah—feels like spinning the wheel every time.
