Many times over the years I have been a member here, many have asked about classic car insurance. As an agent who has been in the business for 12 years, I have tried to give out a little advice about it here and there. I have been an appointed agent with Hagerty Classic Car insurance for over 5 years, plus I use them to insure my El Camino. Anyway, today I was at the Hagerty website composing a quote for a customer, and I thought "Why don't I just post a copy of the guidelines on ECC?" That way, at least as far as Hagerty is concerned, most questions along the lines of "How can I get classic car insurance" can be answered with a simple search. Since there is no section on ECC for insurance, titles, taxes, etc, etc., I decided to post it here since this section gets the most traffic. However, if the mods wish to turn this into a tech article or a sticky in a more appropriate place, I'm all for it! So, with out any further intro, here's how to qualify for classic car insurance:

What Qualifies

Because we only sell Agreed Value policies, our program is designed to insure vehicles in very good to excellent condition that are either maintaining or increasing in value. It is the agent's responsibility to only submit applicants that demonstrate that he or she cares for the vehicle in a manner consistent with the ownership of something valuable. This means that the vehicle must be garaged when not in use, is driven for pleasure, shows, or club driving, and is not used for daily or back-up transportation.
1. Antique and Classic Vehicles
Hagerty defines antique or classic vehicles in the broadest sense of the terms. Stock vehicles built from the turn of the century through the 1960s are included.





Examples:

Horseless Carriages or Brass Cars: Pre-1915
Antique and Nickel Era Cars: Pre-1925
Classic Cars: 1925 - 1948
Post-War Classics: Stock Vehicles up to 1969


Note:

Risk profile must meet our Program Requirements (see section III)
Remember a vehicle's value is primarily determined by its condition
Minimum insured value $3,500
2. 1970s and Early 1980s Vehicles
At one time, specialty insurance companies stated that any vehicle 25 years old or older was collectible. Today, however, this is not the case. Automaker production numbers significantly increased in the 1970s and quality standards fell as many manufactures rushed to bring vehicles to market. Because of this increase in production, we still see many 1970s and early 1980s vehicles driven daily today.
There are two criteria that we use to identify collectible vehicles from the 1970s and early 1980s. First, the vehicle must show a trend of an increasing market value. Second, an owner of a 1970s or early 1980s vehicle must demonstrate that he or she is treating the vehicle like a collectible.





Examples of appealing and collectible vehicle characteristics:

Convertibles
2-door sports cars (few 4-door sedans are collectible)
Unique body shapes
Foreign sports cars
Muscle cars


Note:

Vehicle must be in excellent condition.
24 years old and newer, minimum value $5,000
25 years old and older, minimum value $3,500
Underwriting will place extra emphasis on:
Good regular use vehicles (newer)
Usage (pleasure only versus shows and club use)
Secure garaging
Good, clear photographs
Vehicle is worthy of collecting
Odometer readings consistent with collector car ownership

3. Exotics and Special Interest Vehicles - 1987 and Newer
Exotics
Exotic vehicles stand on their own as collectible cars because of their extremely limited production. By this we mean the car itself is the major factor in determining if it is collectible, and therefore insurable. Hagerty defines exotic cars as models 1987 & newer that have production numbers of less than 5,000 per year and typically maintain values of $100,000 or higher.




A partial make/model list includes but is not limited to:

Aston Martin
Ferrari
Mercedes SLR McLaren
Rolls Royce
Bentley
Ford GT
Lamborghini
Saleen F7
Bugatti
McLaren F1
Porsche Carrera GT
Maybach
Guidelines for Writing Exotic Vehicles:

Minimum 10 years driving experience
Annual mileage should not exceed 3,500 miles per year
Regular use cars must be 5 years old or newer, in excellent condition and generally be of similar quality as the car to insure
Massachusetts – we cannot write Exotic vehicles at this time
North Carolina - no vehicles newer than 10 years old at this time
Single vehicle quotes/applications for a high performance make/model (such as Ferrari, Ford GT, Lamborghini, McLaren F1, Bugatti Veyron or Porsche Carrera GT) the following guidelines apply in addition to the above:

Annual mileage must not exceed 2,500 miles
Usage must include hobby related events; vehicles used for pleasure only will not be considered
No more than two violations/claims per household
Inexperienced drivers of high performance vehicles and accounts with youthful drivers will be underwritten carefully. Named driver exclusions may be required (if applicable)

Special Interest Vehicles
Special Interest vehicles are tomorrow’s classic cars. Low production numbers, sports cars, and/or special edition vehicles are characteristics of Special Interest. Most hobbyists would consider a Special Interest vehicle collectible once it becomes 25 years old.




