Yeah, it does feel like they’re hoping you’ll just give up on the little stuff. I had a hail claim last year and the adjuster barely glanced at my car, then tried to write off half the dings as “pre-existing.” I keep everything now—photos, receipts, even texts with the shop. It’s a pain, but I’d rather be over-prepared than get short-changed again. The folder system is tedious, but honestly, it’s saved me more than once.
Honestly, I think most of these companies bank on people not fighting back. I had a similar thing happen after a fender bender—adjuster barely looked at my car and tried to say the scratch was “old.” Like, dude, I know every mark on my car. I get why you keep all that stuff now, but isn’t it wild we have to do all this just to get what we pay for? Has anyone actually had an insurer in Wyoming that didn’t make them jump through hoops? Or is it just the same everywhere?
Never had an insurer in Wyoming who didn’t make me jump through at least a couple hoops, honestly. It’s like they all went to the same “How To Be Annoying 101” class. One thing I’ve learned: take photos of every little ding as soon as you spot it, even if it’s just a paint chip. Saved my butt once when they tried to claim hail damage was “pre-existing.” Not saying it’s fair, but it’s the only way I’ve managed to get a fair shake.
I hear you on the hoops—last year, I had to send in three rounds of photos for a cracked windshield, and it still took weeks. I started keeping a folder on my phone just for car pics, which feels a little paranoid, but after that hailstorm in May, I was glad I did. Funny thing is, my neighbor swears by his local agent, but I’ve never had much luck with the big names or the little guys. Maybe it’s just the Wyoming way?
That folder idea actually makes a lot of sense, especially with how unpredictable the weather gets out here. I get what you mean about the agents—sometimes it feels like it’s just luck of the draw whether you get someone who actually helps or someone who just passes you off to the next person. I’ve tried both big companies and smaller local offices, and honestly, the process always seems a bit drawn out. Maybe it’s just how things work in Wyoming, or maybe it’s the rural factor slowing everything down. Either way, prepping ahead like you did is probably the best move.
