MTFCA Forum

Hello all,

For the past 10+ years I have been using a popular classic car company to insure my vehicles. I don't want to name the company in this post, but suspect most of you are familiar with the insurance provider.

Unfortunately I had my first claim after a driver ran a stop sign and t-boned my classic Jeep. I suspect my Jeep is totaled due to the damage and low value, just glad it wasn't a Model T! I contacted my insurance company few times via email, their app, and phone, but received no response for two weeks. Eventually I was asked to submit photos, which I did, but was ghosted again. For a month I've been left in the dark on the status of my claim, next steps, etc...

I don't want this thread to become a gripe session or to trash talk any particular company. I'm curious if this is a normal experience for collector car insurance companies?

Thanks!

I picked up a 30 year old sport coupe for a loved one ( should have asked first as it was not to their liking) had to buy one year to start & only had it insured for 4 months. I was told that if I canceled before 6 months they will refund the rest. I expected that the car would be transferred into their name and would need to change the insurance. The insurance Co would not get me a refund for months till they 6 months passed then said I was canceling to late for a refund. So I’m going to say yes this hosting is normal. I would check to see how soon your policy runs out ?? Don’t let that happen so they weasel out of a claim.
Craig.

Chad,

Does your state have some sort of insurance regulatory agency you could turn to?

I can only add that I go through this sort of unresponsiveness, (ghosting, I guess), on regular basis in my everyday work, trying to communicate with customers & suppliers and getting zero replies. It's probably a symptom of folks pretending to work from home.

Craig, my premium is paid through next summer - so hopefully this gets movement before then!

Jerry, I considered engaging my state insurance commission, but wondered if it was premature. I once had hail damage to a modern car with a different insurance company. Unlike this company, they were quick to assist and helpful throughout the entire process.

On another website a person had a similar experience with his insurance company. He did mention them by name and described the following events (or should I say non-events) in exact order. He then called the company and gave him the link to the site where he posted what had happened. They got back to him the same day.

I would do as another poster relayed info from another site. Post the insurance company name and sequence of events with dates. Then send it to them. This will also help members on this site see potential insurance company issues and who is reputable or not. Would be interesting if some trends emerge.

Any reputable insurance company should have contacted you with in a max of 48 hours and preferably same day. I would be contacting my insurance commissioner if a week had gone by with no contact from the insurer and would copy the insurance company with my complaint.

See if going online with the entire claim is possible. Get on the site or the app again. Download the photos to the site if you havent already, and the police report. See if there is a survey you can fill out and blast them a poor review. That may get them to move. Thats the future with companies of all kinds and phone customer service goes downhill little by little every year. I have had sucess with calling to add a service to get someone on the phone and have them direct you to claims.

I only had to file a claim with my antique car insurance company. I was on a tour and cut my finger trying to get a tool out of the trunk. This lid had been converted to a rumble seat and the top edge where it had been cut was very sharp. I hit the support when I reached in and it fell and almost cut off the entire tip of my finger. So I went to the ER and had it stitched up. My medical insurance would not cover it because it had happened on the car. So I reported it to the Car insurance. They paid $1000 of the cost. Then the medical insurance paid the balance. It is one of the two most used companies by our hobby.
Norm

Budreau wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 16, 2024 12:47 pm

Hello all,

For the past 10+ years I have been using a popular classic car company to insure my vehicles. I don't want to name the company in this post, but suspect most of you are familiar with the insurance provider.

Unfortunately I had my first claim after a driver ran a stop sign and t-boned my classic Jeep. I suspect my Jeep is totaled due to the damage and low value, just glad it wasn't a Model T! I contacted my insurance company few times via email, their app, and phone, but received no response for two weeks. Eventually I was asked to submit photos, which I did, but was ghosted again. For a month I've been left in the dark on the status of my claim, next steps, etc...

I don't want this thread to become a gripe session or to trash talk any particular company. I'm curious if this is a normal experience for collector car insurance companies?

Thanks!

If the other driver was at fault ans ticketed, then your claim to your insurance company causes them to battle with the driver's insurance company. They are the ones that need to pay for repairs. You can also contact his insurance company & note that your next step is to contact your lawyer.

