Don’t get bugged driving up and down the same old strip. If your car has been featured in a Beach Boys’ song, it could be considered a classic car—provided it has its original design and specifications. This means you could be driving around in style this summer. However, did you know that style could mean that you need an auto insurance policy designed for classic cars?
Most insurance companies define a classic car as between 20- to 40-years old. However, some insurance companies can define a classic car as at least 10- or 15-years old, and as old as 50 years, so if you have a car that’s getting up there in age, give our agency a call, we can help you determine if you need a specific insurance policy to cover it.
This type of insurance differs from a standard auto insurance policy because it takes into consideration the idea that it won’t be driven around as frequently as your day-to-day vehicle. These policies also recognized that there may be little to no depreciation for a classic car, and that replacement parts might be hard to find.
Typically, these insurance policies will cover you if your car is stolen, but they might have stipulations about how often you drive the car, or the events you attend or parades that you may participate in with your car.
What about other summertime fun?
Another vehicle that is ubiquitous in the summer is the convertible. Before you burn some rubber, consider the insurance implications. While they are the same as a hard-top car—collision and comprehensive—convertibles tend to be more expensive to purchase, and they often are the target of theft—so the insurance coverage and premiums may be more expensive.
Convertibles have unique safety features. For example, they tend to be heavier compared to hard-top cars, and heavier cars tend to be safer. Also, most convertible manufacturers have installed A-pillars on both sides of the windshield, or they have installed roll bars to offer additional protection should the convertible be involved in a rollover crash.
Cruisin’ is part of summertime fun. You can make it safer with the right insurance policy. If you’ve purchased a new car, a new-to-you car, or even a classic car, give your independent agency a call. The agency’s staff can review your policy, identify coverage gaps and maybe even find you some discounts.
Jaye Czupryna is publications manager for PIA Northeast and editor-in-chief of PIA Magazine. She started her career in public relations, and she has been with PIA for nearly 25 years. She has overseen PIA Northeast’s various publications, including the award-winning magazine since 2009. Jaye graduated cum laude from Siena College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Communications.
