Insurance Restrictions

[ModAfan]

I just insured my new 1928 Fordor with American Collectors Insurance in New Jersey.
It was $253 for a 2,500-mile policy that “…may be used for ‘hobby activities’ and ‘pleasure drives’. Pleasure drives do not include ‘general transportation’.”
If I had opted for a 7,500 mile policy, it would have included “…occasional general use….”
I’d like to hear a couple of opposing lawyers trying to nail down the definitions of those loosey-goosey terms. You can drive a truck through them.

 

[Jim Brierley]

j.c.taylor doesn't cover your car if you are driving it to any kind of race, makes no difference if you are going to race it or not.

 

[P.S.]

... They have informed me that No longer can I drive to work with the car 3 times a month, go to the store, errands or anything BUT a car show. and no longer can I leave any classic insured with them out in the driveway over night. for a any reason. They are getting much much more strict,. I have my other Model A with State Farm and have no issues at all.

Might know why they sent you that letter....

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?p=757215#post757215

You have to be careful what you post on a forum open to viewing by the world. You can't say in a forum that you drive your Model A every day, then tell the insurance company you only drive it for hobby related activities.

 

[BobK]

I have two cars under this company. http://www.americancollectors.com/
One the model A and the other an vintage Porsche, around 100K in value. I set the value on both cars and there are not any driving restrictions. Both of my cars are garaged. There were no questions about other cars I drive. In the Porsche club I have read that others have never had a problem with any claims. Great insurance company and affordable policy. The policy quotes were very competive.

 

[CarlG]

Allstate is not the way to go. They decide how much they will pay you for full loss. And quoted $291 for 6 months. Go Hagerty.

That's odd. I have Allstate with an "Agreed value" and I can drive it anywhere/anytime just like my Explorer.

 

[TDO]

That's odd. I have Allstate with an "Agreed value" and I can drive it anywhere/anytime just like my Explorer.

Carl, Is your A truck license as antique. I believe that insurance companys vary from state to state. I don,t no about ALL State here but Stat farm has a lot of restritions here in WV.

 

[CarlG]

Allstate is not the way to go. They decide how much they will pay you for full loss. And quoted $291 for 6 months. Go Hagerty.

That's odd. I have Allstate with an "Agreed value" and I can drive it anywhere/anytime just like my Explorer.

Carl, Is your A truck license as antique. I believe that insurance companys vary from state to state. I don,t no about ALL State here but Stat farm has a lot of restritions here in WV.

It is licensed as a "Collector Car". Allstate didn't ask what it was licensed as when I got the truck 4 years ago and first insured it. Just wanted to know what "agreed value" I wanted on it.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

I hope I never find out for sure by reading it here, but has anyone ever wondered what would happen when on of these policies that "well they never asked" has an accident?

 

[CarlG]

I hope I never find out for sure by reading it here, but has anyone ever wondered what would happen when on of these policies that "well they never asked" has an accident?

I said they never asked "how it was licensed". It was made perfectly clear up front that it was to be a daily driver. The "collector car" designation in Alaska also permits use as a daily driver (no restrictions). "Historic Vehicle" designation is a whole nuther deal.

 

[Purdy Swoft]

I hope I never find out for sure by reading it here, but has anyone ever wondered what would happen when on of these policies that "well they never asked" has an accident?

Its probably best to just know if there is any loop hole, they won't pay anything. Any waiver given over the phone, ain't worth the paper that it isn't written on, if you know what I mean. Liability is probably required in most if not all states. Having an insurance card and policy will avoid an expensive ticket if you get pulled over!!! No need to bother insuring the car for a bunch because it probably won't pay anyhow. Consider the policy as a necessity to be allowed to drive the model A period ... A ticket for no liability can be five hundred dollars or maybe a trip to the lock box untill bail can be arranged in some cases.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

I said they never asked "how it was licensed". It was made perfectly clear up front that it was to be a daily driver. The "collector car" designation in Alaska also permits use as a daily driver (no restrictions). "Historic Vehicle" designation is a whole nuther deal.

