How are you Insured?

[Laura Anne]

I know this discussion exists on other sites... I have read them and still the question for me remains...
Who's the "best" insurance company if you have a "classic" vehicle? 

Right now I went through Nationwide and I feel that I am over charged and under covered.  Because of the age of my vehicle (its a 78) I can only have partial coverage.  Is this typical?  My Bus is a daily driver and about to take a large trip and I worry constantly about the possibility of being in a collision at "my fault" and lose my Westy... because my insurance wouldn't pay for the damage to my vehicle...  I would just have to claim it as totaled!  TOTAL BUMMER!

Anyone have any suggestions?  I am signed up for a few more months but want to maybe go with a different company/plan once my 6 mo is up with this one...

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

[Michael Hewitt]

Hagerty specializes in coverage for collector vehicles. Regrettably, there are some vehicles they do not cover due to their limited collectability, the way they are used and/or the extraordinary risk their use may pose, including:
Camping, off-road or utility-type vehicles. My 1957 Ford Thunderbird was $200. a year for full coverage and I think there was no deductable. They do assume your only driving to and from car shows or short trips. Call them and find out what the criteria is. Try this link below.
http://www.hagerty.com/us/auto.aspx?id=57712

[Greg Jannacone]

I haven't looked into this yet but I was told by my insurance agent that Statefarm might cover my van as a collector's item / "special interest" vehicle. Statefarm would need to come and do an appraisal on the van and I believe I'd also have to somehow demonstrate why someone would pay way more than the book value so that in the event of an accident rendering me a former Westy owner I'd be covered for the amount the van is really worth. I remember reading that Lucas from GoWesty has worked with people and insurance providers in verifying the worth of our Westies. I may be in a better position than you though since my van is an '89 and in great condition with relatively low mileage.

[Laura Anne]

thanks Greg~great tips! I will have to check State Farm out next. :)

Greg Jannacone said:

I haven't looked into this yet but I was told by my insurance agent that Statefarm might cover my van as a collector's item / "special interest" vehicle. Statefarm would need to come and do an appraisal on the van and I believe I'd also have to somehow demonstrate why someone would pay way more than the book value so that in the event of an accident rendering me a former Westy owner I'd be covered for the amount the van is really worth. I remember reading that Lucas from GoWesty has worked with people and insurance providers in verifying the worth of our Westies. I may be in a better position than you though since my van is an '89 and in great condition with relatively low mileage.

[Laura Anne]

thanks a bunch, I am going to look into this as well. thanks for the link!

Michael H said:

Hagerty specializes in coverage for collector vehicles. Regrettably, there are some vehicles they do not cover due to their limited collectability, the way they are used and/or the extraordinary risk their use may pose, including:
Camping, off-road or utility-type vehicles. My 1957 Ford Thunderbird was $200. a year for full coverage and I think there was no deductable. They do assume your only driving to and from car shows or short trips. Call them and find out what the criteria is. Try this link below.
http://www.hagerty.com/us/auto.aspx?id=57712

[Big Blue's Driver]

I talked to my agent who does our household (State Farm) about this. Bottom line is they see a VW bus (or bug, as I have both insured with them) and just another VW bus (or bug). He said, "It's just another VW bug to us. You can get them all over."

It doesn't mean anything more to them than a number on a line. I tried to get "stated value" insurance on it and called a few places (I can't remember who) and they all didn't offer it. They will just take a a standard value when replacing the bus.

Now, I've heard success stories about people keeping all of their receipts and using that to get the value out of what they put in. It's never going to exceed the top end value of the vehicle and will never match what the bus means to you, but I'd make sure to do that. Keep receipts on everything you buy for it.

[Greg Jannacone]

Great info. Thanks Big Blue!

Big Blue's Driver said:

I talked to my agent who does our household (State Farm) about this. Bottom line is they see a VW bus (or bug, as I have both insured with them) and just another VW bus (or bug). He said, "It's just another VW bug to us. You can get them all over."

It doesn't mean anything more to them than a number on a line. I tried to get "stated value" insurance on it and called a few places (I can't remember who) and they all didn't offer it. They will just take a a standard value when replacing the bus.

Now, I've heard success stories about people keeping all of their receipts and using that to get the value out of what they put in. It's never going to exceed the top end value of the vehicle and will never match what the bus means to you, but I'd make sure to do that. Keep receipts on everything you buy for it.

[westywoman (Melissa)]

You will never know what they'll give you until you lose it (the bus/van). That being said, Liberty Mutual accepted my documentation and issued a stated value policy, my policy cost went up a bit and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Go Westy has a discussion of insurance value on their website and have apparently been supportive of volks who need comp values for just this reason. Keep an archive of sold/for sale ads comparable to your bus. And, as previously mentioned, sales receipts, etc. You may not get what it is "worth", but you might get close. From everything I have read on the subject, the most important thing is to hold out-don't accept their initial offer if it is insufficient and negotiate politely. Do not capitulate.

Another option mentioned earlier is to get an appraisal or two for the record.

[Laura Anne]

Ah, I see... I just want to obtain a policy that will fully cover me if I am to get into an accident with another vehicle... even at my fault... that way they will pay for some of my repairs... I am just worried I will get into an accident and no one will cover my repairs and I won't have the $$...

Thanks for the input!

Big Blue's Driver said:

I talked to my agent who does our household (State Farm) about this. Bottom line is they see a VW bus (or bug, as I have both insured with them) and just another VW bus (or bug). He said, "It's just another VW bug to us. You can get them all over."

It doesn't mean anything more to them than a number on a line. I tried to get "stated value" insurance on it and called a few places (I can't remember who) and they all didn't offer it. They will just take a a standard value when replacing the bus.

Now, I've heard success stories about people keeping all of their receipts and using that to get the value out of what they put in. It's never going to exceed the top end value of the vehicle and will never match what the bus means to you, but I'd make sure to do that. Keep receipts on everything you buy for it.

[whc03grady]

Be careful with getting collectible car insurance. Like Michael H said, some of these policies only allow you so many miles of driving a year. If you get a policy, get smacked, and they find out you drive it every day, I think the policy is voided.

[Dave Reynolds]

Hi Laura - I have State Farm with coverage for my home and '87 4-Runner, I added the '69 VW Camper for an additional $25.84@month (liability only) which includes a bulk discount and reduced my overall coverage by $15@month. The insurer offered comprehensive coverage which I declined, however, now that I have more invested in my 'Turtle' I'll add that coverage.

[Rick Meyers]

I recently changed insurance and went with Progressive. They covered my 73 Westy as an RV and I have a $500 deductable, roadside assistance (free towing), up to $750 allowance in expenses if I have to stay in a hotel while repairs are made and a $9,000 agreed value in case of complete loss. This costs me $228/yr and the only stipulation is the vehicle has to be considered an RV. They only asked if it had a sink, bed and fridge (it does) and I did not have to have it inspected by an agent. They also do not limit miles but it is assumed this is for recreational purposes and not a daily driver. I have not made a claim yet but one of my co-workers had a motorcycle accident and his claim was handeled to his satisfaction with them. Give them a call.

[Romy]

We have Farmers insurance, which seem to be pretty good, although I've yet to have to test their service. I have two 70 Buicks on a 'collector' type policy with the mileage limitation thing (really cheap, ~$50/yr). The bus is fully covered and as Brett said, just another number to them. The baja however, is an agreed value policy since it's been modified from stock and a full coverage policy would replace a 1970 bug, not a baja bug.

I guess the point is, if your company doesn't allow full coverage for an older vehicle, go elsewhere as there are many companies that do.