Collector car insurance

[mikerallye]

I have been shopping for collector car insurance and have noticed that the companies have separate policies for "modified" and "original" vehicles. The premiums are significantly higher for the modified vehicles, nudging me to purchase the "original" policy. In my opinion, an intake, carb, and headers does not define a modified vehicle. I reviewed policies at Hagerty's , American Collector, Grundy, and JT Taylor, and they were all basically the same.Though I have never had any problems with insurance companies, I have heard of plenty of people who have. I wonder if this is some type of loophole that will release them from liability if a claim is filed. It is the norm for these cars to have non factory intakes, carbs, and headers, not to mention shift kits, different wheels, radiators etc.  Any ideas?    

[73Chally]

I use Grundy and they do not (or at least did not when I signed up) differentiate between modified or stock.  Their only requirement was that it not be a daily driver, and can only be driven to "events".  There are no day/mileage restrictions, and they are very cheap.  As far as what the insurers deem as modified, you need to check directly with them.  It would suck to insure it as stock and have them deny a claim because they don;t see it that way.  Put everything in writing, send it to them, and see what they say.  If you don't like it, go somewhere else.

[Oldschool]

I use Grundy for the Beast and they are very reasonable with their requirements.  In order to avoid a potential conflict about what my car is or is not, I did the following.  I sent in a copy of a certified appraisal along with e-mailing multiple pictures.  They know exactly what they are insuring, along with it's appraised value.  This year, they are raising the insured value 3% on their own, and the premium is remaining the same.  Not bad.....        

[73Chally]

I give  to Grundy.  I had my car repainted and new metal and lts of other stuff done last year, so I raised my insured value, and my premium actually dropped.  I asked the woman why, and she said that, for the vaule I raised it too, they figure it will not be driven as much, so is less of a risk.  Works for me, but boy, are they wrong!   

[BIGSHCLUNK]

This question has been posted quite often, but usually gets buried as time goes. Speaking from personal experience, start with your present company for your daily driver. Granted this varies by state/driving record/age. But the best deal I found was with my company that also handles my home/daily drivers. I strongly suggest a certified appraisal. Ya... I know.. its another expense (I think my last one was $85) but don't step over a dollar to save a dime!!  That way down the road there's NO he said/she said nonesense. Full coverage for NIKKI is a little over $600... I had quotes as high as 1400+  Granted my car had a very strong appraisal (I had it done at the hieght of the market swing). But if anything ever happens.... $$$$$$$$$$ my isurance company agreed with the figures and base my policy on that. Good Luck, hope this helps! 

[mikerallye]

Update: American Collectors insurance define modified as not being headers, carb intake. MOre like extreme paint, wheels blowers. 

[shadango]

I called Grundy today after seeing all the thumbs up...I also did an online quote and it told me $127 .

When I called the guy was very rude, cut me off when I started asking my question and proceeded to take an application....then spit out a cost that was twice the online cost.

When I inquired as to why, he told me "because of the type of vehicle it is"...when I asked him to clarify he started talking slower (noticeably...I took it as a rude gesture) and repeated the same thing. ....I aksed again and he said...."because it is a barracuda".  So I said thanks and hung up.

If this is "great service" then I would hate to see what poor service is!!

I am now on the phone holding for jc taylor to confirm the cost and such....

[shadango]

Just got off the phone with JC taylor....

They are agreed value and told me that it would have to be a substantial change (like a bigger engine) to get into a "modified"  cost.

So I am sending out my papers today.

Screw Grundy....that guy was so freaking rude!  (We need a "one finger salute" emoticon!)

[73Chally]

Too bad with Grundy.  I have had excellent service with them for the past 4 years.  Sounds like you just got a bad apple on the other end.  If it were me, I would have asked for a supervisor and b1tched him out.

[shadango]

Usually, so would I .....

But I figure JC Taylor is a few bucks cheaper and offer the same coverage...and no stress for me.   

[MJB]

I recently had a similar bad experience with Grundy.  Did the website quote then called for follow up.  They said they will call me back...never did.  Called again a week later.  They said they would email me the paperwork...never did.  Called back and asked for a copy of a sample policy so I could review coverage rules..ie...when your covered, when your not etc...  He was also rude and said they will not provide policy wording until after I purchase the policy.  I said, so you want me to buy a policy I have never read.  He rudly said that's the way it is.
I have since contacted Hagerty.  Yes, they are more expensive but way more accomodating and professional.  I had a sample policy on my email 5 minutes after I hung up.   Grundy really needs to work on their customer service!!

[pink panther]

Haggerty is who I use, think it is like $200 a year, never had any problems, but never had a claim (knock on wood)