What if the tent/pole damage was done to a vehicle before they dropped the gavel,meaning who pays for the damage then,MECUM or the vehicles insured owner @ that time?

I believe it is always the owner's insurance who pays. I have always signed a release when selling a car at Mecum holding them harmless and I would assume it also goes for a person who has purchased a car as well. Bill

Too bad they weren't that prepared this time.

a real concern with these insurance claims is "diminuation of value..." As an example, you have an untouched, totally original (paint, exterior etc.) 70 Hemi Cuda. The value is obviously very high due to "untouched originality" now it got hit by a pole and has to be repaired, now it's no longer "untouched and totally original.." and the value is no longer what it was
Some carriers will consider this, and compensate, but a lot will not and just pay to fix the car as it was. This is where lawsuits pop up

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