Classic Car Auto Insurance Explained

September 16, 2012 By

Classic Car Auto Insurance Explained

Whenever you have a classic car and would like to protect that investment, then you had better secure your insurance company that specializes in classic automobile insurance. There are several companies out there that propose particular insurance for classic automobiles. The underwriting of classic car auto insurance is dissimilar from that used on common family automobile insurance.

Traditional auto insurance is planned to protect your regular automobile which you drive each day and oftentimes pose at run a risk on the road. The right kind of protection for classic car is proposed by classic car auto insurance. Whenever you prefer to search the best classic car auto insurance quotes, there some matters to be commended. You had better collect as several quotes and select the perfect balance between price and features right for you.

The right insurance coverage for regular auto is not always the right coverage for your classic auto. Once you prefer to secure your classic automobile, there are several elements are impacting. Some of them are automobile age, value and the cost of substitution parts. Most people drive classic ones to exhibitions. So this will increase the mileage of these vehicles every year. Since of this distance, classic ones need more primary case of coverage and are frequently less expensive to cover than newer traditional vehicles.

The methods you apply your classic automobile can have a great affecting your classic car auto insurance. You will be insured although you drive to and from classic one shows. Weaknesses that car is frequently the parts of classic cars are more difficult to discover and substituted whenever that car is spotted or stolen. Therefore, most insurance companies need you to lock yours in the garage. This is to cut down the danger for insurance companies.

Generally classic auto is appraised in value. This makes hard to appraisal precisely the value of the vehicle. Occasionally the owners make some modifications being made to that car, so it is significant to ascertain that yours is adequately covered.

Classic autos generally are decided by the value of values agreed. This technique regulates the value of each vehicle placed on the sum agreed upon by consumers and insurance companies. In this way there is no decrease in depreciation. Most insurance companies demand that your classic automobile kept in a locked garage. You are too needed to park yours in a safe parking area with supervision.

Prior to you purchase classic car insurance, you must recognize the character of coverage you need, how much money you require for coverage and what type of requirements for a policy possessed. To recognize above matters, you are able to do it in several dissimilar methods. Beginning way, you are able to act some research into the leading classic car auto insurance companies by calling them. Additional way is you are able to seek the car insurance quote comparison websites by internet.

Classic Car Auto Insurance Explained

Classic Car Auto Insurance Explained

Article You May Be Interested In Reading: individual insurance plans and homeowners insurance calculator.

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Preparing Your Classic Car For Storage

September 13, 2012 By

Preparing Your Classic Car For Storage

To keep a classic car looking great and to hold its market value true enthusiast owners really have to take excellent care of it. Not only is it important to maintain the body work, take care of the exterior and interior but you also need to keep an eye on the engine. If you settle into a routine and regularly polish the paintwork and interior trim, add to that regular engine checks and make small adjustments to tyre pressure, oil pressure and the timing as required, you can not only keep your classic car in top driving condition but also looking like new and slowing the effects of car depreciation down, perhaps even adding value to your motor over time.

Owners with classic cars in daily use would need to take additional care to protect their vehicles from the elements as they may even be left in an open bay at work or on the drive at home. The summer sun’s ultra-violet light attacks paint work; in winter the additional road salt, spray from gritting trucks and regular rain storms rot and corrode the metal work.

We all know firsthand that the cost of motoring can be expensive; however, with a bit of preventive maintenance you can keep your classic car in mint condition. There are a variety of things you should do before you store your car for any amount of time. Classic cars that sit inactive can start to deteriorate if not properly prepared before being put into storage.

Whether you own a classic car, classic pickup van or even a used minibus from decades gone by, you should always give the vehicle a good detailing before it goes in storage. The car must be squeaky clean from bumper to bumper. Wash off all of the road grime and salt from the undercarriage as well as all the exposed body parts.

One important thing to do is to make sure every inch of the car is completely dry before wrapping the covers around it and putting the vehicle into winter storage. If you are going to use a cover make sure it is a high quality blanket made from soft fibers. You need to store your classic car out of direct sunlight and in a dust free area if possible

If you plan on storing your classic car for a short time only, drain the entire cooling system and then refill it with pure antifreeze. When planning to store your car for an extended length of time drain the entire system and leave the cap off of the radiator so that the air can circulate around the cooling system. Also change the brake fluid, oil and the oil filter before the vehicle goes into storage

During the washing process make sure you look for any scratches or chips in the paint finish. It pays to touch up any spots, chips or scratches with a paint pen or have a specialist do the work for you before you put your classic car in storage as this will help you stop metal corrosion. Remember to use primer first, as primer helps the new paint to stick and can be used to build up the base so that your paint is level. You will have to order the paint from the manufacturers to match your vehicles paint colour. If you are looking for a more professional touch, have a look at purchasing SMART for your car, it is a form of additional car insurance which is an absolute must for long term car owners. SMART stands for Small Accident Repair Technology

The Tyres You will also want to do something with the tyres because the rubber will actually perish if they are left inflated with the vehicles full weight on them. You can either remove the wheels completely or put the car on axel stands and let the air out of the tyres at the same time. This will put less strain on the suspension system and also deter theft at the same time.

