Insurance renewal time..Looking for options..
12-14-2017, 11:35 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Insurance renewal time..Looking for options..
Hello
I know this has been talked about before... I'm looking to leave American Collector Insurance.
I don't want to "jump" into another crappy insurance company. I need some feedback from you guys tell me which one is the best..
Thanks
Pete
I know this has been talked about before... I'm looking to leave American Collector Insurance.
I don't want to "jump" into another crappy insurance company. I need some feedback from you guys tell me which one is the best..
Thanks
Pete
Popular Reply
12-15-2017, 09:43 AM
Team Owner
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Well, I haven't seen Blk63Vette's policy, but as an adjuster for 30 years, I can say that most likely the adjuster handling his claim analyzed it incorrectly.
First, the fact that the damage is someone else's fault doesn't get the Comprehensive carrier off the hook. If a tree branch falls on your car due to wind, it's covered under Comp. If that same branch falls due to an incompetent tree trimmer, it's still covered under comp. The only difference is that the comp carrier can subrogate against the tree trimmer for the damage it pays to you.
The second issue is mechanical failure. Most comp policies don't cover mechanical failure. But the general rule in most states is that resultant damage is covered. For example, if the mechanic overtightens your lug nuts and that results in them breaking while you're driving down the road, your insurance won't pay for replacement wheel studs. But if the loss of the wheel causes an accident your Collision insurance will pay for the damage to your car.
Same here-the comp carrier won't pay for the repair of the damaged wire that caused the fire, but it should pay for the damage the fire caused to the car.
First, the fact that the damage is someone else's fault doesn't get the Comprehensive carrier off the hook. If a tree branch falls on your car due to wind, it's covered under Comp. If that same branch falls due to an incompetent tree trimmer, it's still covered under comp. The only difference is that the comp carrier can subrogate against the tree trimmer for the damage it pays to you.
The second issue is mechanical failure. Most comp policies don't cover mechanical failure. But the general rule in most states is that resultant damage is covered. For example, if the mechanic overtightens your lug nuts and that results in them breaking while you're driving down the road, your insurance won't pay for replacement wheel studs. But if the loss of the wheel causes an accident your Collision insurance will pay for the damage to your car.
Same here-the comp carrier won't pay for the repair of the damaged wire that caused the fire, but it should pay for the damage the fire caused to the car.
12-14-2017, 11:52 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Nov 2015
Location: Really Central IL Illinois
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I have NCM, but don't have any claim experience to give you a recommendation other than the cost for the coverage they offer is the best I found.
If you pay $1 for coverage that is crappy, then it makes $100 for coverage that is good real cheap.
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-14-2017, 11:55 PM
#3
Team Owner
At the end of the day nothing matters except whether or not the company will pay a large claim with minimal hassle against agreed upon value to properly repair your car.
Not a few dollars in premiums saved,
nor how sexy some company's ads are
nor what somebody tells you what they think is covered.
National Corvette Museum has proven to me they'll "step up" when the worst happens.
Not a few dollars in premiums saved,
nor how sexy some company's ads are
nor what somebody tells you what they think is covered.
National Corvette Museum has proven to me they'll "step up" when the worst happens.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 12-15-2017 at 12:07 AM.
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12-15-2017, 07:10 AM
#4
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Mar 2010
Location: The Golden Triangle, Florida
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2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
I have NCM. No claims experience, luckily, but the rates are good. I didn’t have to prove the value of my car when I signed up for their agreed value policy. They just used the price I paid for the car.
They also always offer to help pay the cost to relocate my car when a hurricane is coming this way.
NCM is a forum sponsor and Adam Boca pops in here from time-to-time to answer questions.
Steve
They also always offer to help pay the cost to relocate my car when a hurricane is coming this way.
NCM is a forum sponsor and Adam Boca pops in here from time-to-time to answer questions.
Steve
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 07:34 AM
#5
Drifting
This comes up from time to time and NCM seems to get the nod. BTW: I looked into the NCM for my 67 and since we had a teenager in the house and on our policy they wouldn't touch it...no way, no how.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 07:39 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
So, help the others out with your crappy experience. Why is ACI crappy??
I have NCM, but don't have any claim experience to give you a recommendation other than the cost for the coverage they offer is the best I found.
If you pay $1 for coverage that is crappy, then it makes $100 for coverage that is good real cheap.
I have NCM, but don't have any claim experience to give you a recommendation other than the cost for the coverage they offer is the best I found.
If you pay $1 for coverage that is crappy, then it makes $100 for coverage that is good real cheap.
I went to the expert he refused to fix it and he was closing up shop. I had my insurance adjuster come out. He looked it over and said they wont cover a new dash harness or engine harness or gauges because it was done by mechanic and wasn't act of GOD. but, if the car would have caught on fire and burned to the ground it WOULD have been covered. WTF?
