I've just acquired a 79 Austin Mini and wondered who the experienced on NAM recommend for classic insurance. I looked at J.C.Taylor which seemed good, but they discourage any commuting to work in the car. I also checked out Classic Auto Insurance who had a very good instant quote, but I know nothing about them. So, who do you use, recommend, or would avoid? Thanks!

 

there are a few....but Hargerty seems to be pretty good

 

Most major insurance companies, including my employer, State Farm, will not give you the Antique/Classic rating if you use the car for commuting.

And for good reason, if you look at it objectively. The premiums for those cars are very low because they're not driven much. The risk has to match the premium and vice versa.

And most companies do odometer checks... just in case anyone was wondering.

 

I don't plan to commute much to work, but I'd like to take advantage of an occasional beautiful day to enjoy the wee beastie- not just for shows or cruises.

 

+1 Hagerty

 

You could do that and still get the antique/classic rating. Just don't commute in it more than... say 3 times a month, assuming your commute is no more than 20 miles or so, each way.

But don't tell any State Farm agents that I told you that.

 

Hagerty

 

I've got allstate becasue it's the only company that would let me drive my car (all the others you had to be 25+)

 

Hagerty

 

You may want to ask your primary insurance company if they have a classic partner. USAA does and when you call the partner the promt says "if you are a USAA customer press...."

In my experience getting a special "classic" rate is dependent on NOT using the car as a commuter....oh sure once in a blue moon is OK but not daily. Actually the rules for my classic insurance matched very closely the rules of the state for the classic plates. Not more than 250 mile radius, occasional for shows, maintenance or pleasure .....

FYI - speaking of classic registration for the purpose of lower fees and special treatment (i.e. no safety inspection) Virginia just changed the laws about this - major crackdown. I just got the package in the mail of all the things now required to keep "antique" plate in VA. Proove you have a different primary vehicle being the top of the list. I can't complain for two reasons:

1) it appeared to me that 3 out of 4 cars showing antique plates in VA were beaters using them to skip safety inspections and annual registration fees on what was a daily commuter POS

2) I moved....

 

I have mine insured with standard State Farm coverage. I like to drive mine more than the "classic" plans allow. The $350/year premium is offset by the $140 mulit-car discount on the MINI, so it doesn't end up costing that much and I have no restrictions.

 

I added my classic to my existing policy with Progressive. Since I only paid $4600 for the car, I only have the mandatory insurance. Added about $140 per 6 months to my policy.

 

We use American Collectors - http://www.americancollectors.com/. Rates are very good - great people to deal with...

Donna

 

Hagerty got my business over J C Taylor because they would cover the car while I trailered it home after buying it. $115.00 per year on agreed value of $7500.00.