Car Batteries Never put a car into storage with the battery connected. Always remove the battery, clean off the battery terminals and think about how you will maintain your battery while the car is not in use. If your battery has had a leak – and many older unsealed batteries had this problem – a great way to clean the battery terminals would be by using a bicarbonate of soda and water solution. For a short term storage option, often the case in harsh weather climates, placing your car’s battery on trickle charge is a great idea. For car owners who either drive very infrequently or have classic cars that can stand unused for many months at a time, flat batteries are a thing these owners know only too well. There is nothing more frustrating than a dead battery and on top of that is the high cost of replacement car batteries too.

Keeping the Battery Charged Up The short term solution is to keep the battery topped up with a trickle charger. A trickle charger charges a car battery at approximately the same rate as it is discharging, so if the car you’re storing is used once a month for example this is a great option. The downfall of a trickle charger is that it continues to charge a battery no matter whether the battery is fully charged or not, so it needs to be connected and disconnected periodically or it will eventually boil your battery and permanently damage it. For a long term solution, think about using a float charger. A float charger can be left connected indefinitely without potential harm to the battery. With modern classics a float charger will help the owner ensure that immobilisers or car alarm systems won’t run it down while the car sits under covers for months at a time. There is a huge choice of car chargers on the market in both the UK and America so buying the right one won’t be difficult. Always place the charging battery in an open space where air is free to circulate. Constricting the airflow around a car battery is dangerous and could cause a fire!

Final Prep You will want to replace all filters with new ones and remove the sparkplugs. By removing the spark plugs you help prevent moisture being trapped in the cylinder head potentially causing corrosion. Petrol has high water content and this causes the corrosion. You will want to grease over all areas, including points, door locks, door boot hinges and the like. At least once a month you should turn the engine over using a spanner. This can be done from the flywheel bolt. This keeps the pistons, valves and tappets moving freely preventing them from seizing in the engine when left standing for long periods of time

When you have your classic car which you use regularly, you need to be diligent about your vehicle’s maintenance. Keep the interior and exterior trim polished which not only keeps it clean but also prevents the polished areas from cracking. The harsh rays of the sun will fade and crack the trim if it is not kept clean and polished and the metals in the exterior trim fade and crack in UV light too

When cleaning your classic car you should use a microfiber or cotton cloth that is designed for use on classic cars or expensive paintwork of other luxury cars. Cotton cloth, because it’s made from real cotton, is softer than cheap cloth (normally made from nylon and polyester) which can leave scratches. Microfiber cloth is manufactured with fibres between 100 and 1000 times finer than traditionally made cloths. Microfiber cloth works so well because unlike when using cheaper traditional cloths, with a microfiber cloth you really don’t need to use abrasive detergents. The fibres are so closely woven that they are able to pick up far more dust particles than traditional cloth would be able to, reducing the need for the chemicals needed to loosen and remove the same amount of dust as a traditional cleaning cloth would.

Microfiber cloth should be used on surfaces with very little water, use just enough to loosen the most stubborn dirt particles. A quick gentle wash with cotton cloth using a quality car wash detergent first, followed by a fine mist of water and a microfiber wipe should leave you with a great result. You want to use the correct car wash and not an abrasive detergent like dish washing liquid. Strange as it sounds, many car owners do just that and the result is not much better than washing your vehicle with petrol. The paint will fade straight away and continue to fade, loosing that shine forever. It is advisable to have any small dents, cracks or chips repaired as soon as you notice them. This will help prevent rust and metal corrosion. If possible avoid the cheaper car shampoos and go for high polymer premier products that are freely available on the market. You almost always get what you pay for in the automotive industry.

Polish your vehicle in the shade rather than direct sunlight. Sunlight bakes the wax onto your paintwork rather than helping you clean it. Polishing in direct sunlight leaves you with a streaky unprofessional finish. Use a high quality polish to wax your car. If the paint is oxidized you will want to remove it first with a high quality polish or rubbing compound designed for this purpose. Rubbing compounds have tiny particles in the polish which gently scrubs off the oxidized layers of paint, leaving behind a fresh, bright layer, ready for polish. Ask an expert about rubbing compounds before you buy. This information will make your job easier as using the wrong compound will damage your paint work.

