Honestly, I’ve had the opposite experience with USAA—they were super quick with my claim after a fender bender last winter. Barely asked for anything besides a couple pics. Maybe it’s just luck of the draw or depends on the adjuster’s mood that day...
Had a different ride with USAA myself, actually. When my ‘72 Chevelle got rear-ended, it felt like pulling teeth just to get someone on the phone who knew what a carburetor was, let alone process the claim. Took weeks and a mountain of paperwork. Maybe newer cars are easier for them? State Farm wasn’t perfect either, but at least they didn’t act like my car was from Mars. Guess it’s a toss-up, but I’d say if you’ve got something older or a bit unique, patience is key... and maybe keep a file folder handy.
That sounds rough. I’ve always wondered if insurance companies just aren’t set up for anything outside the “normal” range of vehicles. I’ve got a ‘99 Accord and even then, I had to explain a few things when I filed a claim last year. Makes me wonder—do they actually train folks on older models, or is it just luck of the draw who picks up your call? Keeping a file folder handy is smart... I’ve started scanning everything just in case something gets lost.
I get what you’re saying, but honestly, I’m not sure it’s just about older cars. I had a 2017 Civic and still had to walk the adjuster through some basic stuff when I got rear-ended. Maybe it’s more about how rushed or overloaded the reps are? I keep a binder with every oil change and repair receipt—paranoid, maybe, but it saved me once when they questioned my maintenance. Scanning is smart, but I still like having paper copies just in case tech fails.
Honestly, I think the whole “keep every receipt” thing is a bit overkill for most claims. I get why you do it—there are definitely times when maintenance records come in handy, especially if there’s a dispute about pre-existing damage or mechanical issues. But in my experience, unless it’s a total loss or there’s something weird about the claim, we rarely dig that deep. Most of the time, photos and a clear story are enough.
About adjusters being rushed—yeah, that’s a real thing. Volume spikes and staffing shortages can make it tough to give every file the attention it deserves. But sometimes it’s also about the systems we use. Some carriers have better tech and training than others. I’ve seen State Farm reps with way more resources at their fingertips than USAA, but then again, USAA’s process can be smoother for simple claims.
Paper copies are fine, but honestly, scanned docs are easier for everyone. Less chance of something getting lost in the shuffle... unless you’re dealing with someone who still insists on faxing everything (it happens more than you’d think).