Types of Special Interest Vehicles:
Limited edition or anniversary vehicles
Low production sport and performance cars
Special production numbered vehicles (the first or last produced)
Special race cars with a racing history
Celebrity or special promotional cars
Unique or limited availability options (engine)
Vehicles that are examples of a manufacturer's unique place in history
Hagerty defines Special Interest cars, 1987 and newer, that have production numbers of 3000 to 25,000 per year.




Guidelines for Writing “Special Interest” Vehicles:

Vehicles must be in excellent condition
Minimum insured value is $15,000
Annual mileage must not exceed 3,500 miles
Regular use vehicles should be 10 years old or newer and in excellent condition
One photograph required. Underwriters may request more photos if necessary
No vehicles newer than 10 years old without management approval in North Carolina
We cannot write Special Interest vehicles in Massachusetts
4. Military Vehicles
Older military vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and are a growing segment of the collector vehicle hobby. We offer a program to cover military vehicles that are purchased as a collector vehicle. Also, because most military vehicles are designed to be driven "off-road," we must be certain that the intended use fits our guidelines.





Note:

Minimum insured value is $3,500
Must be 1974 or older (end of the Vietnam war)
No off-road usage or battle re-enactments
Must be garaged
Cannot bind without reviewing photographs first
Vehicle must be "de-militarized" (armaments removed or disabled)

5. Firetrucks & Commercial Vehicles

“Retired” commercial vehicles such as fire trucks, semi tractor/trailers, busses, dump trucks, and tow trucks are collectible. Since commercial vehicles are typically large and designed to transport passengers or goods, appropriate usage and garaging are underwriting concerns.





Guidelines for Writing Commercial Vehicles:

Must be 1969 and older
Must be in very good to excellent condition
Must be properly garaged
No passengers outside of the cab area
Must be privately owned. No municipalities, clubs or non-profit organizations
Confirm usage – Pumper demos, musters and parades are acceptable
No commercial or utility usage
Maximum liability limit is 300k CSL. Requests for higher limits must be supported by an umbrella requirement.
6. Lowriders

Low-riders are cars that use hydraulics and electronically-actuated air suspension to lower or bounce the car; it can also be raised for normal driving. Typically these cars are from the early 1960’s; however, the age of these vehicles can vary from the 1930s to present. Common modifications include hydraulic or airbag systems, custom paint, custom interiors, etc.





Guidelines for Quoting Lowriders

1980 and older:
Minimum insured value of $5,000 (vehicles at minimum value should be under an “active” restoration)
Rate as Custom or Modified
Bounced vehicles will only be considered in states that have approved the “Competition Exclusion”


1981 and newer:
Minimum value of $15,000
Rate as Exotic/Special Interest
Usage should not exceed 3,500 miles per year and include hobby related events.
Bounced vehicles will only be considered in states that have approved the “Competition Exclusion”
7. Modified Vehicles - Street Rods and Customs

The degree to which a vehicle has been modified determines both if it is acceptable for our program and the rate with which it will be quoted. We consider a vehicle to be modified when the performance has been significantly increased, the body/chassis/frame has been structurally altered or a custom paint job is valued above $10,000. A review of our Custom and Modified Worksheet will help you identify other types of vehicle modifications.






Note:

Four color photographs of vehicles must be reviewed prior to issuing coverage
A completed Custom and Modified worksheet must accompany the submission
Values at $75,000 or higher must be supported with a detailed appraisal, summary of receipts or other means of validation
Vehicles modified to a "Pro-street" set up are generally not eligible. Consideration may be given to show only vehicles.
8. Motorcycles

Vintage motorcycles are a rapidly growing part of the collector vehicle hobby. The Hagerty program is designed for Vintage Motorcycles that are being maintained and used in a manner that is consistent with something that has collectible value.





