does anyone know anything about this American Collectors insurance company.i know that they are in cherry hill n.j. has anyone ever used them and if so were you happy with them.

 

Bob - I don't have direct knowledge but I've heard good things about them from the Jalopy Journal forums (HAMB) folks. In a way that's more important because usually people only bring up an insurance co. when they are pissed off and ready to spit on their hands and raise the black flag. I think they are a good choice. There aren't too many dedicated for collector cars, Grundy and Hagerty are the big ones.

One thing people overlook is cars under construction and/or parts. A vehicle that isn't operable and isn't insured under auto insurance policy is also not insured under a homeowners policy either, so if the worst happens - say the garage burns down ... then there is no coverage. Doesn't affect most of us out here in the cheap seats though some folks have some serious coin tied up in several projects under various stages of completion and can go on for years. Probably something to look at too, if sending your pride and joy off for bodywork and paint.

A professional shop has the right coverage, the commercial policies, necessary to protect their customers in the case of fire or other disasters. Stuff happens. Also shipping and transport services. All that $&@t costs money, one reason everything is so expensive is the cost of doing business. But if the transport trailer catches on fire with my '57 Schmedlap in it, I want to be made whole again financially. The shady fly by night folks might have a sharp pencil and undercut the big boys, but everything has to go perfect. Similar to hiring a treecutter. The licensed, bonded, and insured guys cost a lot more than some other folks, but if something bad happens on your property, on your ground ... They will go after your insurance. Then you won't have saved any money.

 

Tedster brings up excellent points. If I go look at a car I think I might be owning I call my insurance agent and let them know ahead of time. I cringe at the thought when I had a car at body shop for long time restoring.

 

Hagerty has insurance for under construction vehicles.
My policy covers my 51 f1, all my tools, parts, etc., for fire and theft. Costs under $150 per year for $20,000 replacement value of the truck and around $5,000 tools.
Just my 2 cents.
Dan

 

I also use Hagarty. They are a good choice for someone that drives their cars, which is me and does not want a bunch of restrictions. I have multiple vehicles and there are good savings if insuring multiple vehicles.

 

I've had them for decades. Good company. And unlike so many of the others, renewal is just pay the new premium as outlined in the new policy. Some of the others make you fill out a new multi page application. And they do not squabble over true value.

And if you are with USAA for your regular car, USAA will insure your classic through American Collectors. And that qualifies you for the multiple car discount.

Later!
Mr. Ed

 

When my F1 ( or may be I should say, the one I had the honor of caring for ) was destroyed in the 2018 Camp Fire. Hagerty contacted me via email, B4 I ever contacted them. They Heard about the fire and wanted to help any way they could, and had a check in the mail ( for $20,000 ) within 2 weeks for the full previously agreed value of the truck. No quibble, no hassle, here you are. I'm glad I had Hagerty they were great from day one to the end.

 

Hi jim how things going

 

Was with Grundy and switched over to State Farm Insurance same coverage at half the cost.

 

It looks like you have lots of good choices, and from the feedback it seems like shopping around is a good idea. One thing I'd add is that we tend to think in terms of how much they'll pay for our truck if it gets totalled, but not in terms of how much protection the policy provides us if we're liable for a loss. I get it, we're truck guys, but you're just as likely to lose your truck from a lawsuit and insufficient coverage as by a fire or accident. Just make sure whatever you get is providing real coverage for your liability and also uninsured motorist coverage if someone hits you and has no insurance or minimal insurance. These old trucks don't provide the best crash protection, you can get seriously hurt in a fairly minor accident by today's standards. Always protect yourself, that's what insurance is for!

 

I'm doing ok Roy but very much miss that old truck, and all of you.

 

I sent you a message

 

Miss you too, Jim!

 

Yes, I have had USAA auto insurance since 1969 so when I insured my '49 Jeepster the policy was managed by American Collectors. I never had a problem but then I never had to make a claim either. But for some reason in 2011 when I got my '50 F2 USAA did not use American Collectors but the policy is just listed along with my other vehicles. That make it very easy to manage.

 

That is good to hear Jim. Where are you living now?