Classic vehicles span many categories, including collectibles, customs, hotrods, muscle cars, and even vintage military vehicles and antique tractors. No matter what you call them, these unique vehicles hold a special place in our hearts. They also require specialized insurance coverage.
Whether you already own a classic ride or are considering purchasing one, keep the following information in mind so you can protect your vehicle and enjoy it for years to come.
What is a classic car?
For the sake of this article, we’re going to use “classic car” as an umbrella term to refer to a variety of vehicle classifications. We’re going to keep things simple because insurance companies (and automobile associations) define classic cars, antique cars, modified vehicles, replicas, and rare vehicles differently based on age, use and whether or not the vehicle has been modified or restored from its original condition.
When we refer to a classic, we’re referring to a vehicle 25 years or older that has historical interest and appreciates over time.
How classic car insurance is different
Some classic car owners might be confused about the difference between classic car insurance and a standard auto insurance policy. While there are similarities between the two types of policies, a significant difference is how the policies treat replacement value.
With a standard auto insurance policy, the value of your vehicle depreciates over time; the longer you own it, the less it’s worth. That’s important because if something happens to your vehicle, an insurer is only going to compensate you up to the vehicle’s actual cash value.
In contrast, a classic car can increase in value over time, so a classic car policy will cover your vehicle up to a specific “guaranteed” value without depreciation. Instead, the policy insures your vehicle for an agreed-upon amount, based on respected collectible car valuation guides, professional appraisals and research.
Classic car insurance eligibility
To meet the requirements of most classic car policies, you should only use your vehicle on a limited basis. This could include exhibiting it at automotive events, car clubs and parades. If your classic car is your primary vehicle, it likely won’t qualify because insurers have a maximum annual mileage restriction.
Your vehicle’s condition will also be a factor. Insurers might require you to have restored, maintained, or preserved your classic car and require you to store it in an enclosed structure, such as a residential garage or storage unit, when not in use.
Storing your classic car
The best way to keep your classic car in pristine condition is to store it indoors in a weatherproof structure. Place a plastic vapor barrier underneath the vehicle to prevent moisture from seeping up through the floor and reaching the vehicle’s underside.
Since cold air can dry out rubber parts, consider insulating your storage area with fiberglass batting and weather stripping to keep the cold air out during the winter.
If your classic car shares a garage with sharp garden tools, rakes, brooms and bicycles, dings and scratches are always a concern. Consider hanging these items on the wall so they pose less danger to your car’s paint job.
Keep garage doors locked and secure any exterior doors with deadbolts to keep out intruders. Install a smoke detector in your garage and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
Winter storage
Longer-term storage, such as storing your classic car over the winter, requires additional care. When putting your vehicle away for the season, remove the battery and charge it on a tender with an automatic shut-off switch to avoid overcharging. You should also drain any old oil which can be full of contaminants, and add fresh oil before storing it away.
Top off the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer to protect the fuel system from corrosion, and make sure to protect your cooling system with antifreeze, so it doesn’t freeze up during the colder months.
Vehicles in storage are an attractive place for mice and other critters to ride out the winter months. To keep unwanted visitors out of your classic car, stuff steel wool into the exhaust pipe, engine intakes and other openings.
Since every classic car insurance policy is different, be sure to check with your JAISIN insurance professional to see if they have storage or other guidelines you need to follow to maintain eligibility. Properly caring for your classic vehicle will not only keep your insurance policy in good standing, but it’ll also keep your car in tiptop condition so you can enjoy it for years to come. Call or email us for more information today.
Copyright © 2022 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