Insurance adjuster suggested that I should open up engine and dash harness and replace wires that were melted. Yeah I have time to do that. Why not splice wires together. The reason I replaced the original wiring harness because it only had 12 splices in it....
So, $2,800.00 later I fixed my car myself. Why have insurance if you cant use it?
Last edited by Blk63Vette; 12-15-2017 at 07:43 AM.
12-15-2017, 08:13 AM
#7
Race Director
I can somewhat see ACIs point - bad work was done by a mechanic so he should be held accountable for fixing it instead of burdening the insurance pool for repairs by a bad mechanic. But sounds like you were caught in a catch-22 position if he bailed on you. I'm not sure how they should respond in a situation like that - interesting to see what others say.
I had ACI for awhile but no real claim experience with them. They don't like replica cars and wouldn't cover my ERA Cobra for anything less than a crazy amount. Went to Modern coverage through Midwest.
I had ACI for awhile but no real claim experience with them. They don't like replica cars and wouldn't cover my ERA Cobra for anything less than a crazy amount. Went to Modern coverage through Midwest.
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 08:57 AM
#8
Team Owner
I wrote about this before but I had a "Corvette Expert" work on my car. He Jammed down the top ignition shielding on my car. While driving it home my cars wires caught on fire and melted the dash and engine harness. Battery clock gauge fried.
I went to the expert he refused to fix it and he was closing up shop. I had my insurance adjuster come out. He looked it over and said they wont cover a new dash harness or engine harness or gauges because it was done by mechanic and wasn't act of GOD. but, if the car would have caught on fire and burned to the ground it WOULD have been covered. WTF?
Insurance adjuster suggested that I should open up engine and dash harness and replace wires that were melted. Yeah I have time to do that. Why not splice wires together. The reason I replaced the original wiring harness because it only had 12 splices in it....
So, $2,800.00 later I fixed my car myself. Why have insurance if you cant use it?
I went to the expert he refused to fix it and he was closing up shop. I had my insurance adjuster come out. He looked it over and said they wont cover a new dash harness or engine harness or gauges because it was done by mechanic and wasn't act of GOD. but, if the car would have caught on fire and burned to the ground it WOULD have been covered. WTF?
Insurance adjuster suggested that I should open up engine and dash harness and replace wires that were melted. Yeah I have time to do that. Why not splice wires together. The reason I replaced the original wiring harness because it only had 12 splices in it....
So, $2,800.00 later I fixed my car myself. Why have insurance if you cant use it?
However, in your case of the wiring - that's EXACTLY why you want insurance IMO. Your car should be made "whole" again to its former condition, not Bubba patches.
When there are no "deep pockets" to go after for negligence you should be protected. I was hit by an uninsured driver with no assets...wasn't an issue with my claim with NCM...
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 12-15-2017 at 08:58 AM.
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 09:05 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Nov 2015
Location: Really Central IL Illinois
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I wrote about this before but I had a "Corvette Expert" work on my car. He Jammed down the top ignition shielding on my car. While driving it home my cars wires caught on fire and melted the dash and engine harness. Battery clock gauge fried.
I went to the expert he refused to fix it and he was closing up shop. I had my insurance adjuster come out. He looked it over and said they wont cover a new dash harness or engine harness or gauges because it was done by mechanic and wasn't act of GOD. but, if the car would have caught on fire and burned to the ground it WOULD have been covered. WTF?
Insurance adjuster suggested that I should open up engine and dash harness and replace wires that were melted. Yeah I have time to do that. Why not splice wires together. The reason I replaced the original wiring harness because it only had 12 splices in it....
So, $2,800.00 later I fixed my car myself. Why have insurance if you cant use it?
I went to the expert he refused to fix it and he was closing up shop. I had my insurance adjuster come out. He looked it over and said they wont cover a new dash harness or engine harness or gauges because it was done by mechanic and wasn't act of GOD. but, if the car would have caught on fire and burned to the ground it WOULD have been covered. WTF?
Insurance adjuster suggested that I should open up engine and dash harness and replace wires that were melted. Yeah I have time to do that. Why not splice wires together. The reason I replaced the original wiring harness because it only had 12 splices in it....
So, $2,800.00 later I fixed my car myself. Why have insurance if you cant use it?
It appears the "Expert's Insurance" would have covered it if he admitted to causing the problem. Did you try small claims court?We had a similar experience with Country Companies. The wife hit a grain truck that ran a stop sign. Our agent didn't want to help us and said "Go talk to their insurance agent". I expected more help as an individual fighting an Insurance Company in Illinois is pretty much like swimming the Pacific Ocean.
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 09:10 AM
#10
Team Owner
Small claims court is a joke 95% of the time...it can drag on and wear you out and even if you get some lame award -- try actually collecting it.
