Antique Automobile Insurance

Cars that are older than 30 years are considered antique cars and they are usually used in shows and for display purposes only. Most people do not take their antique car with them to work or even on pleasure trips. Because they are treated with "kid gloves," so to speak, it can be a waste of money to get regular auto insurance for these cars as they are not driven on a regular basis. If you have an antique car, you are better off purchasing antique car insurance.

Prior to getting antique automobile insurance, you will need to get the car appraised by a certified appraiser. Your insurance company should be able to recommend a certified appraiser. The appraiser will determine the value of your car. The value of your car is based upon the sale price of similar antique cars. In some cases, if the car is less than 50 years old, the appraiser can look for a "blue book value" of the car. The blue book value is used in the automotive industry to estimate the value of used cars. Your antique car will most likely be listed in the Blue Book. If so, the appraiser can go off of the condition of the car for his or her appraisal.

Although the appraiser is most likely going to go off of the blue book value, he or she will have to see the car to make sure that it is in the condition stated. This eliminates any potential for insurance fraud as there have been cases in which the insured over estimates the value of his or her car, has something "accidentally" happen to the car, and then collects on the insurance. This is why it is so important to have the vehicle appraised by someone who is trusted by the insurance company.

Applying for antique automobile insurance is not much different than applying for regular car insurance. You will the need the basic information such as the year, make and model number as well as the value. You will also have to provide the insurance company with the driving license of anyone who will be driving the car. If there is a vehicle identification number on the vehicle, the insurance company will also need to have that to issue the insurance policy.

In addition to using the blue book value of the car, if possible, the value of the car is determined by the condition of the automobile. The insurance company will be insuring the car on the basis of the replacement value if something happens to the car, such as a theft. They will also be insuring it against damage to other individuals or to yourself if the car is involved in an accident. Valuation is always based upon the replacement value of the vehicle. This is determined either by the rated blue book value or by three other similar cars in the same condition and their value.

You will have to check around to find an insurance company that offers antique car insurance. Most of the larger agencies have an underwriter who will offer this insurance. They will issue collision and liability insurance based upon how often the car is used and the information on the person who will be driving the vehicle.

There are several types of antique automobile insurance available today. One is based on actual cash value which is based on an amount the car is worth at the time of insurance, less depreciation costs per year. This may not be a wise decision if the car is one that will gain in value in years to come as it is similar to ordinary car insurance. Stated value is the better option as this will cover the appraised value of the car during the entire term of the insurance policy. The third option, agreed value insurance, consists of a monthly premium on the car. This is a good option for those who live in climates where the car can only be driven during certain months. This gives the option of eliminating the cost for liability coverage during the months that the car is being stored. The option that you choose for antique car insurance depends on the value of your car and if you plan to drive it all year long.