Otherwise, keep receipts for everything and prepare for some negotiation—sometimes it feels like arguing with a very polite robot.
That’s been my experience too. USAA is quick but super rigid, and State Farm can be hit or miss depending on who you get. I’ve had both deny coverage on aftermarket tint because it “wasn’t OEM,” which felt nitpicky. Has anyone actually had luck getting either to cover non-factory stuff if you had receipts, or is that just wishful thinking?
I’ve run into the same roadblocks—USAA especially just sticks to their playbook. Even with receipts, unless you specifically added coverage for aftermarket stuff, they usually won’t budge. Kind of frustrating if you’re just trying to get back what you put in. I’d say unless it’s declared and on your policy, they’ll call it “custom” and deny it, receipts or not. Maybe there’s a loophole I haven’t found yet...
unless you specifically added coverage for aftermarket stuff, they usually won’t budge.
That’s been my experience too. USAA is super by-the-book, which is great until you want something outside the box. State Farm at least let me talk to a real person who seemed to get it, but they still wanted everything documented. I guess “custom” is just code for “not our problem” in insurance speak...
Yeah, I’ve run into that “by-the-book” thing with USAA too. Had some aftermarket wheels on my old truck and when I tried to file a claim, they were like, “not covered unless you told us first.” State Farm at least listened, but like you said,
. I get that they need proof, but it does make the whole process feel like a hassle. Guess you really have to read the fine print and keep receipts for everything...they still wanted everything documented
Had a similar run-in with State Farm when I restored my ‘72 Chevelle. They wanted photos, receipts, even paint codes before they’d touch any claim on the upgrades. Makes me wonder—has anyone actually had luck getting custom parts covered without jumping through hoops?