Insurance in Mass.

RobertsStole2nd · RobertsStole2nd's Garage

I have my coupe insured under my umbrella policy at Met Life (home, the rover, wife's jetta, p-car), but i've been thinking recently about getting collector car insurance as I park it for the winter and only drive it on weekends. I've searched the threads and found helpful information about various insurers like Sneed and Leland West. The problem is apparently with the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under state insurance regs, these insurers can't provide liability coverage, which is the biggest chunk of any premium. I'd like to hear from other Mass residents on this forum. What type of coverage do you have? Do you suspend coverage during the winter and turn in your plates to the DMV, or are there insurance companies out there that can provide full liability/comp/collision coverage? I talked with Met Life, but they offer nothing.

Todd

Noel · 11-17-2005, 06:55 AM

I just moved to Mass about four months ago and I ended up getting Collector car insurance. My car just turned 25 years old so I qualified. I think the annual premium is only $175 with 250K/500K liab and a $17K declared value. I can only drive it 5K miles a year, but for the past five years, I've averaged 2K a year.

Also check Hagerty or American Collectors, as they might be able to help.

Good luck.

tedder · tedder's Garage

I just bought and insured my 86 911 under normal insurance. 37y/o male, third car in a 2 driver house, <5kyear declared, $1k deductible and it is costing me $1075/yr.

God I can't wait until this car hits 25 and I can call it a collectible...

RobertsStole2nd · RobertsStole2nd's Garage

Thanks guys. Noel, which insurance company did you use?

also, if i'm not mistaken, a car has to be 25 years old to be considered an antique, but the definition of "collectible" or "classic" cars can vary. for example, sneed insurance defines any car over 11 years old as a classic car. i spoke with a met life rep and he said antique car plates in mass require very limited use = no fun with the p-car.

RobertsStole2nd · RobertsStole2nd's Garage

tedder, that's about exactly what i pay , and it looks like we have very similar profiles - 1986 911, 37 yr old male, 3rd car in a 2 driver household, but i think my deductibles are $500...

Rich76_911s · Rich76_911s's Garage

Try liberty mutual I used them when i registered my car in mass. They did have a 10% break, I think, for cars that were under 5K a year. And they do offer service in Mass. as that is where my car got registered because it was the only state that would pass it in inspections on the east coast. Back in Colorado now so no worries with passing inspections!

Rich

petrolblue83911 · 11-17-2005, 07:47 AM

I use Arbella, I go the 7k miles per year max use-under a multi car policy. I've had very good experiences with Arbella, My wife seems to hit something every few weeks, and they've been great to deal with.

I'm 29, good driving record, my annual prem is about 850, with same coverage listed above 250/500. I have a 500.00 deductable, but I haven't set up a declared value yet, preliminary estimates would be that the policy will go up to about 1200.00 for a dec value on my car of 15k.

-I leave my car on the road all year, to pull the plates for the winter was only going to save me 150.00 or so, and i try to get the car out every few weeks on a dry day to keep it alive!

-Good Luck.

RobertsStole2nd · RobertsStole2nd's Garage

i'll take a look at arbella. i'm fine with met life, but i keep seeing these low premium quotes around $300-$400 with agreed value at some of the collector car insurance firms and it's tempting. it just seems that the state has effectively regulated these boutique firms out of business in Mass.

you're brave venturing out during the winter! all the salt scares the p*ss out of me!

tedder · tedder's Garage

I may call arbella as well. I am with Liberty Mutual right now and while I have never needed to use them yet (knock on wood) a lower premium would be ... appreciated. Given we are in the regulated insurance haven of MA, odds are that the premiums won't really change much from company to company.

My $1075 is for (IIRC) 100k/300k, and thats with 10% off for low mileage and 10% good driver (so they say). I just realized, I'm getting reamed here. Time to call around and see what I can get.

Ted

petrolblue83911 · 11-17-2005, 08:18 AM

You just have to wait till the salt is off the road, if we get a storm or, ice, give it a few days, and once the roads are clear of sand and salt, you're fine. Generally I'll get to a highway, maybe I-95, (and the highways clear out the salt really fast from all the traffic, and get the car well warmed up. I make it a saturday morning ritual during the winter on nice days.

-for me, not driving it is much worse on seals, existing leaks, etc...

RobertsStole2nd · RobertsStole2nd's Garage

maybe i'll try that. i've heard conflicting theories on which is best for the car. it does suck not driving it for 4 months.

rcaradimos · 03:43 PM

You guy's just made me look at my policy( Hanover )and they put my wife's step of 14 on auto #3 P-Car instead of mine which is 9.
That's about a 450.00$ error, time to give them a call. The total premium 100/300 w/ 1000$ deductable is 1677.00
Now that's just down right ugly.
Thanks for the post, I'll get this fixed ASAP.
This board rocks!!!
87/Targa/

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

You can also do what I do and call Metlife in December (when I park my car for the salty months) and have them cut the coverage back on the 911 to the minimum. In April I call them again and have them reset the policy to the previous level. That also saves quite a few $'s.

Mookster · Mookster's Garage

It is my understanding that standard auto policies in Mass are all the same. Premium from company to company may vary but the policy language is boilerplate across the board. This would naturally exclude collector policies.

My suggestion if you are NOT driving your vehicle in the winter months, delete the liab/coll coverages when your vehicle goes into storage and just keep comp on the vehicle. Contact your agt if you wish to go this route.

Add the coll and liab coverage just before you are ready to get the vehicle out of storage.

I did this when I lived in MN. I saved a bundle.

I did not drive or start my vehicle when in storage. If you cannot live with the temptation, do not do this.

dean · 11-17-2005, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rcaradimos
You guy's just made me look at my policy( Hanover )and they put my wife's step of 14 on auto #3 P-Car instead of mine which is 9.

87/Targa/

In the lovely state of MA that is what they do. They put the "worst driver" on the most expensive car to insure.

I just love Gov. and big business

Dean

rcaradimos · 11-22-2005, 02:29 PM

You can fill out a form that will exclude a driver, which i did, now it will default to the next most expensive car to insure.
How about the new TV ads "the Gov. thinks I'm a reject!"
Have a good Holiday Season

RoyB · RoyB's Garage

I just got my policy this morning. Arbella insurance lumped my 2005 GMC pickup and my 87 Carrera onto the same policy. Both vehicles are carrying the same $$ amount of insurance with 250K / 500K and $1000 deductible. I'm a step9. They have the truck valued at $33K and the Carrera at $17K.

The truck is $1009 for the year and the porsche is $1312 for the year

Hope this helps..........