I heard so many good things about my insurance company from members when I did my research 10+ years ago, I was not expecting this lack of service. Of course a lot has changed over the past decade, it's hard to find good help and remote work may be a factor. It's unfortunate we have to consider situations like reporting the company to the insurance commissioner or publicly shaming them to respond. I want to believe in a better world and give people the benefit of the doubt...

Since this is all still pending, I don't want to disclose too much or saying anything that could jeopardize the process. When I log into the insurance portal, the claim shows me as "NO FAULT," but the status hasn't changed from "PENDING" since the event. Thanks all for your guidance and input as it helps me decide next steps to get this unstuck.

Jim11787 wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 16, 2024 3:26 pm

I would do as another poster relayed info from another site. Post the insurance company name and sequence of events with dates. Then send it to them. This will also help members on this site see potential insurance company issues and who is reputable or not. Would be interesting if some trends emerge.

Yep..I agree. NAME THEM!
Let them know you mean business and will do what it takes to ruin their reputation. Getting so insurance companies are running the show and ruining everyone. Health care is same problem...the insurance companies are the doctor now. Has to stop.

If you got a police report, their insurance info should be on it and you can go through them directly. If a ticket was issued, that works in your favor.

I would consider telling your insurance company that they can deal with you in a timely manner or deal with your attorney as they feel fit. You might also mention that your back is starting to hurt. Then wait for the phone to ring.

Years ago, I bought a new car and sent the information to my insurance company to get the insurance and cancel the insurance on my trade in.

The new car had Collison added and raised my premium.

I expected to pay more, but soon found I was paying a lot more, as I was paying for the old car and the new car.

My phone calls and letters were doing no good.

So I started added a CC: copy to the state insurance people.

Then told the insurance company I was sending a letter to them with a recommendation of that company being dropped for my state.

I got a check in the mal a week later, with a nice letter saying how sorry they were to upset me!

That was one of the first mail order only companies, but they are still in business!

Chad,
I sent a PM to you.

Terry

I would have thought by now the insurance company covering the person who hit you would pestering you to death trying to hurry up and settle.that is what i find odd.

Budreau wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 16, 2024 5:11 pm

I heard so many good things about my insurance company from members when I did my research 10+ years ago, I was not expecting this lack of service. Of course a lot has changed over the past decade, it's hard to find good help and remote work may be a factor. It's unfortunate we have to consider situations like reporting the company to the insurance commissioner or publicly shaming them to respond. I want to believe in a better world and give people the benefit of the doubt...

Since this is all still pending, I don't want to disclose too much or saying anything that could jeopardize the process. When I log into the insurance portal, the claim shows me as "NO FAULT," but the status hasn't changed from "PENDING" since the event. Thanks all for your guidance and input as it helps me decide next steps to get this unstuck.

I hate to say it. Do they have your cell phone number? Today, that's what they expect everyone to have for communication

I guess You could call it Ghosting. They take Your money and disappear.

The company that is non responsive is Hagerty. I finally submitted a complaint to the state insurance commission. I still have no clue if my Jeep is totaled, next steps, or if I'll get my insurance check. The agreed upon value was very little. This should be an open and shut case as I suspect the car is likely totaled and the other driver was not insured.

Once I get through this I will likely change companies.

Thats a bummer. I was thinking in switching to them to have collision for the same price as my current liability only.

Budreau wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 17, 2024 11:44 pm

The company that is non responsive is Hagerty. I finally submitted a complaint to the state insurance commission. I still have no clue if my Jeep is totaled, next steps, or if I'll get my insurance check. The agreed upon value was very little. This should be an open and shut case as I suspect the car is likely totaled and the other driver was not insured.

Once I get through this I will likely change companies.

That's a shame to see it's Hagerty. Many of us use them, as do I. Maybe those of us who do, should contact Hagerty and ask if this is the way we'll be treated as well, should we need to file a claim like our friend Chad did. My policy comes due this Nov. Makes one think...

I feel for you and hope for the best.

What happens next is sort of on the way your State insurance is structured. Obvious may not be obvious.

An example, Florida. Was pulling a fancy open kneel down from Australia trailer with a Porsche GT3 on it. Making left turn down Sarasota way, one of those two lane to two lane ones. Guy who started out on the inside was so busy and glitched at seeing the CT3 to his right his car decided to climb up the very expensive carbon fiber pull pin trailer fender while completing his turn. Cut and dry right? He immediately calls for a police visit and report. Cop comes, looks things over, looks at the creases and scratches on the trailer, his front clip hanging off and writes right on the police report Car #2 (his) was clearly at fault!

