Couldn’t agree more about digging deeper than just the price tag. With classic cars, I’ve noticed some of the smaller insurers don’t really “get” the unique needs—like agreed value or parts sourcing—so claims can get messy fast. I usually check AM Best ratings and see how they handle specialty vehicles. Sometimes paying a bit extra saves a lot of hassle if something goes sideways.
SHOPPING AROUND ISN’T JUST ABOUT PRICE—BUT DON’T OVERCOMPLICATE IT
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think people sometimes overthink the whole “specialty insurer” thing. Yeah, agreed value and parts sourcing matter, but half the time, the big-name companies actually have classic car policies that cover all that if you dig a bit. I’ve had a couple of older trucks and a ‘78 Firebird—never paid for some boutique insurer, just made sure to talk to an actual agent and spell out what I needed. They’ll usually flag if they can’t do agreed value or if they’re going to nickel-and-dime you on OEM parts.
Here’s how I usually handle it:
1. Get three or four quotes, not just one. Don’t get stuck on the first “decent” offer, because you’ll never know if you’re missing something better.
2. Actually call and ask about claims for classics. Skip the online forms—half the time they don’t even list your car right.
3. Ask about how they value the car. If they start talking “actual cash value,” move on. You want agreed value, period.
4. See if they let you pick your own repair shop. If not, that’s a red flag for me.
5. Check reviews, but focus on claims experiences, not just price or customer service.
AM Best ratings are fine, but I care more about what happens when I actually need to use the policy. I’ve seen people pay extra for a “specialty” plan and still get jerked around when it’s time to fix something.
Long story short, don’t just chase the cheapest quote, but don’t assume you need to pay a premium for a name you’ve never heard of either. Sometimes the mainstream guys have better systems in place and more leverage with shops and parts suppliers. Just gotta ask the right questions and not be afraid to walk away if they give you canned answers.
And yeah, if something feels off during the process—trust your gut. That’s saved me more headaches than any rating ever has.
SHOP AROUND OR STICK WITH THE FIRST DECENT QUOTE?
I get what you’re saying about not overcomplicating it, but I’ve had mixed results with the big-name companies. Sometimes they say they’ll do agreed value, but when you actually need to file a claim, it’s a whole different story. Had a buddy with a ‘70s Bronco who thought he was covered, then got lowballed after an accident—turns out the fine print was all “actual cash value” despite what the agent said.
I’m curious—has anyone actually had to file a claim on one of these mainstream policies for a classic? Did they honor the agreed value or did it turn into a hassle? I’m all for not paying extra for no reason, but I just don’t trust the sales pitch until I see how they handle things when it matters.
I’m all for not paying extra for no reason, but I just don’t trust the sales pitch until I see how they handle things when it matters.
I hear you on that. Had a similar thing happen with my old Camaro—thought I was set with “agreed value,” but when I got rear-ended, suddenly it was all about “market value” and depreciation. Took weeks of back-and-forth and I still ended up out of pocket. Now I always get everything in writing and shop around, even if it’s a hassle. The first decent quote isn’t always the best deal once you actually need to use it.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve learned the hard way that “agreed value” can mean different things depending on who’s handling your claim. It’s a pain, but I always double-check the fine print now and ask awkward questions before signing anything. Sometimes it feels like overkill, but it’s better than being caught off guard when you actually need the coverage. You’re right—shopping around is a hassle, but it’s saved me more than once.
