Not sure I totally buy the idea that “classic” policies are just standard ones with tweaks. In my experience, the devil’s in the details, but those specialty policies usually have way fewer hoops for agreed value—at least with Grundy or Hagerty. I’ve had a regular policy try to depreciate my ‘78 pickup after a fender bender, which was a nightmare. If you’re driving something old and want it fixed right, I’d push for specifics in writing, but also lean toward a company that actually understands older cars. Otherwise you’re just rolling the dice every time.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced that specialty policies are always the magic bullet. I’ve been shopping around for my first policy on a ‘79 Camaro, and honestly, some of those “classic” insurers seem to have their own fine print. One wanted proof I’d never daily drive it, another wanted garage photos, and a third flat-out refused because I didn’t have another car in my name yet. Felt like more hoops than just going through State Farm or GEICO, at least for me.
I get that agreed value is a big deal if you want your car fixed right, but sometimes the regular companies will work with you if you push hard enough and document everything. Maybe it depends on the agent or the area? Either way, I wouldn’t just assume classic policies are always easier—sometimes they’re just picky in different ways.
That’s been my experience too—sometimes the “classic” insurers feel more like gatekeepers than anything else. I get why they want to make sure you’re not daily driving a ‘79 Camaro, but when you said:
One wanted proof I’d never daily drive it, another wanted garage photos, and a third flat-out refused because I didn’t have another car in my name yet.
…it really hit home. I tried to get a quote for my old Mustang a while back and ran into the same wall. It almost felt like they were looking for reasons to say no. Meanwhile, my regular agent at Allstate was at least willing to talk through options, even if it wasn’t “agreed value.” Maybe it’s just about finding an agent who actually cares, regardless of the company?
I do wonder if it’s a regional thing too. Like, maybe in Kentucky they’re stricter because of weather or theft rates? Or maybe it’s just luck of the draw with who picks up the phone. Either way, it’s definitely not as simple as “classic car insurance = better.” Sometimes it’s just more paperwork and more hoops, and you still end up paying more.
Man, I feel this so much. I swear, getting classic car insurance is like trying to join a secret club—except the bouncer wants garage selfies and proof you own a boring daily driver. I thought it’d be easy, but nope, just more hoops. Hang in there... eventually someone’s bound to say yes, right?
getting classic car insurance is like trying to join a secret club—except the bouncer wants garage selfies and proof you own a boring daily driver
That’s the most accurate description I’ve seen yet. I remember sending in more photos of my garage than I did for my last vacation. The “boring daily driver” requirement cracks me up—like, sorry, my ‘02 Corolla isn’t glamorous, but it gets the job done. Honestly, I half-expected them to ask for a notarized statement from my neighbor confirming I don’t drive the classic to work. Kentucky insurers really do make you jump through some wild hoops.
