James writes:
Are there any good insurance options for old, low-value non-collector cars? I'm going to have a pretty good handful of antique-plated vehicles in the next few years, and it seems silly to have regular insurance for stuff that might get driven once or twice a month, but "collector" car insurance is geared towards show-winner '65 Mustangs and such.
Sajeev answers:
As much as I hate that picture and the publicity stunt behind it, the point is proven: nobody treats an antique like a late-model machine. Long story short, not all insurance plans are only for guys with '69 Camaros, '65 Mustangs or even more valuable antique machinery. But you gotta do your homework.
I've discussed this before, and in the interest of not being a complete shill (again), I will just say that I left the big insurance company for that other group mentioned in the hyperlink.
The big insurance company did cover my under-appreciated 1988 Mercury Cougar XR-7, but I had to fight for it. Somehow the conversation went to a 1988 Mustang GT, which did apply. And that offended me more than I'd like to admit. It is truly amazing how wrapped up us classic car guys get in our stupid machines, but I digress…
My non Fox Mustang was deemed worthy after multiple head-butts with their underwriting department: pulling production numbers (far rarer than a 'stang, especially the XR-7), photos, receipts (showing resto-modification) to show how they can indeed prove this is a bona-fide classic car. And they capitulated.
When it was time to insure TTAC's Ford Sierra, I called the same big company and they were miffed. Supposedly the Sierra couldn't even be imported to America, much less insured! After I told them how to do their job (i.e. Google), I found a specialty shop.
So I got an estimate from that classic car specific company (first hyperlink) on the Cougar and the Sierra. I found the process easier and a bit cheaper. All they wanted were photos, explanation of the car's modifications/value/usage and never mentioned how it isn't a Fox Body Mustang. The lady on the phone also complimented me on both cars, especially the brown Sierra she'd never seen before. Which was the complete opposite of the "If This Was a Mustang, Sir!" insult I felt from the other place.
The only problem: I have yet to need the insurance policy. That's when you actually know when you got good insurance.
So for you, dear reader, I suggest you look at all classic car insurers around, ask your friends in this hobby, and get a quote from 'em all. Maybe one price is right, maybe one agent hits all the right buttons, but in the end, it will be worth it.
Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.
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