You should pull a dust cover over your vehicle at night. Make sure the dust cover is made from soft material to prevent scratching the paint surface. The reason for the paint scratching is actually tiny dust particles being rubbed against your car’s paintwork, so the softer it’s material the better. If you go out for a drive, take a few minutes to remove any bird, bat or seagull droppings immediately. You will also want to remove tar, dead bugs, leaves, sap and any other debris on your return. Tree sap can leave terrible marks on a car’s paint work, so parking under a roof is preferable where possible. You can use a quality remover product for this purpose that does not have a high acidic content.

After every journey you should wash and dry the car properly; any water will encourage rust. Remove mud, dust, and petrol spills as soon as possible. Driving in Europe especially causes cars to rust underneath when the roads are treated with salt which prevents ice from forming. Make sure to wash the underside of your car if you have driven in these conditions. If you get in your car with wet shoes dry the carpets when you get home, that moisture can cause metal and carpet rot. If your car smells damp take immediate action. Don’t forget to check the boot, sills, in corners, under the bonnet and around rubber seals after every wash that all is dry.

Owning a classic car can be a rewarding experience. You have to baby your classic car to keep it in mint condition. This is your pride and joy and the extra time spent caring for it is well worth it. This article was produced for free distribution by the Car Gap Insurance experts.

Preparing Your Classic Car For Storage

Preparing Your Classic Car For Storage

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Top Places To Look For Cheap Classic Cars

September 12, 2012 By

Top Places To Look For Cheap Classic Cars

If you are planning on collecting or simply owning classic cars, you might be intimidated by the huge tag price that comes with these sweet rides. Some fully-restored classics may even be more expensive than brand new luxury or sports cars. The ’55 serial one Corvette is rumored to be valued at near a million dollars!

But do not worry, as the upside to collecting classic cars is that they could be bought cheap. The principle behind this is simple: since most of the classics are at least over 15 years old, some people who are not collectors will probably consider them as junk. And cars considered as junk mean a very low price. What they say is true: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Here are some places you can check out for cheap classics.

Online Auctions

The best place to find cheap classic cars is at online auctions. Online car auctions may not have the lowest price tags, but you can surely find the greatest variety. This is because online auctions are easily accessible to all people. You can easily spot a good condition ’57 T-bird with a starting price of a mere $500. That’s surely a pretty good deal.

A few great tips when buying at online auctions: look for auctions that are only a few hours from ending. This is the best gauge for what the final price of that car will be. Also, if you are bidding on a fresh auction, do not overshoot the price. Bid shyly, so that the price will not go sky high.

Online Classifieds

If you can’t find anything to your liking at online auctions, try your luck at online ads. Some online ads carry a wider variety of makes than auctions. However, sellers pay for these ads, so expect the prices to be more expensive than those at auctions.

Oftentimes, you could not see a seller’s reputation in these online ads, unlike in auctions. So if you plan to buy via online ads, be sure to get the contact details of the seller. Try to know specific information about the vehicle, and ask for a pre-purchase inspection.

Second-hand Car Shops

Live second-hand car shops offer a limited variety of makes, since they are constrained by space and location. However, prices here may be much cheaper than at online auctions and classifieds, since some of the cars offered are several shop-years old. Another good thing about these venues is that you can easily shop for a car and inspect it at once.

Junkyards

Junkyards are probably the last place you might think of when buying great classic cars. Still, a junkyard holds some very funky treasures. Just a reminder when shopping at junkyards: do expect to find these cars in a deplorable condition. So even if you buy them at a very low price, prepare yourself for a pretty expensive restoration. And of course, do not buy cars that are just plain trash. Leave vehicles that are degraded by rust to Mother Nature.

If you don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to spare for buying a classic, make sure to visit online auctions, look for online classifieds, drop by your nearest second-hand car shop, and shop at junkyards. You’ll surely find a vintage car for a real bargain.

Top Places To Look For Cheap Classic Cars

Top Places To Look For Cheap Classic Cars

The best place to find classic cars for sale is here. Visit Classic Vehicle Auction and look over hundreds of listings of classic car makes. We collect great deals from online auctions so you won’t have to. Peter Grizzly is an age-old classic car enthusiast. He makes his living now by being a classic car trader

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Qatar Classic Cars, A Classic Love

September 11, 2012 By

Qatar Classic Cars, A Classic Love

Classic car lovers in Doha the capital of Qatar are willing to face the bumps to go after their passion. Classic, Antique or some may call vintage cars until very recently appeared to be a territory only the rich royalties and the VIPs are allowed to enter. However, this perception has gradually changed, and now the market holds possibilities for even the enthusiasts that are willing to spare a bit over a hundred-thousand Qatari Riyals the equivalent to twenty-thousands US Dollars. This became possible due to the economic boom the area is witnessing, efficient communications with classic car dealers in Houston, along with the superior supply chain management allowed cars in Houston to be transported at low costs.

