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Insurance Company???

IfrinnIfrinn
I just received a check from an insurance company...One Beacon Insurance! The check was for the appraiser's cost estimate to repair Merlot. Note: Hagertys is NOT an insurance company. They are an insurance agency only. Your insurance is apparently "farmed out or outsourced". The check stated: "In Payment of: REPAIRS TO 1957 BECK LESS $250 DED." Carey has not even seen the car! It is waiting to be picked up by an auto trans port company. I will be returning the check with a statement that I will not settle until the Beck is totally repaired, 100% painted and inspected to my satisfaction. The Hagerty damage adjuster did not even include any of the mechanical damage I pointed out (body moved toward the passenger side). Carey also stated to the adjuster that the paint could NOT be blended and a total paint job was necessary. Such was not covered in the adjuster's cost just a blend! Per Carey, the Merlot paint is $1000/gallon.

I can not and will not recommend Hagertys Insurance Agency, Inc. to readers of this forum "SOC members". In my opinion, this is not the way to do business and be a leader in the classic car insurance business. What gave them the idea that I would "cash" said check and consider the claim closed??? I have not just fallen off the turnip wagon and not a wee bit addled! Cash the Check...case closed.

You have been warned. I will not renew with an agency. I want a real insurance company.
1957 Beck Speedster(Speedster)
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IfrinnIfrinn
I just received a check from an insurance company...One Beacon Insurance! The check was for the appraiser's cost estimate to repair Merlot. Note: Hagertys is NOT an insurance company. They are an insurance agency only. Your insurance is apparently "farmed out or outsourced". The check stated: "In Payment of: REPAIRS TO 1957 BECK LESS $250 DED." Carey has not even seen the car! It is waiting to be picked up by an auto trans port company. I will be returning the check with a statement that I will not settle until the Beck is totally repaired, 100% painted and inspected to my satisfaction. The Hagerty damage adjuster did not even include any of the mechanical damage I pointed out (body moved toward the passenger side). Carey also stated to the adjuster that the paint could NOT be blended and a total paint job was necessary. Such was not covered in the adjuster's cost just a blend! Per Carey, the Merlot paint is $1000/gallon.

I can not and will not recommend Hagertys Insurance Agency, Inc. to readers of this forum "SOC members". In my opinion, this is not the way to do business and be a leader in the classic car insurance business. What gave them the idea that I would "cash" said check and consider the claim closed??? I have not just fallen off the turnip wagon and not a wee bit addled! Cash the Check...case closed.

You have been warned. I will not renew with an agency. I want a real insurance company.
FM Former Member
This has happened to me with one of my pedestrian cars.

The check I first received was $22,000. And I made a big deal out of the fact that this figure could not cover the damage of the claim. They felt that it could, but they made it clear with me that if there were additional uncovered damage found later that supplemental payments would be made.

And just as they had said, $11,000. worth of supplemental checks were paid afterwords in addition to my first check received.

The 1st check was by no means a final payment. You need to clear that up with whomever is in charge of your claim.
FM Former Member
In the 80s, I had a ten year old vehicle stolen. I refused the insurance settlement - mainly because I couldn't replace that vehicle with the money offered. I sat tight for six months. The vehicle was recovered! It had some damage because the Border Patrol had run it off the road transporting illegals. This time the insurance company totalled the vehicle. I took their money, bought back my "totalled wreck" and used the insurance money to rebuild the vehicle. It looked like new, and I drove that thing for ten more years!

My point is - good thngs CAN happen if you can just stick it out. Wish you the best of luck.
Alan MerklinAlan MerklinDrclock - Elkins, West Virginia Supporting Member
As I understand it, Hagerty is of course a major insurance company as all with insurance companies, they have underwriters and One Beacon is their underwriter....
You did the right thing Aaron, refuse the funds, send the check back marked "REFUSED" via certified mail and return receipt requested along with a letter of your intent to properly repair and resolve said claim. ~Alan

FM Former Member
Not to be the devils advocate - I just want you to not be upset about this is all... You dont need to get too upset yet - in my view.

And anyhow, where did the check read "final payment"??? Or "cash this check and your butt is ours" ???

I read (as you said) what you wrote above... "check stated: "In Payment of: REPAIRS TO 1957 BECK LESS $250 DED."

Okay... So... In payment of repairs. Well, it is in payment of repairs... How is that wrong? They are allowed to put foot notes of what the check is for, and it was/is for payment of repairs. No harm in that.

I want you to see the big picture. Chances are that its just not as bad as you may think it is.



