Before an Accident

Q: Before an Accident

I got into an accident with his 1968 firebird (other guy’s fault). My bird is worth around $5,000, but blue book doesn’t show that. What the insurance company is planning on giving me probably won’t cover the damage. Any suggestions?

A: The question of what the cars worth is,should be settled BEFORE an accident. (Not what you wanted to hear). Read the article in Year One catalog. I have had dealings with several older cars and insurance companies, have found State Farm( a friend whos a body man calls them “State Fraud”) to be totally unrealistic. I have been very happy with Nationwide for the last 10 yrs. They will let you USE your car as a daily driver and have an Actual Cash Value policy with deductbles that fit your budget. There are several collector car insurance companies out there but they wont let you use your car on a daily basis. The policy I have with Nationwide will . what this means is if you go to the store in your collector car to get a loaf of bread and have an accident… most collector car insurance companies would say you are SOL. They also place mileage restrictions on the policy. I have a friend that takes his 70 Judge to shows and cant even go to a restaurant for a sandwich because car would be out of his sight. Even if your car isnt a daily driver it may behove you to get this type of insurance for reasons stated.

Several quailty photos provided may substantiate your claim of the cars worth. Also CPI Cars of Particular Interest will have a book value for your car. Altho not 100% fair (as value is hinged on condition ,options,history,etc.) this is a good start. The other thing in your favor is that it was the other guys fault. But keep in mind that Lawyers get a slice of recovery.

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