It now became possible for a knowledgeable enthusiast, with patience, and time at their disposal to buy classic car in Qatar, or an antique car in Dubai, or even a classic car to be shipped from Houston. It became possible to start the process with the equivalent of three thousand US dollars, or in other words for less than the ca was worth in the seventies or eighties.

This however sometimes holds true, and sometimes does not. For instance, Morris Minors was valued in Dubai and Qatar at about QR 15,000 in the eighties. It is very difficult to sell such a car for QR 10,000 in 2007 according to a car dealer. Cars that were easy on the pocket back in their peaking days are unlikely to hold value over the years. Hence, exceptions always pop up, for instance this fact doesn’t hold true with the iconic mini.

I respect, and always reflect my articles with both mine and the apposing; however I do not see a Qatar classic car dealer’s opinion holding true. He said “The classic car market, if it can be called that, will flourish because people have bought [these cars] for nostalgia and recreation — not for financial gain,” says a dealer in classic cars. “Most people, who have bought a classic car in the last ten years, knew their cars would have seen a rise on the value.” To contradict, According to Classic Car magazine, the US has seen a growth in the market for classic cars, particularly American sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s. Cars, such as Chevrolet Corvettes and Camaros, Ford Thunderbirds and Pontiacs, are said to have doubled in value over the past three years.

As I have been promising throughout the article series dedicated to Qatar classic car, the research journey has not stopped, rather the more research I make, the more I am interested to learn about the differences in tastes and markets. To get up-to-date research results, visit the section I dedicated to Qatar classic cars

Qatar Classic Cars, A Classic Love

Qatar Classic Cars, A Classic Love

? Copyright – 2007 Khalid R. Mustaffa The owner of cars in Houston The website is dedicated to serve the Houston market needs pertaining to cars in houston
The website provides important information to car buyers and owners around the world. It also serves as Houston used cars classifieds

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Classic Car Insurance Brokers

September 8, 2012 By

Classic Car Insurance Brokers

Classic car insurance is a special type of insurance available for people with collector vehicles. These types of cars include antiques, classics, custom cars, and replicas among other types. There are usually specialized insurance companies that provide classic car insurance. These companies have their own agents or else, a broker might also have these types of policies.

Typically, a car insurance broker has information regarding all kinds of insurance available in the market. If a classic car owner goes to the agent of a regular car insurance company, he or she may refuse to insure the classic car. The reason for this is that not many regular companies insure classic cars. Therefore, a classic car insurance broker is the best person to approach for a comprehensive rates comparison.

Another advantage of going to a broker is that he or she will provide impartial comparison of rates offered by many companies. On the other hand, an agent for a particular company will only have information regarding that particular company. A classic car insurance broker also understands the specific needs of the car owner and can explain various terms such as limited mileage car insurance or no claims discount car insurance.

A classic car insurance broker helps the car owner select the best policy based of many factors. These factors are type of car, usage, location, driving history of the owner, number of drivers listed, age of drivers and age and value of the classic car. The next important job of the broker is to advice the car owner regarding the right amount of deductible that must be opted for. A deductible is the amount the car owner has to pay in case of a claim. Higher the deductible, lower is the premium, and so choosing the correct deductible option is vital for the car owner.

Though brokers provide excellent comparisons, it is advisable to gather some basic information through websites or other sources before approaching the broker. This allows better understanding of terms and conditions and enables the car owner to determine of budget for purchasing the policy.

Classic Car Insurance Brokers

Classic Car Insurance Brokers

Classic Car Insurance provides detailed information on Classic Car Insurance, American Classic Car Insurance, UK Classic Car Insurance, Classic Car Insurance Quotes and more. Classic Car Insurance is affiliated with Exotic Sports Car Insurance [http://www.e-sportscarinsurance.com].

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Tips on Buying a Classic Car

August 31, 2012 By

Tips on Buying a Classic Car

People who are into cars often have the desire to build or restore a classic car. The idea of bringing a car back to its former glory is something that is often on their mind so they often look for classic cars for sale.

Now most people looking for a classic car for sale is either looking for a complete wreck that needs a lot of working normally including getting welding done and treating rust, especially if the classic car is a UK classic car as the salt on our roads really does speed up the rotting process. However there is another kind of person that just likes the idea of buying a fully restored classic car these people enjoy tinkering with car but are just not up for doing any major work maybe they don’t have the time or the patience but either way finding the right classic car for sale is going to be a long process.

So what is it you need to do to find the perfect classic car for sale? You need to decide which category you fall into, do you like “tinkering” or you up for doing a major overhaul restoration? I am a very hands on guy I am after perfection so I may start out just tinkering but in no time the whole car would be stripped an I will be starting from scratch again!

