How to Insure Your Classic Car
Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 December 1969 15:59 Written by Graham McKenzie Monday, 04 January 2010 08:31
A classic car is a worthwhile investment. You need to protect that investment by making sure the car is properly insured. The coverage you need will depend on how you use the car.A classic car is a worthwhile investment. You need to protect that investment by making sure the car is properly insured. The coverage you need will depend on how you use the car.
There are three types of classic car coverage. The most common coverage is for actual cash, or bluebook, value. In the event of a loss, this kind of coverage pays out the purchase price of the car less depreciation. State value, on the other hand, allows the owner to declare a value for the car that is greater than the book value. And agreed value ensures that the owners of classic vehicles will get all their money value even if the car is a total loss.
All car insurance companies offer these kinds of policies. There is also a fourth kind of coverage, a classic car policy, which may be less expensive and less restrictive. To qualify for this lower-cost coverage, the insurance company many require that you have reached the age of 25, or even 30. It may limit the number of miles you drive the car to just 2,500 a year, sending out an underwriter once a year to check your odometer. Qualified agents can give you all the specifics about this kind of coverage.
No matter whether you opt for a standard policy or classic car coverage, be sure that your policy allows flexible use of your car. You want to be sure that you can use the car for an unexpected trip or exhibition without having to buy a rider or a new policy altogether. If you keep your vehicle in storage part of the year, be sure to tell you agent. Some policies offer lower premiums if you drive the car only certain months of the year.
When the time rolls around to get your vehicle insured, do some comparison shopping. First, be sure your agent has experience with classic cars. You want to get the coverage you need, but you do not want to pay for expensive options that you do not. Make sure you get more than one quote. Compare coverage and premiums and see which company really offers you the very best deal. Just be sure the policy meets your needs, not the needs of some hypothetical classic car fan. It's never a good plan to go for the cheapest policy only to find out later you weren't covered.
Whichever kind of policy works best for you, be sure you use a licensed and experienced insurance agent. Licensed agents can look at your situation and offer you the exact coverage you need to enjoy your classic car worry-free.
About the Author:
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.