They wanted photos, receipts, even paint codes before they’d touch any claim on the upgrades.
That’s pretty much par for the course with State Farm. USAA isn’t much better, honestly—they’ll want documentation for every aftermarket part too. I’ve never seen an insurer just take your word for it on custom work. If you want those upgrades covered, you’re gonna have to keep every scrap of paperwork and snap a ton of pics. It’s a pain, but skipping it means you’re out of luck if something happens. Insurance companies just don’t trust us gearheads unless we prove every bolt and badge.
Had a similar runaround with USAA after a hail storm. They wanted proof for every mod, even stuff that was obvious. I get why, but it’s frustrating when you’ve had the car for years and can’t find every little receipt. Honestly, I just take photos now as soon as I install anything new... learned that one the hard way.
That’s a common pain point, honestly. Documentation can feel like overkill, especially when the mods are clearly visible. But you’re right—photos are a lifesaver. It’s not always about doubting the customer, just making sure everything lines up on the paperwork. You’re definitely not alone in learning that lesson the hard way.
Honestly, I’ve seen both sides of this with clients—sometimes you hand over a mountain of photos and receipts, and it still drags on. Other times, they barely glance at the paperwork. Ever had a claim where they nitpicked something tiny, like a missing serial number or a faded receipt? Makes me wonder if one company’s really better than the other, or if it just depends on who you get handling your file...
Makes me wonder if one company’s really better than the other, or if it just depends on who you get handling your file...
That’s honestly the million-dollar question. I’ve seen files move fast with both USAA and State Farm, and I’ve also watched simple things get held up for weeks over details like a missing model number or a receipt that’s faded just enough to be annoying. It really does seem to come down to the adjuster you get and how strict they are about documentation.
If you want to minimize headaches, I’d say keep everything organized from day one—photos, receipts, even serial numbers jotted down somewhere safe. It won’t guarantee smooth sailing, but it gives you more leverage if someone decides to get nitpicky. And don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on what they actually need; sometimes what’s in the checklist isn’t really required for your specific claim.
Neither company is perfect, but being proactive tends to help a lot. Still, I totally get how frustrating it is when you do everything “right” and still hit a wall. It’s not always about which insurer is better—sometimes it’s just the luck of the draw.
