Antique Car Insurance: Finding a policy to meet your needs

By Joey Hudson in Auto Insurance on April 24th, 2008

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by Joey Hudson

Antique cars are vehicles that are more than 30 years old and usually are used in car shows and for display purposes only. Antique cars are not used to travel to work or vacations. These cars are treated with “kid gloves” and regular auto insurance for these cars may be a waste of money because they are not driven on a regular basis. Antique car insurance is a better choice when planning to purchase insurance.

Prior to obtaining coverage, the car must be appraised by a certified appraiser. Most automobile insurance companies should be able to recommend a certified appraiser that they have used and trust. The appraiser will then determine the value of your car based upon the sale price of similar antique cars.

The automobile “Blue Book” listing may be used to determine its value if the car is less than 50 years old. The blue book value is used by automobile dealerships 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 physical inspection of 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 is not much different than applying for regular car insurance. You will the need the basic information such as the year, make and model number as well as the value. You will also have to provide the insurance company with the driving license of anyone who will be driving the car. If there is a vehicle identification number on the vehicle, the insurance company will also need to have that to issue the insurance policy.

In addition to using the blue book value of the car, if possible, the value of the car is determined by the condition of the automobile. The insurance company will be insuring the car on the basis of the replacement value if something happens to the car, such as a theft. They will also be insuring it against damage to other individuals or to yourself if the car is involved in an accident. Valuation is always based upon the replacement value of the vehicle. This is determined either by the rated blue book value or by three other similar cars in the same condition and their value.

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 provides a safer option and will cover the appraised value of the car during the entire term of the insurance policy.

The third option, agreed value insurance, consists of a monthly premium on the car. This is a good option for those who live in climates where the car can only be driven during certain months. This gives the option of eliminating the cost for liability coverage during the months that the car is being stored. The option that you choose for antique car insurance depends on the value of your car and if you plan to drive it all year long.

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