Applicant Qualifications:

Minimum age 26
Applicants must have a valid motorcycle endorsement, license or permit.
Single motorcycle submissions must have a regular use motorcycle.
Motorcycle Qualifications:

Motorcycles must be 1981 or older.
Minimum insured value is $5,000 per motorcycle.
Minimum insured value is $3,500 per motorcycle for collections of 3 or more motorcycles.
Maximum liability and UM limits are $100,000.


Higher coverage limits may be available based on underwriting consideration.
Modifications such as custom paint, chromed parts, or fiberglass fenders are acceptable.
Motorcycles with performance modifications are not eligible.
Custom built motorcycles (i.e. OCC Chopper) and Trikes (Three-wheeled custom motorcycles) are not eligible.
Motorcycles must be stored in a fully enclosed garage, carports are not acceptable.
Frame & Structurally Modified Motorcycles:

Modified motorcycles must be part of a collection of 3 or more vintage motorcycles
Motorcycles must be 1969 or older
Minimum insured value of $15,000
Motorcycles built from a kit are not eligible
Motorcycles and Cars:

A separate motorcycle only policy must be quoted
If one motorcycle is quoted with one or more cars, the single submission rules ($5k min value and regular use motorcycle requirement.) must be followed.
Scooters

Scooters are small, two-wheeled vehicles that look like a bicycle or moped. They have small engine displacements, typically less then 400CC (cubic centimeter) or 8-10 hp. They were built for light recreational use and traveling short distances and slower speeds.





Note:

Scooter type bikes such as Cushmans, Whizzers, Vespas and other small motorized bicycles should be 25 years old or older.
For single scooter submissions the minimum value is $3,500. For collections of 3 or more, the minimum value is $1,500 per scooter
The maximum liability and UM limits is limited to the regular use auto policy limits.
9. Replicas

A replica car is a reproduction of an automaker's manufactured vehicle. They can either be professionally assembled or home-built and because of this they will vary greatly in their level of quality. Hagerty does not offer coverage for inexpensive, home-built kit cars. Replica cars should duplicate vehicles that are no longer in production. Some examples are the 1950s Porsche Speedster and 1920s Mercedes Roadster.






Note:

Replica vehicles must replicate a classic auto that was originally manufactured over 25 years ago
Vehicle's minimum insured value must be $10,000
Replicas with horsepower and performance well beyond how the original was assembled should be reviewed on a case by case basis
Dune buggies are not eligible
10. Vehicles Under Restoration

The process of restoring a collector vehicle is in some ways more a part of the hobby than it is to drive them. Collector car owners will spend hundreds of hours researching, locating parts, buying and working on their cars. And typically before they are even done with the project they will be planning their next one. Every collector car has been or probably will be restored to some degree.
Our primary concern is restorations that never get completed, or for that matter, never get started. On-going, rolling restorations—during which the vehicle may be driven in a “primer stage” for an extended period of time—are not eligible.






Guidelines for Writing Vehicles Under Restoration:

Schedule for completion of the project is reasonable. An acceptable timeframe depends on the level of restoration being done and the type of vehicle being restored.
Value should be determined by using the current condition, not the finished value.
11. Trailers

There are only two types of trailers that we offer coverage for: vehicle trailers and street rod trailers.
1. Vehicle Trailers
Vehicle Trailers are trailers that are designed to carry a collector vehicle. There are two types of "Vehicle Trailers": (1) enclosed and (2) open flatbed.






Note:

Must have a minimum value of $5,000
May not be pulled by a collector vehicle - confirm adequate towing vehicle
Trailers must be designed and built specifically to haul a vehicle.
All trailers must have a VIN and be licensed for road use.
Inexpensive home-built trailers are not eligible.
Vehicle trailers with “motorhome” type accommodations (sleeping & cooking) are considered “Camping Trailers” and are not eligible.
Our policy specifically excludes liability coverage on "Vehicle Trailers"
All “Vehicle Trailers” are written with a $250 deductible. (stated in the policy)
Vehicle trailers should only be written on policies with additional vehicles i.e. no trailer only policies
2. Street Rod Trailers (Coca Cola Trailers)

Street Rod Trailers are small trailers commonly pulled behind Street Rods and Customs. There are many types of trailers that we will refer to as Street Rod Trailers. Typically, they are custom designed and painted to match a Street Rod, but others may look like a miniature old fashioned Coca Cola cooler.






