Antique Car Insurance: Finding a policy to meet your needs

Cars that are older than 30 years are considered antique cars and they are usually used in shows and for display purposes only. Most people do not take their antique car with them to work or even on pleasure trips. Because they are treated with “kid gloves,” so to speak, it can be a waste of money to get regular auto insurance for these cars as they are not driven on a regular basis. If you have an antique car, you are better off purchasing antique car insurance.

Prior to getting insurance, the car must be 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 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.

Although the appraiser is most likely going to go off of the blue book value, he or she will have to see the car to make sure that it is in the condition stated. This eliminates any potential for insurance fraud as there have been cases in which the insured over estimates the value of his or her car, has something “accidentally” happen to the car, and then collects on the insurance. This is why it is so important to have the vehicle appraised by someone who is trusted by the insurance company.

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.

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.

Finding insurance may require checking with several companies to find one that offers antique car insurance. Larger agencies 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 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.

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.