Maintaining a classic car is more than just keeping it running; it’s about preserving a piece of history and ensuring its legacy endures. For over 15 years, I’ve entrusted Hagerty with the insurance of my prized vehicles, including my 928 and two rare motorcycles, and their dedication to classic car enthusiasts is evident in every interaction. While the term “cars scum” might sound harsh, it underscores the importance of addressing every aspect of vehicle care, from minor blemishes to significant repairs. Hagerty understands this commitment, offering a service experience that goes beyond mere insurance, truly catering to the unique needs of collector car owners.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Hagerty is their customer service. Every call is answered by knowledgeable individuals who seem to share a genuine passion for cars. Before I even utter a word, they recognize me, accessing my policy details instantly. This personalized touch is a testament to their focus on building relationships with their clients, rather than treating them as just another policy number. When I needed to add my motorcycles, which weren’t initially in their database due to their rarity, Hagerty went the extra mile. They collaborated with me, diligently researching club sales and completed auctions to accurately value and insure them. This proactive approach highlights their commitment to handling even the most unique and challenging insurance needs.
My confidence in Hagerty was further solidified by a friend’s experience. He unfortunately had two claims within two years due to mishaps in his over-stuffed garage. Despite these incidents, Hagerty handled both claims with remarkable efficiency and understanding. They empowered him to choose his preferred body shop and processed the checks within days, demonstrating their commitment to a hassle-free claims process. While he did receive a gentle reminder about car care after the second incident, the overall experience remained positive, emphasizing Hagerty’s focus on customer satisfaction even in less-than-ideal situations. Interestingly, the second incident involved a beautiful Stingray I had sold him, adding a humorous layer to the situation when I coincidentally spotted it at the body shop.
In my extensive involvement with car and motorcycle clubs and forums, spanning many years and countless interactions, I have never encountered a single complaint about Hagerty. This absence of negativity, both in my personal circles and online searches, speaks volumes about their consistent service quality and customer satisfaction. It’s rare to find such unanimous positive feedback in any industry, and Hagerty’s reputation in the collector car community is a powerful endorsement.
Addressing the concept of “repairing cars scum,” or perhaps more accurately, addressing damage and maintaining value: some might worry about the impact of repairs on a classic car’s value. However, Hagerty’s approach is sensible and fair. My policy ensures my car is repaired to its pre-damage condition. In cases of theft or irreparable damage, I’m covered for the agreed value. The notion that minor damage, like a $3,000 repair on a $20,000 insured vehicle, should result in the car being totaled due to “lost collector value” is simply unrealistic and not how insurance operates in the real world. Where would such a practice draw the line? Even a minor scratch requiring a $400 repaint could theoretically be argued as a loss of collector value. Expecting an insurance company to compensate for such subjective value depreciation alongside repair costs is not standard practice, nor is it reasonable.
Furthermore, concerns about aftermarket parts with Hagerty are unfounded. Their priority is using original or equivalent quality parts to maintain the vehicle’s integrity. As stated clearly on their website, Hagerty prioritizes “LKQ, OEM, or NOS parts,” explicitly aiming to avoid aftermarket components unless absolutely necessary due to unavailability of original parts. They even have an in-house parts specialist dedicated to sourcing the correct replacement parts, demonstrating their commitment to quality repairs. Moreover, Hagerty offers repair options that put the owner in control. You have the freedom to choose your repair shop, or even undertake the repairs yourself, with Hagerty providing payment. They also have a network of experienced appraisers specializing in collector vehicles, ensuring accurate assessments and repair guidance. In total loss situations, Hagerty even provides the option to buy back the salvage and rebuild the vehicle, offering maximum flexibility and control to the owner.
Therefore, any apprehension about Hagerty’s coverage or repair practices seems misplaced, particularly when considering the “how to repair cars scum” aspect – ensuring even minor issues are addressed to prevent further decline. My personal experience, coupled with the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the collector car community, firmly establishes Hagerty as a trustworthy and exceptional insurance provider for classic vehicles. Their focus on customer service, understanding of classic car needs, and commitment to quality repairs make them the ideal choice for anyone serious about preserving their automotive treasures.