So what is the differences in prices when it comes to classic cars for sale? Well if you buy one that needs a full restoration then you can pick them up pretty cheaply and on the odd occasion you can pick them up for free I have done in the past! If you are looking just to tinker then I would suggest you take a peak at the bottom of this page.

The trouble with restoring a classic car is that you never have enough money they are complete money pits however you need to decide whether they are worth it or not. I would also have a budget the double it as more often than not you will find something that you didn’t expect.

Finding a classic car for sale can be good fun and normally driving around you local area you may be able to find one in someone’s garden or you might see a garage door open with a car in it. I did this and found some real bargains when I was younger.  I am going to stereotype a bit here but here goes. Most males love classic cars and they buy them with every hope of restoring them but after a couple of years of them stuck in the garage the wife normally gets fed up and wants them gone so this is the time when to buy a classic car as the wife is bound to be nagging for the car to go and when you knock on the door and offer to take it away they rarely say no.

So when buying a classic car take all the above into account don’t rush into it take your time remember if you buy one to tinker make sure that it is just a tinker car. Say for example you can drive it away once its been sold this is a tinker car in my books. If you want something a little more involved then you will need a garage a fair bit of knowledge and a good  bit of money behind you, not just for buying parts but you may need some extra tools but I don’t see tools as an expense.

But above all a classic car for sale can make a wife very happy and your wife very unhappy but still go out and enjoy it.

Tips on Buying a Classic Car

Tips on Buying a Classic Car

Buying a classic car has never been easier especially with thanks to sites like Classic Cars For Sale. But the best of all they have a massive selection of classic cars for sale.

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Classic Car Insurance – A Beginners Guide For New Classic Owners

August 29, 2012 By

Classic Car Insurance – A Beginners Guide For New Classic Owners

If you’ve just bought your first classic car you will need to consider not just where, but also how you are going to insure it.

As a classic car owner it matters not if you drive a perfect condition Ford Capri 3 litre from 1970, a beat up old Morris Minor from the Sixties or a sleek E-type Jaguar in British racing green, it is essential that you find the best classic car insurance cover for your cherished motor, that covers your individual risks at prices that won’t break the bank!

If you have not owned a classic car before it is important to realise that there are basic differences between what is known as a standard car insurance policy and the cover offered under one defined as classic, from a specialist car insurer.

The first thing to establish is whether your car is eligible for cover under a classic policy. One way you could do this is ask the previous owner whether it was covered under a classic car insurance policy and with which insurance company.

Different car insurance companies have different definitions of the age and type of vehicles that can be covered under this type of cover.

What might be easily covered with one provider may be excluded by another. Fortunately most online classic car cover providers provide this information on the first page of their websites, so it is fairly easy to surf around and check your eligibility with different insurance companies.

You should check that both the eligibility of the age of the car in question and also whether there are policy restrictions for your individual driving circumstances, such as your age that would prevent you from applying for cover.

The major variation between a standard policy and those offered by the classic car specialists is in the way that you use your classic vehicle, and in particular, how much you drive it. The large mainstream insurers and price comparison sites will offer cover for older cars but will charge an additional premium because of its age. They will also load the premium if replacement parts for the vehicle type are known to be expensive.

More importantly you will only be offered the current market value replacement if the car is covered under a mainstream policy and is deemed to be a write-off when you claim.

With a standard car insurance policy on a replacement like for like basis, the value of the car is often set by the market value at the time of a claim, typically taken from one of the car price magazines such as the UK’s Glasses Guide. The amount you will be probably receive for a write-off will be at the current market value of your car which is an annual depreciating amount. Inevitably, if you own a classic car and insure it under a standard policy contract, this leads to under valuation and under insurance of the true value of the car. You will also probably not be offered the salvage and a repairable classic car may often be deemed a write-off because the cost of repair is uneconomic to the Insurer.

If you purchase a specialist classic car policy you will be offered a choice of either an agreed valuation of the classic cars worth or a policy based on market value.

An agreed valuation amount is the amount that the insurance company will pay out in the event of a claim that results in a write off. This is a major benefit of insuring classics under specialist policies because it ensures that you are not just properly covered but will also receive the specialist repair services that your classic will require should you claim. It should be noted that even agreed valuation polices can change and you should ensure that the value is guaranteed for a certain period of time to avoid fluctuations in market values.

Classic Car insurance polices are therefore tailored to the needs of cars considered to be collectable and effectively the valuation is a rating factor for the condition of the car.

The other major difference between standard and classic policies is in the way that you are allowed to use your car under the terms of the agreement. Originally this type of vehicle insurance was designed for drivers who do not use their classic cars much.