The uninsured @holes running the roads know this and count on skating out of any expenses on their part. They know how to work the system and screw everybody else.
Like getting insurance long enough to register a car (two year registration in Florida) then cancel the insurance - get the premium back and drive all over. Florida is horrible about following up and collecting the license plates. If you have nothing and want nothing you're nearly invincible...
The uninsured @holes running the roads know this and count on skating out of any expenses on their part. They know how to work the system and screw everybody else.
Like getting insurance long enough to register a car (two year registration in Florida) then cancel the insurance - get the premium back and drive all over. Florida is horrible about following up and collecting the license plates. If you have nothing and want nothing you're nearly invincible...
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 09:21 AM
#11
64's Rock!
I'd be surprised if any insurance company would have covered you in that situation. The mechanics insurance should have covered it. In any case, I'm with Haggerty. They are the only ones I found that would insure for agreed upon value AND let me drive the car to work on occasion and other "non car show related" destinations.
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 09:43 AM
#12
Team Owner
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Well, I haven't seen Blk63Vette's policy, but as an adjuster for 30 years, I can say that most likely the adjuster handling his claim analyzed it incorrectly.
First, the fact that the damage is someone else's fault doesn't get the Comprehensive carrier off the hook. If a tree branch falls on your car due to wind, it's covered under Comp. If that same branch falls due to an incompetent tree trimmer, it's still covered under comp. The only difference is that the comp carrier can subrogate against the tree trimmer for the damage it pays to you.
The second issue is mechanical failure. Most comp policies don't cover mechanical failure. But the general rule in most states is that resultant damage is covered. For example, if the mechanic overtightens your lug nuts and that results in them breaking while you're driving down the road, your insurance won't pay for replacement wheel studs. But if the loss of the wheel causes an accident your Collision insurance will pay for the damage to your car.
Same here-the comp carrier won't pay for the repair of the damaged wire that caused the fire, but it should pay for the damage the fire caused to the car.
First, the fact that the damage is someone else's fault doesn't get the Comprehensive carrier off the hook. If a tree branch falls on your car due to wind, it's covered under Comp. If that same branch falls due to an incompetent tree trimmer, it's still covered under comp. The only difference is that the comp carrier can subrogate against the tree trimmer for the damage it pays to you.
The second issue is mechanical failure. Most comp policies don't cover mechanical failure. But the general rule in most states is that resultant damage is covered. For example, if the mechanic overtightens your lug nuts and that results in them breaking while you're driving down the road, your insurance won't pay for replacement wheel studs. But if the loss of the wheel causes an accident your Collision insurance will pay for the damage to your car.
Same here-the comp carrier won't pay for the repair of the damaged wire that caused the fire, but it should pay for the damage the fire caused to the car.
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 10:52 AM
#14
Melting Slicks
Well, I haven't seen Blk63Vette's policy, but as an adjuster for 30 years, I can say that most likely the adjuster handling his claim analyzed it incorrectly.
First, the fact that the damage is someone else's fault doesn't get the Comprehensive carrier off the hook. If a tree branch falls on your car due to wind, it's covered under Comp. If that same branch falls due to an incompetent tree trimmer, it's still covered under comp. The only difference is that the comp carrier can subrogate against the tree trimmer for the damage it pays to you.
The second issue is mechanical failure. Most comp policies don't cover mechanical failure. But the general rule in most states is that resultant damage is covered. For example, if the mechanic overtightens your lug nuts and that results in them breaking while you're driving down the road, your insurance won't pay for replacement wheel studs. But if the loss of the wheel causes an accident your Collision insurance will pay for the damage to your car.
Same here-the comp carrier won't pay for the repair of the damaged wire that caused the fire, but it should pay for the damage the fire caused to the car.
First, the fact that the damage is someone else's fault doesn't get the Comprehensive carrier off the hook. If a tree branch falls on your car due to wind, it's covered under Comp. If that same branch falls due to an incompetent tree trimmer, it's still covered under comp. The only difference is that the comp carrier can subrogate against the tree trimmer for the damage it pays to you.
The second issue is mechanical failure. Most comp policies don't cover mechanical failure. But the general rule in most states is that resultant damage is covered. For example, if the mechanic overtightens your lug nuts and that results in them breaking while you're driving down the road, your insurance won't pay for replacement wheel studs. But if the loss of the wheel causes an accident your Collision insurance will pay for the damage to your car.
Same here-the comp carrier won't pay for the repair of the damaged wire that caused the fire, but it should pay for the damage the fire caused to the car.
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 11:10 AM
#15
At the end of the day nothing matters except whether or not the company will pay a large claim with minimal hassle against agreed upon value to properly repair your car.
Not a few dollars in premiums saved,
nor how sexy some company's ads are
nor what somebody tells you what they think is covered.
National Corvette Museum has proven to me they'll "step up" when the worst happens.
