Looking for Cali insurance for my VMC speedster

Stunning Speedster, congrats!

I think most here are with Hagerty, I got a high quote from them. Ended up going with American Collector's. I haven't had any claims so can't offer any input from that angle, but my experience with them outside of that has all been pleasant. Half the cost of Hagerty, very lenient regarding mileage, and policy is for agreed value. At least a company you can research.

Almost everything we do is through State Farm, and they beat the Hagerty quote by a mile.  May have earned a consideration via other cars/boats/etc.  Very accommodating. Speedster insured for value, less than 10k mi. per year.  Got the Hagerty quote and Barrett Jackson quote while attending the Scottsdale auctions.  Surprised and disappointed.  Close friend got lower rate from them for a 67' restored vette.

@JR_1979 posted:

Stunning Speedster, congrats!

I think most here are with Hagerty, I got a high quote from them. Ended up going with American Collector's. I haven't had any claims so can't offer any input from that angle, but my experience with them outside of that has all been pleasant. Half the cost of Hagerty, very lenient regarding mileage, and policy is for agreed value. At least a company you can research.

American Collectors just turned me down due to not having a primary car for each licensed member in the household, thanks for the recommendation though. State Farm seems to have the edge so far with unlimited mileage, and no usage restrictions. Only concern is the 'agreed value' as it needs to be appraised by an agent first.

Whatever insurance you buy, make sure it is AGREED value, not stated value.  

@BETTYLU356Speedster posted:

American Collectors just turned me down due to not having a primary car for each licensed member in the household, thanks for the recommendation though. State Farm seems to have the edge so far with unlimited mileage, and no usage restrictions. Only concern is the 'agreed value' as it needs to be appraised by an agent first.

Sorry to hear that. Every company is going to have their restrictions. Hagerty, it seems, has taken a hard stance on replicas. My quote doubled once they were informed it was a replica. Not that I don't understand, if it were me I wouldn't touch these things with a 10 ft pole.

State Farm was the highest quote for me. But if you can get a decent price, I'd imagine they're as good as anyone. If I recall they had a much lower quote if I agreed to keep the mileage under 2k a year, or some such number. And nothing about an appraisal. Seems like different agents all have their own protocols.

Snipped from State Farm website about the agreed value and so far they are looking pretty good except that last part about "...parts removed and... deteriorating because of abuse or neglect" what if the car resembles an accordion after the accident 10 years from now... how can you tell?

anyway, Appreciate the feedback everyone!

I've been with Hagerty for 15 years and wouldn't change a thing. They give me exemplary service, and yes, I had a total loss claim with them. Had a check in my hand within a week or so!

I have my Spyder and Cayman with them for reasonable rates, and yes, we have other cars insured with a regular car insurance company.

@BETTYLU356Speedster posted:

what if the car resembles an accordion after the accident 10 years from now... how can you tell?

I suppose that would come down to whether or not you're dealing with an honest insurance company. When I was researching companies I didn't come across any negatives regarding State Farm. Quite the opposite, actually. I'd personally be a little leery about the appraisal they're requesting, but I suppose it's fair enough. Either way, if in the end you wind up with State Farm insuring that beautiful Speedster, I think you'll be in good shape.

@DannyP Hagerty was great helping me out and getting me a quote, (even if it was a high one) But they were very clear that I really had to keep my usage to their regulations to be covered (car shows, parades, date night, never commuting or errands) 

@JR_1979 State Farm seems to be the right one for my situation since I have no primary car for each licensed driver. plus I literally have the receipt of what the car is worth, so hopefully they'll agree to that when I wave it in their face.

I had Hagerty for my one British motorcycle, bought a second one and they didnt want to insure it for whatever reason so I took my biz elsewhere..

@BETTYLU356Speedster posted:

American Collectors just turned me down due to not having a primary car for each licensed member in the household, thanks for the recommendation though. State Farm seems to have the edge so far with unlimited mileage, and no usage restrictions. Only concern is the 'agreed value' as it needs to be appraised by an agent first.

I have State Farm. My "appraisal" consisted of me driving to the agents and having them look at it. (I think they just wanted to check it out, TBH) In the end, they insured it for agree value. Which reminds me, I need to up it next spring.

I’m with American Modern which I THINK might be Geico. Agreed Value at $30K and mileage limits. Everywhere I go I’m coming back from a leisurely drive in the mountains.

@BETTYLU356Speedster posted:

Snipped from State Farm website about the agreed value and so far they are looking pretty good except that last part about "...parts removed and... deteriorating because of abuse or neglect" what if the car resembles an accordion after the accident 10 years from now... how can you tell?

What about keeping a maintenance/repair/upgrade log and including yearly pics of the spring/start of season interior/exterior cleaning and wax to show the condition of the car?

@Robert M posted:

I’m with American Modern which I THINK might be Geico. Agreed Value at $30K and mileage limits. Everywhere I go I’m coming back from a leisurely drive in the mountains.

Yeah, it seems I go for a pleasure drive and my wife texts me to get milk or whatever fairly often.....

Mine is insured with Grundy which was less than Haggerty.  They also may have fewer restrictions on use.

Grundy(Philadelphia Idemnity) is 5 star....had 65 Sunbeam Tiger, went to store,parked 10 spots out, came back and someone had taken out front fender,,got it fixed my choice of shop,all paid was $5400,,no regrets with Grundy..

Had my Speedster insured with Hagerty for agreed value without a mileage limitation, although they do say it must be stored at home in a lockable garage and not used as a daily driver.  No problems whatsoever when I had my accident.

@Michael McKelvey posted:

Mine is insured with Grundy which was less than Haggerty.  They also may have fewer restrictions on use.

I think that, like insurance regulations, it changes state to state. I switched from Haggarty to Grundy because they would also insure two vintage motorcycles I owned.

The first time I renewed, for some crazy reason I read the fine print.  Technically, my car was only insured for "special events."  The kicker was when I asked them if I parked my car in Mandalay Bay's (where I worked at the time) parking garage and went to dinner, would it be covered. They told me no.

American Modern Ins

https://www.amig.com/insurance/collector-car/

@BETTYLU356Speedster posted:

@DannyP Hagerty was great helping me out and getting me a quote, (even if it was a high one) But they were very clear that I really had to keep my usage to their regulations to be covered (car shows, parades, date night, never commuting or errands) 

@JR_1979 State Farm seems to be the right one for my situation since I have no primary car for each licensed driver. plus I literally have the receipt of what the car is worth, so hopefully they'll agree to that when I wave it in their face.

It's hard for an appraiser to argue against a recently paid receipt. Willing buyer, willing seller, market value.

I have my Speedster and MG TD replicas insured through American Modern. Pleasure use, no daily commuting, 3000 mile yearly maximum which I'm close to, and they don't appear to monitor. Garage required. Agreed value on the Speedster, stated value on the MG because it's incomplete, titled against the VW VIN, and not yet registered. As soon as I re-title and register it, it goes to agreed value. A little over $320 yearly for both cars here in western PA.