Auto Insurance for Classic Cars Shopping for a Florida Car insurance Quote? We're here to make life a little easier Florida. Car Insurance Specialists & Florida Independent Agents
Standard auto insurance policies provide inadequate protection for classic cars because they are designed to protect a depreciating asset. For vehicles that maintain or appreciate in value, a classic car insurance policy is preferable. The primary differences between the standard car insurance policy and a classic car or specialty vehicle insurance policy are the type of vehicle, insurance limits, and qualifications for applicants.
The most common vehicles for this type of insurance are antiques and classics. Typically a car is classified as antique when it’s 25 years old or more and a classic 15 to 25 years old. Categories expand to include Hot rods and street rods, muscle cars, sports and exotics, modified vehicles, kit or replicas, low rider cars / trucks and other less common vehicles. Owners find adequate protection for these types of vehicles with a classic car insurance policy.
A standard insurance policy will value a car that’s been totaled by actual cash value (ACV). This valuation method is determined by considering the price of the car new and then subtracting for deprecation. Normal cars depreciate rapidly making ACV sensible. Agreed value is more appropriate and commonly used in a classic car insurance policy. This is where the company and policyholder agree on the value of the vehicle and insurance limits are set accordingly. Periodic adjustments of the agreed amount can take into account increasing values.
Other notable differences between standard and classic car insurance policies are the optional coverages. Many companies offer benefits for spare parts, memorabilia, tools, coverage for transport, etc. Classic car insurance companies generally allow for the higher cost of installing original equipment for repairs and utilizing a garage facility of the policyholder’s choice. Also, enhanced emergency roadside service is typically provided.
The unique risk characteristics of the typical car collector are taken into account when determining rates. The average collector is around age 50, college educated, a professional or technician or entrepreneur, has an excellent driving record, owns multiple vehicles, and keeps the collectable in the garage. These factors help keep rates low. A poor driving record or teenage driver often disqualify an applicant for this type of policy.
Vehicles that maintain or appreciate in value are adequately protected by a specialty or classic car insurance policy. The contract will use an agreed value not actual cash value to determine physical damage limits. Optional coverages catering to the car collector are available too. Policyholders enjoy low rates due to favorable risk characteristics of the group.