Not a few dollars in premiums saved,
nor how sexy some company's ads are
nor what somebody tells you what they think is covered.
National Corvette Museum has proven to me they'll "step up" when the worst happens.
Last edited by lonzoo; 12-15-2017 at 11:11 AM.
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Blk63Vette (12-15-2017)
12-15-2017, 11:24 AM
#16
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Small claims court is a joke 95% of the time...it can drag on and wear you out and even if you get some lame award -- try actually collecting it.
The uninsured @holes running the roads know this and count on skating out of any expenses on their part. They know how to work the system and screw everybody else.
Like getting insurance long enough to register a car (two year registration in Florida) then cancel the insurance - get the premium back and drive all over. Florida is horrible about following up and collecting the license plates. If you have nothing and want nothing you're nearly invincible...
The uninsured @holes running the roads know this and count on skating out of any expenses on their part. They know how to work the system and screw everybody else.
Like getting insurance long enough to register a car (two year registration in Florida) then cancel the insurance - get the premium back and drive all over. Florida is horrible about following up and collecting the license plates. If you have nothing and want nothing you're nearly invincible...
This guy was going through a divorce. He had no money and it’s hard to get blood from a stone. By the time I sued him or brought him to small claims court. What would I have really achieved. I would ha e spent more time and money than what it was worth. I just chalked it up to experience. Fixed my car myself and moved on with life. There was no way I was going to put damaged wiring harness back in my car. I replaced. Everything again. You know I done it once so second time is easier Right,
12-15-2017, 11:32 AM
#17
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Well, I haven't seen Blk63Vette's policy, but as an adjuster for 30 years, I can say that most likely the adjuster handling his claim analyzed it incorrectly.
First, the fact that the damage is someone else's fault doesn't get the Comprehensive carrier off the hook. If a tree branch falls on your car due to wind, it's covered under Comp. If that same branch falls due to an incompetent tree trimmer, it's still covered under comp. The only difference is that the comp carrier can subrogate against the tree trimmer for the damage it pays to you.
The second issue is mechanical failure. Most comp policies don't cover mechanical failure. But the general rule in most states is that resultant damage is covered. For example, if the mechanic overtightens your lug nuts and that results in them breaking while you're driving down the road, your insurance won't pay for replacement wheel studs. But if the loss of the wheel causes an accident your Collision insurance will pay for the damage to your car.
Same here-the comp carrier won't pay for the repair of the damaged wire that caused the fire, but it should pay for the damage the fire caused to the car.
First, the fact that the damage is someone else's fault doesn't get the Comprehensive carrier off the hook. If a tree branch falls on your car due to wind, it's covered under Comp. If that same branch falls due to an incompetent tree trimmer, it's still covered under comp. The only difference is that the comp carrier can subrogate against the tree trimmer for the damage it pays to you.
The second issue is mechanical failure. Most comp policies don't cover mechanical failure. But the general rule in most states is that resultant damage is covered. For example, if the mechanic overtightens your lug nuts and that results in them breaking while you're driving down the road, your insurance won't pay for replacement wheel studs. But if the loss of the wheel causes an accident your Collision insurance will pay for the damage to your car.
Same here-the comp carrier won't pay for the repair of the damaged wire that caused the fire, but it should pay for the damage the fire caused to the car.
I was shocked when my insurance adjuster told me to replace the melted and burned wires
why on earth would I put another hacked up harness in my car. My fear was that there might be a wire I miss and it actually does burn the car along with the house to the ground. To me that’s half asking something and there all ready been plenty of that done to my car. I had the click and battery gauge fixed also. I feel American Collector insurance. Didn’t really “help me” in my time of need. I feel they are worthless first claim I had since being with them since 2004
I’m not impressed
12-15-2017, 11:42 AM
#18
Le Mans Master
I'd be surprised if any insurance company would have covered you in that situation. The mechanics insurance should have covered it. In any case, I'm with Haggerty. They are the only ones I found that would insure for agreed upon value AND let me drive the car to work on occasion and other "non car show related" destinations.
12-15-2017, 11:45 AM
#19
64's Rock!
This guy was going through a divorce. He had no money and it’s hard to get blood from a stone. By the time I sued him or brought him to small claims court. What would I have really achieved. I would ha e spent more time and money than what it was worth. I just chalked it up to experience. Fixed my car myself and moved on with life. There was no way I was going to put damaged wiring harness back in my car. I replaced. Everything again. You know I done it once so second time is easier Right,
Patrick
12-15-2017, 12:59 PM
#20
Team Owner
Member Since: Jul 2001
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I believe if you read the OP's version of what happened there is no real damage to the vehicle. Only things that may be covered are the Clock and the Battery gauge. But I am guessing that since they are electrical components they would not be covered either. Never ran into any thing like this in my 30+ years of adjusting.