Well, funny little thing, for his insurance company to pay...he has to admit he is guilty and the cop didn't issue a ticket. So...he just refused to to admit guilt and in Florida apparently that bumps it up completely to a his insurance company is responsible for him, the trailer insurance company was responsible for the trailer, each as first payees...and then one insurance co had to sue the other to get relief. Somehow first payee drags on like...forever before a check ever gets cut.

Meanwhile, was able to remanufacture one carbon fiber fender to be presentable with my tools at home and IMHO also improve the pin latch, took the other good one and made them match so that the pin latches at least matched...lol. All done...was lucky...it all worked out...eventually.

Jerry VanOoteghem wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 18, 2024 11:04 am

Budreau wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 17, 2024 11:44 pm

The company that is non responsive is Hagerty. I finally submitted a complaint to the state insurance commission. I still have no clue if my Jeep is totaled, next steps, or if I'll get my insurance check. The agreed upon value was very little. This should be an open and shut case as I suspect the car is likely totaled and the other driver was not insured.

Once I get through this I will likely change companies.

That's a shame to see it's Hagerty. Many of us use them, as do I. Maybe those of us who do, should contact Hagerty and ask if this is the way we'll be treated as well, should we need to file a claim like our friend Chad did. My policy comes due this Nov. Makes one think...

Great idea. I have found companies more responsive when they get called out on social media. I have Hagerty’s and never thought I’d hear something like this. I’m going to call.

Not sure what state you are in, but
California has mandatory uninsured
Motorists Coverage that all policies pay into.
You should check on your policy to see if it shows
that coverage. My wife and I were involved in a
head on collision two months ago. Other driver
admited fault on was sighted for wreckless
driving. Half a million in medical bills and the insurance company is putting all of the
medical bills on to our health insurance company. Turns out that is how it works in California. Every state may be different on how
they handle coverage. We had very good coverage but it’s still a struggle and time consuming, but you have to be your own advocate and not give up. Even though you have agreed on coverage your insurance carrier may be able to collect from the other uninsured
driver or the owner of the vehicle if different from the driver. Don’t give up and be your own best advocate.

Budreau wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 16, 2024 12:47 pm

Hello all,

For the past 10+ years I have been using a popular classic car company to insure my vehicles. I don't want to name the company in this post, but suspect most of you are familiar with the insurance provider.

Unfortunately I had my first claim after a driver ran a stop sign and t-boned my classic Jeep. I suspect my Jeep is totaled due to the damage and low value, just glad it wasn't a Model T! I contacted my insurance company few times via email, their app, and phone, but received no response for two weeks. Eventually I was asked to submit photos, which I did, but was ghosted again. For a month I've been left in the dark on the status of my claim, next steps, etc...

I don't want this thread to become a gripe session or to trash talk any particular company. I'm curious if this is a normal experience for collector car insurance companies?

Thanks!

How ironic . Was looking to see what State you may be in and Googled you name. And this popped up. He's older now https://www.chadbudreau.com/?cmpid=prdb_blm_0001

Budreau wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 17, 2024 11:44 pm

The company that is non responsive is Hagerty. I finally submitted a complaint to the state insurance commission. I still have no clue if my Jeep is totaled, next steps, or if I'll get my insurance check. The agreed upon value was very little. This should be an open and shut case as I suspect the car is likely totaled and the other driver was not insured.

Once I get through this I will likely change companies.

Chad,

I took the liberty of emailing Hagerty to ask if this would be my experience too, were I to file a claim, Here is a portion of their prompt and polite reply. Looks like there's s number you can call for expedited service... hopefully.

Please encourage your friend to reach out to us over the phone at his earliest convenience, and we'll be happy to look into the claim he's been attempting to submit. He can contact our advisors using our temporary priority line at (877)210-2968 or call our claims department directly at (800) 385-0274.

Thanks all for your help! Hagerty suddenly started communicating and apologized for the delay. I now have answers and clarity on next steps. THANK YOU.

And yes, I think I'm related to the other Chad Budreau who happens to work in insurance, but haven't quite connected the dots yet : )
Chad

Excellent!

I'm a little surprised also as I have had Hagerty for years but have never had a claim. I might rethink when its time to renew. Thank you for letting me know.