Honestly, I’m with you on the “trust but verify” thing. I’ve had classic car policies where the agent promised agreed value, then when push came to shove, they started nitpicking every little mod. It’s wild how fast they forget those friendly conversations once there’s money on the line. Has anyone actually found a Wyoming insurer that doesn’t play games with custom parts? Or is it just a matter of who hassles you the least? I keep hearing about Hagerty, but I’m skeptical they’re any better when it comes down to a real claim.
I hear you on the agreed value promises turning into headaches when it’s time to actually use the policy. Had a similar runaround with a local agent here in Casper—one minute, they’re all about “protecting your investment,” then suddenly they’re asking if my aftermarket wheels are “period correct” before they’ll even talk numbers. It’s like, come on, you saw the car when I signed up.
I’ve got a buddy who swears by Hagerty, but he’s never had to file a claim, so that’s not exactly reassuring. I’ve read mixed stuff online—some folks say Hagerty came through for them, others say it was just as much paperwork and haggling as anywhere else. Maybe it depends on the adjuster you get? Or maybe it’s just luck of the draw.
I’m starting to think it really is about who hassles you the least rather than who’s actually “good.” I mean, has anyone actually gotten full agreed value for a modded-out classic after a total loss? Or do they always find some excuse to chip away at the payout? I’ve heard of people getting their claims slashed because of “undisclosed modifications,” even when those mods were listed in the original paperwork. Makes me wonder if it’s worth paying extra for those policies or just stashing the cash and self-insuring for anything short of a major disaster.
Anyone ever try going through a smaller local agency instead of the big names? Sometimes I wonder if dealing with someone face-to-face in a small town makes them more likely to actually stand by their word... or if that’s just wishful thinking.
Honestly, I get the frustration with the big names, but I’m not totally convinced local agencies are always better. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Local agents can be more personal, sure, but sometimes they’re just middlemen for the same big insurance companies. You might get a friendlier face, but when it comes to claims, you’re still dealing with the corporate process.
- Had a neighbor in Lander who went through a small-town agency—thought he’d get special treatment. When his ‘72 Bronco got rear-ended, he still had to fight tooth and nail over “non-original” parts. The agent was sympathetic but couldn’t really change anything.
- On the flip side, I’ve heard of Hagerty actually paying out agreed value for a total loss on a resto-mod Mustang. But yeah, it took months and a ton of back-and-forth.
I guess my take is: it’s less about local vs national and more about how airtight your documentation is. Photos, receipts, emails—if you can prove every mod and agreement up front, you’ve got a better shot. Still feels like a gamble sometimes though...
Yeah, you nailed it—having everything documented is huge. I’ve seen folks get burned just because they didn’t have enough proof of upgrades or condition. Local agents can help walk you through what’s needed, but at the end of the day, the claims department calls the shots. One thing I’d add: sometimes smaller agencies can push a little harder for you, but they’re still working within the same rules. It’s frustrating, but being organized really does make a difference.
- 100% agree on keeping receipts and photos—my glove box is basically a filing cabinet at this point.
- I’ve had both big-name and local agencies, and honestly, the smaller ones *do* seem to care more, but yeah, their hands are tied once it hits claims.
- One thing I’ve noticed: if you keep a spreadsheet of upgrades/maintenance with dates and costs (I know, super nerdy), adjusters don’t argue as much. Had a buddy who just scribbled stuff on napkins... didn’t go well for him.
- Sometimes it feels like the “rules” are more like guidelines that get interpreted differently depending on who’s handling your claim. A bit of a lottery, honestly.
- Pro tip: take pics before AND after any work. I once had to prove my car wasn’t already dented when a hailstorm hit—saved me a ton of hassle.
Wyoming’s insurance market isn’t huge, but being organized is the only way I’ve found to avoid headaches. Not fun, but beats arguing with claims folks over every little thing...