Note:

Minimum insured value is $3,500
Must be a small trailer
Must match or be a part of collector car's image
Must be garaged
Camping trailers, such as Air Streams and Tear Drops, are not eligible for our program. The potential fire hazard from the cooking apparatus and asphyxiation from heaters puts them outside our guidelines.
12. Tractors

The hobby of collecting antique tractors is a small but very enthusiastic segment of the collector vehicle market. Typically owners have worked or grown up around tractors and feel they are a part of his or her background.
Because tractors are capable of being used for utility type purposes, and are sometimes operated by youthful drivers, it is important to thoroughly discuss the owner’s intended use. Tractors should not be used for any type of farming. “Tractor pulls” at the county fair are acceptable usage if the Competition Exclusion is approved in the quoted state.






Guidelines for Writing Tractors:

Must be 30 years old or older
Must be in restored or excellent original condition
Usage must be consistent with a collectible vehicle – no utility or farm use
Must be garaged
Minimum value is $3,500
Quote minimum limits of liability
Note: Requests for increased limits of liability will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

13. Trucks, Vans, SUVs & Jeeps
Hagerty recognizes that trucks and other utility vehicles are gaining in popularity as collector vehicles, especially older trucks up to the mid-1960s. We currently provide coverage for stock pickup trucks 1982 or older that are in excellent original or restored condition. Trucks 1970 and newer pose unique usage concerns because they are easily driven for utility purposes and thus will be underwritten more stringently. Modified trucks, 1969 and older, may be acceptable when strict guidelines are met.





Guidelines for Writing Trucks, Vans, SUVs & Jeeps:

Must be 1982 or older
Minimum insured value for 1972 or older is $3,500
Minimum insured value for 1973-1979 is $5,000
Minimum insured value for 1980-1982 is $10,000
Hauling, towing and off-road use is generally unacceptable.
Modified vehicles of this type must be 1969 or older. Severe modifications will not be accepted and usage must be primarily for show


14. Tuners

Tuners are generally Japanese, Asian or European manufactured vehicles that are highly customized for looks and/or performance. These vehicles are usually age 1990 or newer. Typical modifications include tuned engines, body kits, carbon fiber, custom paint, wheels, and interiors featuring elaborate stereo equipment, TVs, video game systems, etc. Tuners present additional underwriting concerns since they are generally fast, light-weight and are extremely susceptible to theft, vandalism, or damage from a major accident. The majority of Tuners are Sport Compact cars; some examples we might typically see are:
Honda Civic
Mazda RX-7
Mitsubishi Lancer (Evo)
Nissan Skyline (GT-R)
Scion
Subaru Impreza (WRX)
Toyota Supra
Nissan 350Z (Fairlady Z)
Nissan 240SX (Silvia)






Guidelines for Writing Tuners:

Minimum insured value of $30,000
Regular use vehicles should be 5 years old or newer and in excellent condition.
Usage should not exceed 3,500 miles per year and must include hobby related events.
Racing is not acceptable.
Carports are not acceptable.

Sorry, We do not accept:

We do not offer an insurance product for the following types of vehicles:

Inexpensive home-built kits that do not replicate a classic vehicle
Any vehicles used for camping, off-road or utility-type driving
Pro-street vehicles modified exclusively with racing features such as roll cages, wheelie caster, nitrous systems, parachutes, etc. (Consideration may be given to show-use only vehicles)
Regular-use vehicles driven on a daily basis
Vehicles used primarily for commercial use
Motorcycles with performance modifications
Any vehicle modified with nitrous, nitro-methane or blown alcohol systems are ineligible
Replicas of the 1963-1967 Shelby Cobra Roadster
Dune Buggies
Program requirements:

1. Usage and Mileage
Vehicles accepted into our program must be used on a "limited" basis which is consistent with the operation of something that has collectible value. Usage for club functions, exhibitions, organized meets, tours, and limited pleasure driving is acceptable. Hagerty has no strict mileage limitation for collector vehicles used in this manner. Limited use does NOT mean that vehicles will be used for normal or backup transportation such as driving to and from work, school, or running errands.
Determining how a vehicle is used and what is an acceptable amount of "limited" use are key to our program's success. Begin by asking open-ended questions:

