Finally I am able to get more coverage on my car than the liability I have been driving it with as my daily driver for the past two+ years. State Farm said they will insure it with collision and comprehensive after I get a Classic Car Appraisal as a daily driver. Does anyone have any experience with this process? I live in Southern NJ, and am wondering if anyone knows who to call and how much it will cost me to get this appraisal?

Thanks all...

 

If it's anything like up in Canada, an appraisal costs about 250 -300. That includes full detailed report of everything and full color picture dossier. They also include a small blurb about Cutlass history and how your car fits into that.

With my insurance, they require an appraisal every 5 years. They will cover FULL REPLACEMENT cost based on the appraised value. But it's not a daily driver and is licensed as a historical/antique vehicle. That also puts limitations on how many miles it's allowed to be driven each year. Something I'm sure you've thought about.

I've heard that if you go through Haggerty or similar, they will accept and insure the car for what you say it is worth, but may be required to show the valuation in receipts or work done. Good luck with the Ins. IMO It can sometimes be a pain or a blessing depending on who handles your file.

 

If you belong to AARP (if you are old like me) you can get car insurance thru them (from The Hartford) and they will insure your Classic Car for just about whatever you want, with no appraisal required. The rates are very reasonable!!

In fact, we were insuring 3 vehicles with State Farm (25 year customer) and saved over $600 per year on our premiums by moving to AARP ins. They do Homeowners at similar savings. (I am not affiliated with them in any way except being a policy holder - but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.........)

 

He's been through all this. He's insuring it as a daily driver. He'll need an appraisal.

Have you asked State Farm for a list of recommended appraiers? I've been quoted in the area of $300 before.

I googled "philadelphia auto appraisal" and a lot them come up

http://www.philadelphiaautoappraisers.com/

 

But, be carefull - we had a buyer send an 'appraiser' to verify a #'s matching LS 6 Chevelle we were selling.
Couldn't find his a$$ with both hands!!
Had no clue where the #'s were, and didn't bring a flashlight!
They're not created equal!

 

And how are they insuring it as a daily driver? What return are you going to get in case of a total loss? Been there done that, and I have found no insurance co that was willing to do it for more than ACV, which basically equates to its weight in scrap.

There are all kinds of co's that will insure it as a collectable with limitations.