If I Have An Accident with My Classic Car, Can I Repair It Myself?

Classic car owners enjoy driving, showing, and discussing their vehicles with others. For many, part of the pride and bragging rights comes from knowing they restored and now maintain their car. 

Their care and craftsmanship brought the car back to its glory days, so they seek classic car insurance policies that allow owners to self-repair their vehicles if they are in an accident. Contact the Collum Insurance Group LLC team for assistance if you need a classic car or other insurance and live in or near Richardson, TX.

Approved Repair Practices for Classic Car Insurance

Classic cars and everyday drivers are not the same, and neither are their owners, so their owners have different needs when they are involved in accidents.

While insurance companies encourage the use of preferred repair providers for everyday vehicles, they are more flexible with classic cars. Depending on the specific policy, insurance companies often allow classic car owners to take their vehicle to a specialist shop that is several times more expensive than a mainstream shop for a comparable repair. They are more forgiving about the cost of authentic replacement parts.

Some, but not all, classic car insurers allow owners to locate the needed parts and repair the car themselves. If you want the ability to repair your vehicle, speak to your agent about your interest so they can search for a provider that meets your needs, understanding that your rates may reflect this flexibility.

Working with Collum Insurance Group LLC

The Collum Insurance Group LLC team wants to provide classic car insurance that best fits your needs. If you live in the Richardson, TX, area, call us today at (972) 387-1863 or stop by so we can address your classic car insurance needs.

How To Increase The Value of Your Classic Car

Classic cars are often considered a type of investment. Classic vehicles have the potential to appreciate over time when they are restored and cared for properly. Here at Collum Insurance Group LLC, serving Richardson, TX and the surrounding areas, we want to help you get the most out of your classic car investment.

Here’s how to increase the value of your classic car:

Quality Restorations

If you purchase a classic car that needs to be restored, the way you handle the restoration will have a huge impact on the overall value of the car. This is the investment you make. You want to make sure that you are having quality work done on the car in order to get the most on your investment. Just like with all other types of car repairs or work, not everyone provides quality service. Be sure to talk with others who have already gone through the restoration process to learn about quality restoration providers in your area. 

Impeccable Maintenance 

In addition to quality restoration, you will also want to make sure that maintenance on the vehicle is always top-notch. Classic vehicles often need specialized maintenance treatment in order to keep antique parts working properly. It is in your best interest to always deal with professionals who are specifically skilled in classic car maintenance. This will ensure you are receiving quality services and reducing the risks of damage to your vehicle. 

Ideal Storage Conditions

It is also very important that your classic vehicle is stored properly. If you do not have proper storage on your own property, you might want to consider having it professionally stored. 

Give Us A Call

If you would like to learn more about classic car insurance, please contact us at Collum Insurance Group LLC serving Richardson, TX and the surrounding areas. 

What Is Agreed Value Classic Car Insurance?

The classic car culture is quite robust in Richardson, TX. If you are looking to buy classic car insurance for the first time, you might have come across the term “agreed value classic car insurance,” and you wonder what it means. Collum Insurance Group LLC provides this guide in navigating agreed classic car insurance.

What Is Agreed Value Classic Vehicle Insurance?

Agreed value classic vehicle insurance is a type of classic car insurance whereby you and the insurer agree on the maximum payout to be made upon you make a claim. This agreement between you and the insurer is made when you purchase your classic car insurance, making your coverage an agreed value classic car insurance. Therefore, the maximum payout will be the agreed value after an accident.

When Do You Need Agreed Value Classic Car Insurance?

At Collum Insurance Group LLC, we advise our clients to pick agreed value insurance if;

  • Pricing: The classic car doesn’t have a standard blue book, or the value in the blue book isn’t representative of the vehicle’s current market value since classic cars tend to appreciate the older they get.
  • Repairs: After an accident, fixing a classic vehicle usually requires a specialized mechanic to return the car to its original vehicle. This is typically a costly repair that standard classic car insurance policies rarely cover.

How Can You Keep Your Agreed Value Classic Car Insurance Rates Low?

  • Minimize mileage: Most classic car insurers will offer you better rates on your agreed value policy if you accept to drive fewer miles
  • Minimal usage: You can expect discounts on your agreed value policy if you agree only to drive your classic vehicle for pleasure
  • Secure storage: Your insurer will offer you discounts on your agreed value policy if you promise to store your car in a locked garage and not in the driveway. 

Contact Collum Insurance Group LLC for unbeatable classic car insurance deals in Richardson, TX.

Is Classic Car insurance different from Standard Car Insurance?

According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, if you own a car that is older than 25 years in Richardson, TX, you may be able to register it under Classic Car regulations. If registered as a classic car, you will be able to protect it with Classic Car insurance.

Classic Car insurance offers protection similar to standard insurance, but the payout value differs if your car needs to be replaced.  New cars depreciate as you drive them. When you are involved in a serious accident, and your car needs to be replaced, the insurance policy pays out the car’s market value less the depreciation, depending on how old the car was when the accident happened. However, classic cars usually appreciate (they get more valuable) as the years pass. Therefore, if your car needs to be replaced, the policy will pay out the agreed value amount without depreciation.

That agreed value is based on the industry standard, and valuation guidelines set out by organizations like Classic Car Club of America and the Antique Automobile Club. It also takes into account any other research and documentation that you may have. The insurance industry experts at Collum Insurance Group LLC can provide accurate valuation and help you establish the agreed insured value. That will be the amount paid out to you should your car need to be replaced.

The rest of the policy is similar to standard insurance. It includes the state-prescribed minimum accident cover, bodily injury, and liability coverage. If you choose the comprehensive policy, it additionally covers collision with animals, vandalism, falling objects, and theft.

For a complete valuation of your classic car, pop into Collum Insurance Group LLC in Richardson, TX, to make sure your classic car is suitably protected.