"For a classic Mustang, though... definitely shop around carefully. Specialty insurers sometimes beat military discounts if your car qualifies as a collector or classic."
Totally agree with this. I've got a '68 Camaro, and while USAA was decent for my daily driver, they couldn't touch the rates I got from specialty classic car insurers. Plus, those specialty policies often have agreed-value coverage, which is a lifesaver if something happens. Curious—anyone else find that classic car insurance beats military discounts consistently, or is it just hit-or-miss?
"Plus, those specialty policies often have agreed-value coverage, which is a lifesaver if something happens."
Couldn't agree more—agreed-value coverage is a real game changer. I had a similar experience insuring my '72 Corvette. Initially, I assumed military discounts would be unbeatable, but after shopping around, specialty classic insurers consistently offered better rates and more tailored coverage. Definitely worth the extra legwork to find the right fit... especially considering how much we invest into maintaining these classics.
"Definitely worth the extra legwork to find the right fit... especially considering how much we invest into maintaining these classics."
Totally valid point there. I went down a similar rabbit hole last year with my '68 Mustang. Initially thought military discounts would easily beat anything else out there, but after a bit of digging, specialty insurers turned out surprisingly competitive. A few key things I noticed:
- Agreed-value coverage really does offer peace of mind, especially if you've poured money into restoration parts or custom work.
- Military discounts are solid for daily drivers, but classic-specific policies often have mileage flexibility and tailored roadside assistance.
- Surprisingly, some specialty insurers even matched or beat the military rates I found.
Bottom line: always worth shopping around beyond just military discounts. Sometimes the extra research pays off big time... especially when it comes to protecting our beloved rides.
That's interesting to hear about your Mustang experience. I'm currently looking into coverage for my '72 VW Bus (my pride and joy, but also a money pit...), and I initially assumed military discounts would automatically be the best deal. But after reading your post, I think I'll widen my search a bit.
One thing I've noticed is that specialty insurers seem to understand the quirks of owning classics—like the occasional breakdown halfway through a road trip—and offer coverage options that actually make sense for our lifestyle. Regular policies can sometimes feel too generic or restrictive.
Still, I'm a bit skeptical about whether specialty insurers could genuinely match or beat military rates consistently. Seems like it might depend heavily on individual circumstances, location, or even the specific vehicle. Guess I'll have to roll up my sleeves and do some homework myself. Thanks for sharing your insights; definitely gave me something to chew on!
Honestly, as someone who's been labeled "high-risk" more times than I'd like to admit (speeding tickets...oops), military discounts aren't always the golden ticket. Specialty insurers surprised me—sometimes cheaper, sometimes not—but definitely worth checking out before you assume anything.