What Happens After a Collector Vehicle Claim Is Filed?

What Happens After a Collector Vehicle Claim Is Filed?

When one of your clients has a loss, the claims experience is your reputation on the line. Here's exactly what happens after a Hagerty claim is filed — and why it's a story worth telling.

A classic car isn't just a vehicle. For your collector clients, it's family memories, a painstaking restoration, a piece of history — sometimes all three at once. So, when something goes wrong, a claim becomes more than a transaction, it's a test of everything you promised when you wrote the policy.

That's why understanding how Hagerty handles claims isn't just good product knowledge. It's one of the most powerful sales and retention tools you have. Here's what your clients can expect from the moment a claim is filed.

Step 1: Filing the Claim

Insurance members can file a claim with Hagerty by phone or online — whichever they prefer. If they file online, Hagerty responds within one business day. Most claims are paid within 15 days of the initial report.

That speed is a big differentiator for enthusiasts. As a passion asset, owners care deeply about their vehicles and want them back on the road as quickly as possible. Hagerty's team understands this passion and urgency because we’re enthusiasts, too.

Step 2: Vehicle Assessment

Once the claim is filed, a Hagerty claims specialist will reach out to explain the assessment process. Depending on the situation, that could mean:

• An on-site appraiser visits the vehicle directly
• The member submits photos of the damage
• A shop of the member’s choosing provides a written estimate

Rather than relying on general auto adjusters to evaluate a specialty vehicle from a standard damage matrix, Hagerty uses in-house appraisers with decades of hands-on enthusiast vehicle repair and restoration experience. From modern imports like Ferrari and Porsche, to classic American muscle and pre-war antiques, our claims team has the expertise to determine the needs – and costs – to make it right.

Step 3: Parts Sourcing

This is another way Hagerty truly separates itself. Finding parts for a collector vehicle isn't like ordering from a dealer catalog. Hagerty has in-house parts specialists dedicated to trackingdown LKQ (like, kind, and quality), OEM, and NOS (new old stock) components. If the part exists anywhere, we'll find it.

Agents can also point clients to the Carcierge®, Hagerty’s concierge resource for hard-to-find parts — an offering that simply doesn’t exist in the standard insurance market.

Client quote: "I made one call to Hagerty, my body shop sent in pictures and a quote, and then you folks called to tell me a check was on its way!"

Step 4: Repairs — On the Member's Terms

Once an estimate is approved, payment is issued and the member authorizes repairs to begin. The member chooses where the work gets done. There's no network restriction, no preferred shop mandate.

And if a client wants to do the restoration work themselves? Hagerty supports that too — and will even pay them a fair hourly rate for their time. For a hands-on enthusiast who built the car themselves, that option is genuinely meaningful.

By the numbers:

• 1 business day response to online claims
• 15 days to payment for most claims
• 9 out of 10 members who've had a claim would recommend Hagerty

Step 5: Total Loss — With Options

In the event of a total loss, Hagerty’s Guaranteed Value® policy pays the full insured amount — no depreciation, no negotiation, no surprises.

Have a client with a vehicle too dear to part with? It’s not that uncommon. With the Cherished Salvage® endorsement, your client can keep their vehicle and still receive its full Guaranteed Value®.

What This Means for You as an Agent

Claims are where client relationships are won or lost. A smooth, expert claims experience doesn’t just retain a policyholder — it generates referrals. Collector car owners talk to each other. They’re active in clubs, shows, and online communities. A great claims story travels.

When you write with Hagerty, you’re not just offering coverage. You’re offering peace of mind backed by people who love the hobby as much as your clients do. That’s a promise worth making — because Hagerty has the track record to keep it.

Quick Talking Points for Client Conversations

• Claims filed online get a response within 1 business day
• Most claims are paid within 15 days
• Clients choose their own repair shop — always
• In-house parts specialists find hard-to-locate OEM and NOS parts
• DIY repairs are covered — Hagerty even pays an hourly rate
• Cherished Salvage® lets clients keep their car and still receive the full Guaranteed Value®**
• 9 out of 10 claimants would recommend Hagerty to a friend