Car enthusiasts collect classic cars for pride, passion, or investment. If you own a Chevrolet El Camino SS 1970, you must spend considerable time and effort to keep it in top shape.
Some classic collectors prefer a challenge which is why they may buy a dilapidated Aston Martin DB5 1964 before making a total makeover.
Classic cars face similar risks to traditional car owners, like theft, accidents, collision damage, or civil unrest. More importantly, classic car owners face the dilemma when choosing the right insurance product for their collection.
Remember, classic cars fall into a risk category that cannot be covered using standard insurance. Therefore, it’s prudent to acquire classic car insurance that comprehensively protects you from risks.
The term ‘classic’ has a subjective connotation. Most people believe any old vehicle qualifies as a classic vehicle, which is somewhat true. The lower age limit is 25 years implying vehicles older than that qualify as classic cars.
Vehicles aged 45 years and above are referred to as antiques. Lastly, vintage models are those that were manufactured before the great depression.
In a nutshell, a classic car is at least a few decades old. In exceptional circumstances, newer vehicle models may qualify. For example, BMW 1-Series M Coupe that undergoes a significant makeover may also qualify.
Examples of classic cars include sports cars, vintage pick-ups, tractors, restored vehicles, special edition models, and ultra-luxury and high-performance cars.
Below is a broad category of classic cars.
In addition to age or value, insurers assess other factors before drafting a classic car insurance contract.
Below is the eligibility criteria for classic cars.
Classic car insurance isn't intended for vehicles used for regular use or commute. Instead, a classic car is meant for occasional leisure drives or limited events like appearances, shows, parades, or exhibitions.
Insurers can monitor this prerequisite using mileage restrictions. Remember, classic car premiums are slightly cheaper than standard policies. As such, insurers monitor the road time of classic vehicles.
Consider checking if the insurer has placed a low mileage cap, limiting your movement. What’s more, confirm whether the policy offers coverage to club events or shows— and if necessary, consider requesting an add-on.
Most insurers will only agree to insure a classic if it’s in good condition. Alternatively, some consider a fully restored vehicle or a classic undergoing restoration. It’s worth noting that some insurers issue standard insurance awaiting the full restoration of old models.
Here’s how to protect the insurable interest by enhancing the condition of your classic car.
Insurers also check whether the high-value unit is stored in a safe location. A poorly stored unit is susceptible to vandalism, weather events, or theft. Moreover, automobile experts recommend vehicle owners store classic units in fully enclosed, locked areas like garages or other private storage.
Pro tip: Store your classic car in an enclosed, secure garage. In addition, consider installing anti-theft systems like ring alarms, smart sensors, sidelock, or automatic door locks in the garage. You may also complement car security systems with GPS trackers, alarm systems, and dash cams.
Classic car insurance offers the standard car coverage and the additional coverage to cover other risks associated with vintage cars.
In addition, it also covers the litigation costs associated with bodily injury claims. All 50 states require vehicle owners to purchase bodily injury policies with varying limits.
Therefore, if another vehicle hits your car, you’re equally entitled to compensation. Collision liability is exclusively human fault, ruling out the damage caused by a fallen tree or other forces of nature.
Although each state has a minimum liability cover, you may opt for additional coverage to reduce exposure.
In case an underinsured driver hits you, underinsurance motorist coverage meets the difference in cost.
It’s not mandatory to acquire comprehensive coverage. Even so, comprehensive coverage can save you the unexpected cost of repairs. What’s more, financing or leasing firms demand comprehensive coverage insurance.
It’s therefore important to consider spare parts coverage for crucial parts like engine, seatbelts, anti-lock breaks, hood ornamentals, and heated seats. Spare parts coverage offers reprieve following accidental damage or natural disaster.
Classic car insurance is based on the principle of agreed value, where the insurer and the client settle on the value of the covered item. The agreed value approach deviates from the standard approach that uses actual cash value.
Remember, vehicles commence depreciation the moment it leaves a showroom. On the contrary, classic cars increase in value over time. To that end, insurers adopted the agreed value approach that integrates initial aggregate cost, market value, modifications, and inflation.
Agreed value is a combination of a few factors:
Classic car insurance quotes are relatively cheaper in comparison to standard policies. Owing to the limited use of classic cars, insurers classify them as low-risk. What’s more, classic cars have mileage limits reducing the exposure to road accidents.
Nonetheless, a driver who uses a classic car for daily commute may not enjoy the rebate.
In case of a breakdown, the last thing you want is to be stranded on the highway with a classic car. With the right add-on, classic car insurance offers flat-bed towing, gas delivery, battery jump-start, or flat-tire change.
If you’re passionate about car insurance, you need an insurance agent specializing in vintage units. At FACE Insurance, we create tailored, flexible, and exclusive policies to guarantee peace of mind to our clients.
Contact us online or call us at 916.963.9506 to learn more.
Your should contact the police as soon as possible. The quicker you act, the faster the authorities will be able to collect information regarding your stolen item. Your insurance agent should also be notified right after you have made contact with the police.
The most common way art is stolen is Burglary. It’s important that your installations have proper security in order to prevent these crimes from happening. Its also very important to make sure that the staff you higher to give your building maintenance has a clean record and has no criminal history.
Its responsibility of the insurance carrier to work with the FBI to recover the art that was stolen. It’s possible that you may be asked to work with the corresponding authority.
If your valuable art items are not insured, your efforts will have to be focused on working with the authorities to recover your stolen items. The odds of recovering your stolen items is very low.
