Classic Car Insurance

If they’re available, insurers will often use comparable sales to determine how much a classic car or truck is worth. Because classic vehicles are relatively rare, however, there frequently aren’t enough comparable sales available. Therefore, insurers frequently supplement comparable sales with auction sale prices, third-party appraisals, and receipts from any work done on a vehicle. Owners who would like to have a third-party appraisal done in case anything happens to their car or truck may find a qualified appraiser at a nearby classic auto show.

Most insurance companies offer two different types of classic auto policies: stated value policies and agreed value policies. Stated value policies usually insure a classic car or truck for it’s stated value. This is typically the vehicle’s fair-market value, as determined from the sources mentioned above. Agreed value policies insure a classic car or truck for a value that the driver and insurer agree upon. This value can be different from the vehicle’s fair-market value. These policies, thus, give drivers who would like more protection than a stated value policy would provide a way to purchase the additional coverage they want.

Most people who own a classic car or truck should have a classic auto policy. Normally, this type of policy provides the most appropriate coverages for classic vehicles at the best prices.

Despite its name, classic auto insurance isn’t only used to insure truly classic cars and trucks. This type of auto insurance is frequently suitable for any collectible, exotic, or rare vehicle. Therefore, it’s frequently used to insure old, classic cars -- but it also might be a good choice for insuring a new collectible or exotic car. Drivers who would like to know whether their particular vehicle qualifies for a classic auto policy should contact their insurance agent. Their agent will be able to look up the year, make, and model of the vehicle to see whether a classic auto policy is available for it.

Many insurers cover classic cars and trucks while they’re being stored or worked on at a restoration shop. Some companies, however, require drivers to notify them of the shop’s location prior to moving the insured vehicle to the shop. Additionally, a few insurers might not cover shops in certain areas, or they may adjust a policy’s rates. Drivers should contact their insurance agent before bringing their vehicle to a repair shop to find out whether they need to make any adjustments to the vehicle's insurance policy.