IfrinnIfrinn
Micheal,

The check was not from Hagerty. Hagerty is not an insurance company per say. It is an Agency according to the name on the claim check. The check as from One Beacon Insurance Group.

Both Carey and myself talked to the adjuster. He admitted that he had no experience with this type of car. Openly disregarded Carey's experience painting the Merlot color and other Mechanical problems such as speedometer stopped working, body moved in relationship to the frame, possibility of the air ducts that are molded into the body may be caved-in.

I've had to deal with this type of claim serve before. So, I know not to cash the check. The wording just isn't right and leaves no leeway for me to recoup. Checks written with wording such as "Paid in Full" in the For or Memo space means just that. No more owed on the debt if cashed. Checks are a legal contractual document when written with statements such as the later.

Of course, I'll return the check via certified mail with delivery signature. I'll also indicate that we will settle when the Beck is up to snuff and ALL damage is in "new " condition.

This 2007 Beck has only 6000 kilometers on the odometer at the time of the accident. It ceased working on impact.

Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
My experience with Hagerty on mileage an storage is different. The storage restriction is that you must have lockable storage at your home, i.e., a regular garage. I discussed mileage and told them that I am averaging ~6k miles a year, fully half of it due to the Carlisle and Smokies trips. They said "No problem. We know that you want to drive your car to shows and gatherings and on weekends." As for driving to work, I was told it was ok to do once in a while to "show it off to your buddies", but it could not be my daily driver. I have no problem with that given the traffic and road debris damage issues around here.

All that said, I will watch your experience closely and do a little research.
Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
Both Hagerty and Grundy were very clear. No driving to work unless associated with a hobby event like a work car show. Once per week was considered too much. As far as I was concerned, I was at risk on any day driving to work. Since I'm much more concerned about liability rather than stuff like windshield replacements, and I enjoy driving it to work on dry days, it was a no-brainer for me to switch to Geico. I started this investigation regarding storage. Storage is a non-issue for all carriers. The only difference is that with Geico, I could drop the coverage by $50/month while being stored.
Willy PWilly P
I am interested in the outcome of this claim, as I am insured through Hagerty. I think that all will work out well for Aaron. Some of your concerns are not really something to worry about. You seem to dwell on the fact that Hagerty is actually your insurance agent, instead of the company that carries the risk as your insurance company. This is not an uncommon situation, and actually has benefits to you as the insured. Hagerty has a duty to you and must act in your behalf to have your claim correctly adjusted. Have you expressed your concerns to them? This is not the first time they have adjusted a loss of this kind, and are well prepared for the issues that you are concerned about. Unless the check has explicit language claiming full settlement of claim, it is not an attempt to limit your ability to negotiate further repairs as the situation presents itself. The $1000 per gallon paint is going to be a tough sell though. Best of luck, and keep us posted!
IfrinnIfrinn
Gents,

The big shock to me was receiving a check without any discussion or not even a letter included with the check. That's not the way to do business. I did get a copy of the adjusters cost estimate a couple of weeks ago. It did not include the mechanical damage, or the total painting just buffing and blending paint(impossible to do) and parts.

I feel that Tom Blankenship did the best thing. I hope that Lane has his agreement in a contract signed by a Hagerty representative. Let us know, Lane if you have a verbal or a written agreement.

I have an all original MP Lafer and will be contacting Geico to discuss insuring both Merlot and the Azul One.
IfrinnIfrinn
Lane,
I hope that you've not fallen victim to a voice on the phone which had no name attached or policy setting authority!!

Tom Blankinship and I discussed insurance during his visit to Linne `Ardan just before he took delivery of Natalie. May I suggest that the SOC look into a company that would cover all of us? Rates and Service Just a thought!
Troy SloanTroy Sloan Supporting Member
Lane.
After Hagarty tells you they won't put it in writing, contact Atlas below. They will put it in writing.

This is reposted from a different, recent insurance thread.

I found a company called American Modern Insurance Group, through Atlas Insurance Agency in Amelia, Ohio who allowed me to drive my car to work.

My policy includes a "Collector Vehicle Occasional Commuting Endorsement" that deletes the "to or from work" restriction. Otherwise, it's the same as my old Hagarty policy with an agreed value of $30,000 for $411/year.
My "Declarations" page states:
Mileage Tier: Mileage limit of 6,000/year
Usage: Occasional commuting to work, Occasional pleasure use
I'll post my agents contact info, if anyone wants it.
Troy
FM Former Member
IMHO, Hagerty is the best. You may have run into a bad or not so interested adjuster. I have had two claims with Hagerty, paid and settled in perfect fashion and to my complete satisfaction. I believe the same adjuster looked at my car both times. I have had no deductible, no inconvenience other than loosing the car for the repair time. But that's not an issue as it is a HOBBY car, and not a daily driver.