You might want to take a peek here,

http://www.bipac.net/page.asp?content=tag_title_toolbox&g=SEMAGA

Sema has all the registration information for all the states. I see a "custom collector" car but no "collector" car in the registration information. As that site is used by those as a source of information to the auto hobbyist you might want to let them know there is a difference since a "Custom Collector" that is "A vehicle whose body and frame were manufactured before 1949" also seems to have to have " Hydraulic service brakes on all wheels. Sealed beam or halogen headlights.Safety belts for all occupants.Turn signals and turn signaling switch.Safety glass or lexan.Electric or vacuum windshield wiper located in front of the driver.Standard or blue dot taillights.
Parking brake that operates at least two wheels on the same axle."

I'm just saying that there is a need for correct information out there.

 

[BobK]

You might want to take a peek here,

http://www.bipac.net/page.asp?content=tag_title_toolbox&g=SEMAGA

Sema has all the registration information for all the states. I see a "custom collector" car but no "collector" car in the registration information. As that site is used by those as a source of information to the auto hobbyist you might want to let them know there is a difference since a "Custom Collector" that is "A vehicle whose body and frame were manufactured before 1949" also seems to have to have " Hydraulic service brakes on all wheels. Sealed beam or halogen headlights.Safety belts for all occupants.Turn signals and turn signaling switch.Safety glass or lexan.Electric or vacuum windshield wiper located in front of the driver.Standard or blue dot taillights.
Parking brake that operates at least two wheels on the same axle."

I'm just saying that there is a need for correct information out there.

Incredible this SEMA website. I went to my state, California, legislation. Scary what some of these people propose and pass as law.

 

[scrapiron]

I have American Collector insurance on a '57 F600 with antique tags and '53 Desoto with regular tags that is currently a daily driver. They have been easy to work with, and reasonable.

 

[denis4x4]

BobK said, "Incredible this SEMA website. I went to my state, California, legislation. Scary what some of these people propose and pass as law".

While I will no longer offer to pay the first years's dues for MARC or MAFCI to join SEMA, this is just another reason for these organizations to join.

 

[Bertha]

You might want to take a peek here,

http://www.bipac.net/page.asp?content=tag_title_toolbox&g=SEMAGA

Sema has all the registration information for all the states. I see a "custom collector" car but no "collector" car in the registration information. As that site is used by those as a source of information to the auto hobbyist you might want to let them know there is a difference since a "Custom Collector" that is "A vehicle whose body and frame were manufactured before 1949" also seems to have to have " Hydraulic service brakes on all wheels. Sealed beam or halogen headlights.Safety belts for all occupants.Turn signals and turn signaling switch.Safety glass or lexan.Electric or vacuum windshield wiper located in front of the driver.Standard or blue dot taillights.
Parking brake that operates at least two wheels on the same axle."

I'm just saying that there is a need for correct information out there.

Mike,

Thanks for that link!!
Called NY DMV, actually talked to a live person in the speciality plate division. They checked the original plate number for our 53, said it was available and is sending all the paperwork needed to register 'Bertha' with her born with plate.

Been putting this off for years 'cuz I could never get a straight answer from the computer.
I will have to register yearly instead of every two, but it is no longer based on weight so I save about half. HotDog!!!

Bob

 

[ricklove]

Does GEICO insure your car for its actual cash value?

I have a stated value of $30,000.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

I just received an insurance quote from Hagerty, and it states, "Go ahead, take a joyride, or better yet, travel to a car show. Our policy allows for occasional pleasure and hobby usage with no fixed mileage limits." Hagerty is more liberal with regard to usage than Grundy.

 

[Purdy Swoft]

It seems to be about the same restrictions with Hagerty or Grundy, I've had both. The main rub is forcing a person to have more than one car insured for primary use. In other words, one for the husband and another for the wife . It seems to be politics and forcing more policies to be obtained. Our model A's are never used for primary transportation.

 

[heneste]

An important aspect to consider with taking the car to work or just taking it to car shows and events is that you're most likely going to have the car unattended if you bring it to work.
Understandably this adds risk of potential damage or theft and most insurance companies don't like added risk when you're not paying a high premium to offset the risks.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

It seems to be about the same restrictions with Hagerty or Grundy, I've had both. The main rub is forcing a person to have more than one car insured for primary use. In other words, one for the husband and another for the wife . It seems to be politics and forcing more policies to be obtained. Our model A's are never used for primary transportation.

Worse then that, it's every person with a drivers license at that address.