How do you use your vehicle?
How many miles a year do you drive your vehicle or anticipate driving your vehicle?
Note:

The industry standard for "limited" use is typically 2,500 miles per year
Newer vehicles (cars from the '70s and '80s) are easier to drive and are more likely to be frequently driven Therefore, underwriting is stricter
Are there youthful household drivers?
How old are the regular use vehicles?
How long has the applicant owned the vehicle?
What percentage of the vehicle's use is for pleasure driving compared to use for shows and other club functions?
Unacceptable Types of Usage:

Daily driving or back-up transportation on a regular basis
Commercial usage
Hauling, towing, or other utility type use
Off-road driving or two-tracking
Racing
2. Storage
Collector vehicles must be stored in a fully enclosed and locked garage when not in use. This is to assure adequate protection against theft, vandalism, and weather-related hazards. The preferred form of storage is a privately owned garage or storage building located on the same property as the owner's residence. If the storage facility is not at the same location as the insured's residence.
Guidelines for Acceptable Storage:

Carports

Must be secure year-round.
Must have limited access - low visibility from road in a non-urban area.
Must be a permanent structure and have gravel, concrete or asphalt floor.
Must have at least three sides.
May not be in an area that receives significant snowfall or exposed to other catastrophic hazards.
May not be within 100 miles of Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina & Texas).
Carports are not acceptable in Florida.
Rental Storage Units

Request the storage unit address.
Storage unit must be an individual secure space. Rental units open and accessible to the public do not qualify.
Must have confirmation that insured returns the vehicleto the storage unit after each use.
Must be in a secure location and only the owner has access.
Parking Garages

Must have 24 hour security such as an alarm system, guard or video surveillance.
Must be limited access (not for public use).
Assigned parking spaces are preferable.
An enclosed structure is preferable. Consideration may be given to an open structure with photos and a strong profile.
Public elevated parking decks are unacceptable.
Car Hauling Trailers

Any trailer, which also is used to store a vehicle, must fully enclose and protect the vehicle.
Must be anchored to a stationary object and/or located in a secure location.
Unacceptable Storage:

Temporary storage facilities assembled of canvas and plastic, such as tents, domes or igloos.
3. Regular-Use Vehicles
Drivers of any collector car must have their own regular use vehicles. In other words, every driver in the household must have his or her own regular use vehicle for daily driving.

Note:

Applicant must have his/her regular use auto
Each household driver must have at least one regular use vehicle. Household drivers include roommates
Regular use autos must be less than 20 years old and in good condition
Motorcycles and public transportation are not considered regular use vehicles
Vehicles away at school with a college student cannot be counted as a regular use auto for the remaining household drivers at home
Trades vehicles such as, pickup trucks and utility vans, cannot be the only regular use vehicles in a household
4. Regular Use Insurance
The named insured and all drivers must maintain regular use insurance in his or her name

Note:

Personal Auto Policy complies with the minimum liability requirements of the state in which the regular use vehicle is garaged and used
Named insured must be the same as the applicant
A current regular use declarations sheet confirming all regular use vehicles have liability and UM/UIM coverage must be supplied
Declarations must contain the following information:

The insured's name
Description of the regular use vehicle(s)
Coverage limits for each regular use vehicle
Policy dates, including inception and expiration

5. Driver Eligibility
Generally one or two minor violations or accidents are acceptable for our program. We will not accept major violations such as any alcohol/drug violation or reckless driving if they occurred within the last 3-6 years. Applicants must have 5 or more years driving experience in the following states: LA, MA, NM, NC, VA and WA. All household driving records are subject to review by an underwriter.

Other optional coverages

Property
Hagerty is able to insure various types of automotive personal property: Automobilia, Automotive Tools, & Spare Parts (for any collector vehicle). This coverage is an endorsement to the auto policy and must be accompanied with a collector vehicle(s). These items are insured for fair market value.

We offer this endorsement in 2 ways:

Blanket Coverage – coverage is provided on a blanket, unscheduled limit basis. Detailed inventories or appraisals are not required prior to insuring a collection. The amount of coverage needed should represent the full financial value of the property.
Scheduled Coverage – Scheduled coverage means that each item value and class are scheduled independently on the endorsement. We do not have the ability to schedule personal property at this time but it will be available in the future.
In addition, we can also sell increased limits for Spare Parts (for your vehicle).