One Beacon is who I got a check from also BTW.
FM Former Member
No I wasn't. Sometimes I drive early in the morning, I don't think Hagerty cares when you drive, they just don't want you to park at work. Incident one, rear-ended after a dinner date with a former GF, incident two came out from a restaurant after dinner to find someone left their mark on the LF corner.

I found Hagerty to be more flexible than Grundy, but a bit more expensive. Been with them 5 years, and I am not changing. I think a lot of stuff changes from state to state, ask Alan M's Kim about that, she knows.

Aaron, you should call them and talk to the claim agent, then they can run interference for you between the adjuster and the body shop. I think that Hagerty likes to get the ball rolling and get some money to you quickly. I think you did the right thing sending the check back and making sure it's all covered before you sign anything. I can send you my claim agent's info if you need it, he took care of business.
IfrinnIfrinn
Gents

I'll let you just how good they are! Carey has informed me that the driver side door is a total. 70 odd cracks(not scratches) which renders the door totally unrepairable. A new door was NOT in the adjusted repair cost. I think a door with handle,etc.will be well over $500.00 The repair adjustment said to buff out the door handle...duh, the chrome is taken off and again no cost to plate after buffing. Merlot is in Carey's loving hands as of yesterday morning. I guarantee, she'll be good as new!
N neppo
I have my VS insured with progressive due to the garage requirement on Hagerty. The annual cost is 3 times greater than Hagerty will approve for if garaged nightly. I was actually referred to Hagarty direct by Progressive who stated they will not cut a check for the full replacement value as Hagerty will in case of total loss. Unfortunately I can not have the car garaged at this location each and every night. Any suggestions?
IfrinnIfrinn
Merlot update as I promised. She has been at Special Edition for over 3 weeks. Hagerty has NOT given the go-ahead for the total repair. Carey has found additional mechanical and structural damage:
A) Driver door ...non-repairable 70 cracks is structurally unsound. New door is a must!
B) Speedometer went non-operational at impact (as told to adjuster)
C) Transmission mounting twisted and torn (running-gear never inspected by the adjuster even though the damage was pointed out).

The above list does not include the other damages to Merlot. Carey has been informed NOT to repair any damage until another Hagerty adjuster has done another inspection and approves the total repair job. I can't wait when it comes to painting...Merlot paint at 1000/gallon! With service like this and the "dragging-out" of repair/cost process, I will not renew with Hagertys. My policy for both Merlot and the MP
Lafer has elapsed.

What is my next move...I will not accept a total of this car which I fear may be their plan! I'll list all damages that must be repaired when I receive the details from Carey of Special Edition. All SOC members know the quality,service and assistance we have received from Carey and Special Ed.
FM Former Member
Aaron, keep your options open.
I once had a vehicle "totaled out" by my insurance company. After discussions with the Ford body shop, I accepted the "total out" amount with the proviso that I keep the vehicle AND the settlement money. The Ford body shop had previously agreed to fully repair the vehicle for the insurance money. Everything worked out great, and I drove the vehicle for another ten years!

Perhaps you can do the same?
Alan MerklinAlan MerklinDrclock - Elkins, West Virginia Supporting Member
A majority of totals are deemed a loss based on actual costs to repair (labor hours usually makes up a large portion of the overall costs)
Totals that are retained by the owner... Insurance company will deduct 20% off of the settlement total, the owner signs over the current title to the Insurance company. A Salvage title is then issued to the owner. Most states have provisions in place allowing for the vehicle to be repaired then inspected by the State Police or an enhanced inspection program.
A Reconstructed title is then issued and remains branded as a Reconstructed vehicle. ~Alan
IfrinnIfrinn
Got a call from Hagerty's (17 Dec 2010) The additional damage as pointed out by Carey will be repaired at additional cost of $1000+. The first adjuster report was dated 1 November 2010. Now, my biggest problem was that this delay could have been avoided. ALL of the damage was pointed out to the adjuster jerk, but he totally ignored my statements.

Special Edition is now closed for the Christmas and New year holidays. I'll not push to have Carey complete the repairs by any specific date. I had rather have a beautiful and totally "new" Merlot. I have no doubts that Carey and crew will do an exceptional job

Carey will also be working on an additional project. I've requested a rear windscreen and roll bar combination as seen on the Porsche Boxsters. This is being added so my wife may be happier without all the wind blowing at the rear of the cockpit. Photos when the job is complete.
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