Photo by: pixabay.com

Classic and antique cars, those 20 years or older, are a joy to own and show off. With only around 40 million of these collector vehicles in the United States, they’re a rare treasure. But that rarity comes with risks, especially if you get into an accident with your classic ride.

That’s where a lawyer for car accidents can help, especially one who understands the unique value of vintage vehicles. They can guide you through the process and help you better understand who’s responsible for covering the damage when your prized vintage Mustang or Cadillac gets smashed.

The Risks of Insuring a Classic Car

Standard auto insurance policies often don’t provide enough coverage for collector vehicles. The value of these cars is much higher than that of typical family sedans. If you get into an accident with your classic car, your normal insurance policy may not pay the full cost to repair or replace it. For example, in 2023, the average cost of car insurance for a 20-year-old was around $142 for a man and $126 for a woman. But the repair bill for just a fender bender with a classic car could easily exceed the policy limits for an economy car.

Insuring Your Classic Car Properly

To fully protect your investment, specialty classic car insurance is a must. Collector car insurance takes into account the true value of your vehicle based on its age, condition, and collectability. Policies are tailored to cover the complete restoration cost if the car is damaged. They may also include coverage for spare parts, towing to a specialty repair shop, and insurance for collectable memorabilia in the vehicle.

This specialized coverage comes at a premium price, however. Over the past three years, the cost of auto insurance has risen six times faster than inflation. Since collector cars are rarely driven and pose less risk, their owners pay higher premiums than seem fair. Still, paying more for insurance beats paying out-of-pocket later if your ride gets totaled.

Proving Who’s at Fault Matters

In any accident, determining fault is key to getting damages covered. If the other driver was texting and rear-ended your vintage Corvette, their property damage liability should pay for repairs. Similarly, if you hydroplane and lose control of your Thunderbird, your collision coverage would kick in.

But accidents aren’t always clear cut. You may need to consult a car accident lawyer to help prove who’s at fault when filing your claim. An experienced lawyer can gather evidence like skid marks on the road, location of impact, witness statements, and more to support your case. Having legal guidance can mean the difference between getting your classic restored or ending up with nothing but a pile of bills.

Take Preventative Measures

The best way to avoid hassles when your classic car gets hit is to prevent accidents in the first place. Only drive your collectible on perfect weather days to reduce risks. Transport it on an enclosed trailer to shows and events. Invest in antitheft devices, car alarms, wheel locks, and other security features. And find secure storage like a locked garage or climate-controlled facility.

Taking every precaution helps limit wear and tear on your prized antique auto. But accidents still happen, even when we’re careful. Protect your investment with proper collector car insurance. And be ready to lawyer up if the unthinkable occurs. With smart coverage and quick response, you can get your smashed classic back on the road again.