Classic Car Insurance

If one of your most prized possessions is an antique vehicle made in the 1950’s, then you must protect it well by getting classic car insurance. After all, any antique vehicle (classic, a muscle car, custom or modified vehicle or a street rod) deserves proper care and protection.

Classic car insurance is slightly different from other types of auto insurance. It's highly advised that you seek an insurance company that understands (and addresses) some basic questions such as: what is the difference between a classic and an antique car? Will your antique vehicle be insured as well as the other vehicles that you possess and use everyday? If your very special vehicle gets damaged, do you get to choose the establishment or person who will handle the repairs or replacements? Or does your insurance company have a tie-up with a low priced auto repair shop that may not be able to handle the special needs of your car? Most importantly, if your antique vehicle breaks down one day and well within the covered period of the insurance policy, how much will you, as the owner, receive?

For you to know the lowdown on how to get the best car insurance for your prized possession, here is a quick list of tips:

Chose a provider that specializes in classic cars
Make sure that you get in touch with a car insurance company that not only provides reasonable fees and comprehensive coverage but also understands (and values) classic cars. Your antique vehicle has special needs (and you know that for sure) and anything special and customized has requirements that a vehicle of newer make and model does not have. Your insurance company should also understand the antique vehicles industry well enough to know where to direct you for repairs or replacements (better if you have the option to choose where to go) and how much your unit will cost in the event of a total breakdown. In short, make sure that you and your insurance company are well within the same wavelength.

Keep your classic vehicle separate from your family policy
Do not make the mistake of including your antique vehicle to the family policy, hoping that this spells a discount auto insurance policy. Most insurance companies do not know how much to charge for classic car insurance so more often than not, your vehicle will be placed in the highest rate category. Come claim time, you might just be directed to a low cost auto repair shop. This is precisely why you need to choose your insurance company very well.

Understand the details of your classic car insurance policy
Look into your classic car insurance policy. Should there be clauses or coverage fees that you do not understand, have your insurance agent explain them to you in detail. There may be certain guidelines indicated in the policy which may restrict you from using your vehicle in a certain situation (in a car show or in a parade, for instance) or the insurance company might require you to keep your vehicle in a locked garage when not in use. Many companies also do not offer coverage if you use your antique vehicle for long trips (some even only allow you to use your vehicle for a certain number of miles in a year) or if you left it overnight at a hotel or airport parking lot. Ergo, if you intend to use your vehicle at any time and at any given occasion, check if your policy permits you to do so.

Lastly, review your policy again and again before you sign on the dotted line. It pays to be well informed before you finally get that classic car insurance policy.