All classic car policies have a limited mileage clause which only covers the vehicle for an agreed amount of miles per year. Depending upon which specialist car insurance company you use, there will be a limit to how far you can drive your classic. Some providers will only cover a couple of thousand miles per year under the policy, but many specialist providers are now offering cover up to ten thousand miles per year. These policies reflect the fact that many drivers now use modern day classic cars as their main form of transport.

As with all car insurance it is important to compare both covers and prices when shopping around. There are many specialist classic insurance providers available online today and many specialist schemes that are targeted at particular classic owners. Compare the premiums offered by these with those from the price comparison sites, but if you want to avoid disappointment if you need to make a claim, be sure to understand the difference in policy covers.

Classic Car Insurance – A Beginners Guide For New Classic Owners

Classic Car Insurance - A Beginners Guide For New Classic Owners

The Internet has made it very easy to compare Classic Car Insurance that was previously only available from specialist car insurance brokers on the high street. You can find those offering special deals and bespoke schemes for your particular classic by searching for your model type classic car insurance.

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How to Buy Classic Car Insurance

August 25, 2012 By

How to Buy Classic Car Insurance

Collector Car Insurance and Classic Car Insurance

If you are fortunate enough to own a classic car – or any collectible automobile – then you want to ensure that your luck does not run out because of having inadequate insurance coverage. Call it covering your butt – or covering your “asset” – but by all means, call one of the major providers such as American Collectors, Haggerty, or Parish Heacock insurance companies and let them put you in the driver’s seat in terms of professional protection of your cherished automotive investment.

How to Kick the Tires on Classic Car Insurance

The whole idea of insurance is that it needs to do what you expect of it in an emergency, when the rubber really hits the road. And classic car insurance is as different from conventional auto insurance as, well, a classic car is from your run of the mill generic vehicle.

When you buy a classic car insurance policy, you are essentially purchasing protection for those times when – God forbid and knock on wood it doesn’t happen – disaster strikes in the form of a fire, a collision, or an act of theft or vandalism. Just as we now have modern airbags to save us in the event of a crash, we also have collector’s car insurance, to protect us with adequate moneybags when calamity throws a wrench in the works.

The time you invest in choosing the right classic car insurance coverage is well worth the value and peace of mind that a quality collector’s insurance policy delivers for owners of classic motor cars.

The Nuts and Bolts of Classic Car Insurance Coverage

Collector car insurance is not the same as the insurance you buy for normal coverage of your daily transportation. Collector car insurance, or classic car insurance, is made especially for the needs of the car collector. And while ordinary insurance does offer some protection, no matter what you drive, it can leave you high and dry in the event of a loss that it not effectively covered by the terms of the insurance contract.

For example, you may have a garage-kept Cadillac Sedan DeVille with swooping fins your grandparents bought for $7,000 brand new back in the 1960s. But dealers have offered you three times that much, and you saw another one sell at an auto show for $35,000. If you don’t have special collector car insurance or classic car insurance, and the car is totaled, you will be lucky to get $7,000 for it. With depreciation calculated in, the insurance statisticians may decide that it is worth only half that much, or less, and you could wind up with two or three grand in exchange for your dream machine.

Stipulations or requirements normally encountered while shopping for collector car insurance or classic car insurance:

A decent driving record.
At least 10 years driving experience
No teen drivers on the policy or drivers with poor driving records
Secure and out of the weather garage
Proof that you have another car for daily transportation
Collector vehicle insurance is sometimes limited by the age of your car, and if your car is too young it may not qualify for a particular policy.
Limited mileage. You probably don’t want to drive your creampuff car all the time, and your insurance company doesn’t want you to either. Mileage limits have increased recently, though, so if you can live with 250 miles a month you’re probably okay.

Coverage with collector car insurance or classic car insurance: Three kinds of value are important to understand when buying your policy. 1) Actual cash value: This is what you usually get with ordinary insurance, and is based on replacement cost minus depreciation.

2) Stated value:

The insurance company pays up to the stated value of the car, but may not guarantee the full stated value. And deductibles of up to $1,000 usually apply.

3) Agreed value:

In most jurisdictions, those who provide collector car insurance or classic car insurance are allowed to insure for a value that you and your insurer agree upon. And for most autos, there is no deductible. If your $100,000 vintage Rolls get trashed, you get a check for 100 grand, plain and simple – which is exactly why collectors use special classic car insurance coverage.

Do a periodic review of your coverage limits, because classic car prices are rising. What you insured your cherry classic for ten years ago may be a fraction of what it’s worth today. And if you are restoring a vehicle, ask your agent to give you appropriate insurance. There is no need to pay extra based on mileage statistics, if your car is up on blocks with no engine inside it. And as the car’s value increases thanks to your hard work of restoring it, you should raise the coverage to keep up with the added value of the restoration.

