Real Estate Innovation

Shopping for Antique Car Insurance

Conventional auto insurance may not be the best choice for insuring an antique automobile due to the usage and value of such relics. An antique vehicle is more than 30 years old, driven for auto shows and displays, and not used for travel, vacations, or when driving to work. They are treated with “kid gloves” to ensure a consistent increasing value. Regular insurance may be a waste of money. Antique car insurance is a better choice when planning to purchase insurance.

Prior to getting antique automobile insurance, you will need to get the car appraised by a certified appraiser. Your insurance company should be able to recommend a certified appraiser. The appraiser will determine the value of your car. The value of your car is based upon the sale price of similar antique cars.

If the car is less than 50 years old, the appraiser may look for a “blue book value” on the car. The blue book value is used in the automotive industry to estimate the value of used cars. Most antique cars can found in this listing. In the event the vehicle is not listed, the appraisal may be based on the condition of the car.

An appraiser will most likely use the blue book value or set a date to view the car to ensure it is in the condition stated. This is a precautionary measure used in the prevention of insurance fraud. There have been cases where the insured over estimates the value of a car and then the vehicle is “accidentally” damaged. The owner collects on the insurance based on the estimated value. This is one reason it is important to have the vehicle apprised by someone who is trusted by the insuring agency.

Applying for antique automobile insurance requires the same basic information as regular car insurance. The information needed includes the year, make and model, vehicle identification number, and value of the car. The insurance company will require driver’s license information for all intended operators. This information must be provided to the insurance company before the policy can be issued.

Both the blue book value of the car, if available, and the condition of the car will determine the value of the automobile. The insuring agency provides coverage based on the replacement value should anything happen to the car. Valuation is always based upon the replacement value, which is determined either by the rated blue book value or by comparison to three similar cars in the same condition and with the same value. The insurance will also provide coverage against damage or injury to other individuals and self, should the car is involved in an accident.

You have to do a bit of research to find out which companies offer antique car insurance. Big insurance companies usually have underwriters who may offer antique car insurance and are able to issue collision and liability insurance based on frequency of use and information regarding the primary driver or drivers of the vehicle being insured.

Many types of antique automobile insurance are available. A policy based on actual cash value that is determined by vehicle value at the time of policy issuance may not be a wise choice. Cash Value policies may depreciate the vehicle value annually. If the car is one that will gain value with age, other types of insurance may be more adequate.

Stated value is the better option as this will cover the appraised value of the car during the entire term of the insurance policy.

Agreed value insurance consists of a monthly policy premium. This option is best for drivers living in areas where climate changes limit the driving to certain months or require the car to be in storage. The cost for liability coverage is eliminated during the months of storage. The policy picked should be based on the value of the car and how often it will be driven during the year.