1. Automobilia
Automobilia is any historic or collectible item(s) linked with motor vehicles, motorcycles or motorsports, including, but not limited to: Automotive Literature, Petroliana (gas or oil containers, gas pumps, station displays), Hood Ornaments, Model Cars & Other Toys (non-powered only), License Plates, Paintings and Prints, Posters and Signs.
Automobilia blanket coverage is limited to an item max value of $5,000. The endorsement may be purchased including breakage or excluding breakage.
Guidelines for writing Automobilia coverage:

When adding a blanket limit of $10,000 confirm if there are any individual items valued $5,000 or more. If so, we recommend this item be scheduled separately on a homeowner policy due to the item max. Proceed with adding blanket coverage for the amount less the particular item’s value.
The limit for Automobilia must not exceed the policy’s total insured value.
To assure adequate coverage, if the client’s collection is valued at a limit in-between what we have available, round up to the next limit. For example: The client has a collection valued at $6,000, offer $10,000.
For collections exceeding $10,000, call Hagerty directly to discuss additional options.
2. Automotive Tools
We are able to provide coverage for automotive tools and other portable equipment used in the maintenance of collector vehicles. It also includes portable carts or cases used to store covered tools and accessories for covered tools, whether attached or not.
This does not include: equipment permanently attached to a building or garage floor; commercial or business property; or property stored away from your primary or secondary residence.
Automotive tools blanket coverage is limited to an item max value of $1,000. The endorsement includes a $250 deductible for all covered losses.
Guidelines for writing Automotive Tools:

When adding a blanket limit $1,500-$10,000 confirm if there are any individual items valued $1,000 or more. If so, recommend this item be scheduled separately on a homeowner policy due to the item max. Proceed with adding blanket coverage for the amount less the particular item’s value.
The limit for Automotive Tools should not exceed the policy’s total insured value.
To assure adequate coverage, if the client’s collection is valued at a limit in-between what we have available, round up to the next limit. For example: The client has a collection valued at $6,000, offer $10,000.
For collections exceeding $10,000, call Hagerty directly to discuss additional options.
3. Spare Parts

a. Any Collector Vehicle
Spare parts (any collector vehicle) are parts that are held for use in the maintenance and operation of any collector vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is insured under your Hagerty policy. An example of this is a client who owns a 428 Cobra Jet engine for the 1969 Mercury Cougar they will one day own. This should not be confused with a rolling chassis under restoration or a separate “parts car” in which the insured also owns.
Spare Parts (any collector vehicle) is limited to an item max value of $5,000. The endorsement includes a $250 deductible for misplacing or losing only.
Guidelines for writing Spare Parts (any collector vehicle):

When adding a blanket limit of $10,000 confirm if there are any individual items valued $5,000 or more. If yes, recommend this item be scheduled separately on a homeowner policy due to the item max. Proceed with adding blanket coverage for the amount less the particular item’s value.
The limit for Spare Parts (any collector vehicle) should not exceed the policy’s total insured value.
To assure adequate coverage, if the client’s collection is valued at a limit in-between what we have available, round up to the next limit. For example: The client has a collection valued at $6,000, offer $10,000.
For collections exceeding $10,000, call Hagerty directly to discuss additional options.
b. For Your Car
On occasion we receive requests to insure spare parts such as a stock replacement engine, an extra hood, original set of knock-off wheels or other original stock parts that would be a part of an insured vehicle. An example of this would be when a customer has a 1971 Plymouth Cuda and they have another hemi engine for it. This should not be confused with a rolling chassis under restoration or a separate “parts car” in which the insured also owns.
Our policy automatically includes a limit of $750 of comprehensive and collision coverage for spare parts that are kept on hand for the collector vehicle covered on the policy. This limit for spare parts (for your car) can be increased.
Guidelines for increasing the Spare Parts (for your car):

The limit for Spare Parts (for your car) should not exceed the policy’s total insured value.
To assure adequate coverage, if the client’s collection is valued at a limit in-between what we have available, round up to the next limit. For example: The client has a collection valued at $3,000, offer $5,000.
For collections exceeding $5,000, call Hagerty directly to discuss additional options.

Submission Requirements


A Complete Risk Submission Has Four Elements - Please Send Us All 4!