Keep all your receipts and paperwork – for everything from parts and labor to expenses incurred to take it to a classic car show – so that you can document the total investment your collector’s car represents. And take photos and keep them updated, for the same reason. And Last But Not Least: Special Savings Opportunities

As long as you meet the criteria in terms of how you use and take care of the car, you can usually buy a policy.

Traditional insurers will either refuse coverage, offer only a replacement value based on the nuts and bolts (minus heavy depreciation) of the car, or will charge you a prohibitive amount for the premium. But many collectors find that special collector’s coverage saves them money – as much as half – while insuring them for higher limits, sometime three or four times what a traditional company gave them.

Yes, it’s possible to get collector’s insurance coverage for full market value for your car, and save up to 50 percent off of the premium you’d pay with ordinary insurance. That makes classic car insurance a must-have for any serious car buff.

Below is information about three of the most reputable and dependable collectors and classic car insurance companies in the USA (All information listed below subject to change, please contact the insurance companies listed to be sure.):

Hagerty Insurance P.O. Box 1303 Traverse City, MI 49685-1303

Email: auto@hagerty.com Toll Free: 800-922-4050

Qualifications:

Similar to the others listed below, but please contact Haggerty for details.
American Collectors Insurance P.O. Box 8343 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Email: info@americancollectors.com Toll Free: (800) 360-2277 Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information).

At least 15 years old
Garage-kept
Driven on a limited, pleasure-only basis (up to 5,000 annual miles – available in most states)
You may also qualify by:
Having at least 10 years driving experience
Having a good driving record
Having at least one “regular” vehicle for every licensed driver in the household You may request a policy application either directly from American Collectors Insurance or through your local insurance agent (rates are the same either way).

Parish Heacock Classic Car Insurance P.O. Box 24807 Lakeland, FL 33802-4807 Email: info@parishheacock.com Toll free: (800) 678-5173 Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information).

Each household member of driving age must have at least 10 years driving experience or be excluded.
Each household member must have a regular use vehicle less than 15 years old that is insured with liability limits equal to or higher than the limits being applied for on the collectible vehicle.
All licensed members of household and any other drivers of the vehicle must be listed on the application.
Maximum of two accidents or violations in the household, maximum of one per licensed household member in past 3 years. No major violations permitted in past 5 years.
A Driver Health Questionnaire must be completed for all drivers over 70 years old.
Auto must be stored in a locked permanent garage facility when not driven.
Auto may not be used for commuting to or from work or school, used for business purposes or as a substitute for another auto.
Autos not covered while on a racetrack or when being used for: racing, speed, driver’s education, or timed events.
Must display pride of ownership: well maintained, in restored or well-preserved condition.
Vehicles under restoration must be stored at residence or a restoration shop, with a target date for completion. Agreed value coverage is not available on cars under restoration. Eligibility subject to company review.
Replica Vehicles and Pro Street vehicles are subject to company review.
Trucks and Jeeps must be over 25 years old, and not be used for towing, hauling, off-road or utility use.
Generally do not require appraisals, but may ask for one if vehicle value is difficult to determine.

How to Buy Classic Car Insurance

How to Buy Classic Car Insurance

Michael Modica is an avid musclecar fan. He is the webmaster of the world’s leading Second Generation Camaro resouce, http://www.nastyz28.com

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Understanding Classic Car Auctions

August 16, 2012 By

Understanding Classic Car Auctions

Classic car auctions have always been a perennial favorite amongst car lovers, both young and old. So much so, that some of them willingly fork over huge sums of money just to get their hands on a rare classic car!

Now this article will shed some light for those of you who aren’t very familiar with these types of auctions, so you might want to pay close attention!

First up, a classic car auction is a great event to check out all of the different types and models of rare cars belonging to different eras. But since the classic car market is a fairly tight niche, cars are often sold at high prices, compared to other car auctions. And because of this, most classic cars are often not sold at all.

Don’t let this deter you from bidding on one though. A classic car at an auction will probably cost you less the amount you’d have to pay to a private owner. Besides, not all cars are sold at exorbitant prices; once in a while, you do come across a great bargain you can take advantage of – you’ll just have to keep your eyes open!

There aren’t that many classic car auctions around though, so you want to do some research. A good idea would be to flip through popular magazines and other publications that cater to this niche. You could also do a search on major search engine such as Google and Yahoo. Here are some great websites you might want to check out:

* http://www.classic-auctions.com/

* http://www.classic-carauction.com/index.cfm

* http://www.coys.co.uk

There’s a ton of other classic car auction websites, so have fun browsing around!

As mentioned before, this is a pretty small niche market, so you’ll need to be armed with some ‘insider’ secrets if you want to dominate it. Now this doesn’t mean you’ve got to be an ‘expert,’ but a good knowledge on classic car auctions will help in the long run. For instance, it’s always better to know exactly what type and model you’re looking to buy, because problems could arise between the seller and you if you were to return the car after paying for it.

