Accelerating Trust: How the Hagerty Claims Team Turns a Promise into a Competitive Advantage

Claims are where the rubber meets the road. In Episode 2 of The Accelerator podcast, leaders from the Hagerty claims team share how a fast, compassionate, and expert claims experience isn’t just about customer satisfaction – it’s one of the most powerful tools to drive referrals and earn long-term loyalty.

Can't get enough claims? Check out the Extra Gear: Wildfires, Floods, Hurricanes: When Disaster Strikes Classic Cars to learn about Hagerty's approach to CAT claims.

For agents and brokers in the collector car market, a claim isn’t just a policy test – it’s a defining moment. It’s when the insurance promise is put to the test and how it’s handled can either build trust or damage the relationship.

With collector vehicles, the stakes are higher:

• The vehicles are rarer.
• The repairs are more specialized.
• And the emotional investment is often deeply personal.

Hagerty’s claims philosophy is built to meet these moments with speed, expertise, and empathy.

More Than a Transaction – Claims are the Brand

Collector car owners aren’t just insuring vehicles, they’re protecting legacies. Whether it's a family heirloom, an investment, or a labor of love, a thoughtful claims experience drives both client satisfaction and future referrals. Hagerty's white-glove, expert claims service ensures that clients are supported when it matters most.

Expertise Built for Enthusiasts

Standard adjusters aren’t equipped to handle collector vehicle claims. Hagerty’s dedicated Material Damage Unit (MDU) is staffed by specialists with real-world experience in paint, repair, restoration, and high-end materials. These are professionals who understand everything from hand-applied lacquer to carbon fiber.

This internal knowledge ensures that claims are resolved not just with accuracy, but with authenticity – restoring a vehicle as close as possible to its original state.

When "Total Loss" isn’t the End

In the collector market, total loss doesn’t always mean the end of the road. Hagerty evaluates each case holistically – considering state regulations, hidden repair potential, and salvage value. If there’s a way to save a meaningful vehicle, the team helps make it happen.

This mindset aligns with Hagerty’s broader purpose to save driving and preserve car culture for future generations – restoring rather than replacing whenever possible.

Guaranteed Value®: A Smarter Way to Protect

Collector vehicle insurance isn’t the same as standard auto – and neither is the policy language. Many general carriers use Stated Value, which may leave clients underinsured at the time of loss. Hint: Stated Value is NOT the same as Agreed Value.

Hagerty offers Guaranteed Value®, our version of agreed value, which ensures that your client receives the full agreed payout with no depreciation or guesswork*. It’s based on current collector market values, not the general used car market. This clarity gives agents a major advantage during the sales and claims process.

Optional Coverages That Go a Long Way

Two optional endorsements stand out:

• Cherished Salvage®: Allows clients to keep a total-loss vehicle and still receive the full Guaranteed Value – with no deduction for salvage**. Perfect for vehicles with sentimental or collector value.
• Evacuation Expense: Helps cover the cost of moving a vehicle to safety before a wildfire or hurricane. Essential in high-risk regions but often overlooked - and it's only $5/vehicle/year***.

These endorsements help agents stand out while offering tailored, proactive protection.

What Agents Can Do Today

Use these actionable insights to better serve your collector clients:

• Spot collector cues: When a client has more cars than drivers, tells a story about their vehicle, or brings up brands like Porsche, Corvette, Miata, or Chevy C10, they likely need specialty coverage.
• Clarify the policy: Highlight the benefits of a Hagerty Guaranteed Value policy compared to Stated Value policies.
• Add smart extras: Endorsements like Cherished Salvage and Evacuation Expense show you’ve thought of everything.
• Reinforce your value: At claim time, clients associate the experience with you – and Hagerty makes that experience exceptional.

Bottom Line for Agents

The collector vehicle claim isn’t just a transaction – it’s a test of trust. Hagerty’s team understands what these cars mean and delivers a claims experience that reflects that.

For agents, that’s not just good service, it’s a powerful differentiator that drives retention and referrals.