Hagerty Application

A completed application (NO BLANKS) must be signed by the insured (AND the producer) verifying information. *Additional Information required for street rods and customs:


Street rod and custom submissions should also include a completed component list (Custom and Modified Worksheet)
Because each street rod and custom is unique and therefore substantiating value is more difficult, we may ask for more information that may include the following: detailed component lists, bill of sale, restoration receipts, historical documents, appraisals that support market value with comparables, and extra photographs
NSRA members should attach a copy of their NSRA safety inspection if available

IMPORTANT NOTE: Hagerty's minimum premium on all policies is $100.00

Insurance Declaration Page

A current copy of the insured's regular-use auto declaration page showing every person listed to drive the collector car. REMEMBER: requested coverage limits must not exceed these regular-use limits. Regular use auto policies that are written on a business or commercial form MUST include named DOC (Drive Other Car) coverage.

Photographs

Include good quality, recent photographs of the vehicle (Polaroids are okay):


One photo is required for all stock/original, exotic and special interest vehicles. Underwriters may request more photos if necessary.
Four photos are required for modified and custom vehicles. These photos must include an engine shot, interior shot, and a shot of the rear end of the car with the trunk open.
One photo is required of any carport.
For pickup trucks, include one additional photo of the pickup's bed.
Four or more photos are required for vehicles under active restoration

Premium Payment

Condition determines Value

Determining a vehicle's value can be one of the most difficult and subjective tasks that we perform. The most important factor in assessing a vehicle's value is its condition. On every application for insurance we ask the condition of the vehicle to be insured. We receive a variety of answers: fair, good, excellent, show, #1, #2, #3, #4. We take these answers very seriously when deciding if a car is worth as much as requested. Sometimes the photographs of the vehicle suggest a different condition than indicated on the application. In this situation, we often suggest a more appropriate value.
Below is an abbreviated excerpt from a commonly used valuation guide, Old Cars Price Guide. It gives very good descriptions of different vehicle conditions. You may wish to remember these condition gradations when assisting a customer who will be applying for coverage with Hagerty.
EXCELLENT: Restored to current maximum professional standards of quality in every area, or perfect original with components operating and appearing as new, or a 95-plus point show car that is not driven. In national show judging, a car in #1 condition is likely to win top honors in its class. In a sense, it has ceased to be an automobile and has become an object of art. It is transported to shows in an enclosed trailer, and, when not being shown, it is stored in a climate-controlled facility. It is not driven. There are very few #1 cars.
FINE: Well-restored or a combination of superior restoration and excellent original. Also, an extremely well-maintained original showing very minimal wear. Except for the very closest inspection, a #2 vehicle may appear as a #1. The #2 vehicle will take the top award in many judged shows, except when squared off against a #1 example in its own class. It may also be driven 800-1000 miles each year to shows, on tours, and simply for pleasure.
VERY GOOD: Completely operable original or "older restoration" that is showing wear. Also, a good amateur restoration, completely presentable and serviceable inside and out. This is a "20-footer." That is, from 20 feet away it may look perfect. But, as we approach it, we begin to notice that the paint may be getting a little thin in spots from frequent washing and polishing. Looking inside we might detect some wear on the driver's seat, foot pedals, and carpeting. The chrome trim, while still quite presentable, may have lost the sharp, mirror-like reflective quality it had when new. All systems and equipment on the car are in good operating order.
GOOD: A drivable vehicle needing no, or minor, work to be functional; also, a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. All components may need restoration to be "excellent", but the car is mostly usable "as is". This is a driver. It may be in the process of restoration or its owner may have big restoration plans, but even from 20 feet away, there is no doubt that it needs a lot of help.
RESTORABLE: Needs complete restoration of body, chassis and interior; may or may not be running, but isn't weathered, wrecked, and/or stripped to the point of being useful only for parts. This car needs everything. It may not be operable, but it is essentially all there and has only minor rust, if any rust at all. While presenting a real challenge to the restorer, it won't have him doing a lot of chasing for missing parts.
PARTS CAR: May or may not be running, but is weathered, wrecked, and/or stripped to the point of being primarily for parts. This is an incomplete or greatly deteriorated, perhaps rusty, vehicle that has value only as a parts donor for other restoration projects.