For the budding car auction enthusiasts out there who’re on the lookout for great deals… well, here’s good news for you: you can find a limited selection of very rare cars for rock-bottom prices, if you don’t mind spending a good amount of time hunting around!

Now here’s a fair warning – once you do find the ‘ultimate’ classic car, be prepared to participate in a frenzied and often raucous bidding war. If you’re absolutely delighted with it, there’ll be plenty of other classic car auction fans who’re likely to feel the same way as you do.

Finally, you need to keep in mind that some sellers out there can sell you cheap replicas of actual classic cars. The best way to avoid being ripped off, is to take along an experienced classic car auction buyer. That way, you’d feel much safer when handing over the cash in exchange for a classic car!

Understanding Classic Car Auctions

Understanding Classic Car Auctions

CarSaleAuction is an online portal with expert articles regarding professional car auction advice.

To discover effective methods for winning used car auctions, visit http://www.carsaleauction.com for free access.

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Hagerty Classic Car Insurance – A Review of Their Benefits and Restrictions

August 15, 2012 By

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance – A Review of Their Benefits and Restrictions

Classic car insurance from a specialty insurance company has a lot of advantages for those of us who own and drive a muscle car, antique car, or other collectible or special interest vehicle. These policies offer much better coverage for less money than a standard auto insurance policy. There is a lot to consider, though, when comparing classic car insurance companies. Each company has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important that you find the insurance company that offers the best fit for your situation.

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance has been offering specialty collector vehicle insurance since 1991, and is one of the largest and most well-known collector car insurance companies. They are car collectors themselves, so they understand the insurance needs of other classic car owners. Their policies offer:

- Agreed Value coverage – you receive the full insured amount in the event of a total loss

- A wide range of deductibles, from $0 and up

- Single liability charge, which saves you money on the premium if you have more than one classic vehicle insured

- In-house claims management – most claims are handled at Hagerty by a collector car insurance expert, seven days a week from April through October

- Repair shop of your choice – you get to choose the shop you want to handle any repairs

- Instant new purchase coverage – a new addition to your collection is automatically covered up to $50,000

- Car show medical reimbursement – clients and their family members get pre-determined medical coverage if they are injured at a car show

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance also offers special policies for coverage during an active restoration, for business-use endorsement, coverage during overseas shipping, and foreign liability and property damage if you take your car to an event overseas. You can get additional coverage for your automotive tools and memorabilia, spare parts, and even motorcycle safety equipment coverage. Hagerty also has a car club liability program.

The optional Hagerty Plus program offers even more benefits for its members, including emergency roadside assistance and flatbed towing coverage, a subscription to the Hagerty magazine, and access to the “Ask Hagerty” concierge service. They are active advocates on legislative issues related to the collector car hobby, and a portion of the membership fees go to support The Collectors Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to organizations working to preserve the hobby through education and other avenues.

Hagerty does have some restrictions, though, on who and what qualifies for their insurance. Drivers with more than one or two minor traffic violations or accidents in the past 3-6 years may not qualify. The vehicle must be used on a limited basis, going to automotive-related events or an occasional pleasure drive. If you drive your classic car very often or very far, you might be better off considering a different specialty insurance company that doesn’t place limits on how much you drive your car. Like most other companies, your vehicle must be stored in a fully enclosed and locked garage when not in use. And like most other collector car insurance companies, you must have a “daily driver” that is insured in your name in addition to your classic car.

Insurance policies are available for most antique and classic cars, street rods, muscle cars, military vehicles, antique fire trucks, tractors, motorcycles, and some replica cars. However, Hagerty does not offer insurance for Cobra replicas, off-road vehicles, many Pro-Street cars, any vehicle equipped with nitrous, dune buggies, commercial vehicles, or motorcycles that are modified for performance. They do offer policies for some of the “late model classics”, exotic, special interest, or limited production vehicles, as long as they are being treated as a collectible and are driven on a limited basis.

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance is a great option as long as you and your vehicle meet their qualifications and you don’t drive your car extended distances each year. I will soon be adding articles on other collector car insurance companies, with different qualifications and restrictions. Take a look at my other articles, and make sure that you choose the classic car insurance company that fits your needs the best.

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance – A Review of Their Benefits and Restrictions

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance - A Review of Their Benefits and Restrictions

For more detailed information on what to look for in a classic car insurance policy, visit American Classic Car Insurance. For a directory of the top classic car insurance companies, go to Classic Car Insurance Companies.

Keith Farren is an ASE Certified Master Technician with a BS in Business Administration, an Associate degree in Automotive Technology, and over twenty years of experience in the automotive industry.

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