Insurance / Appraisal (portland)

[toml]

Hi All.
So  now that my '64 Euro 230 is restored I should think it would be wise to have an appraisal and get the RIGHT insurance for it. Right now it's pretty much treated exactly the same as my 96 saab and costs as much to insure as well. I'm sure I'll be putting less than 5000 miles on it around portland, or, but don't think i can rightly register it as 'classic' because if i ever do get into a fender bender it won't be 'on a parade' or whatever nonsense the classic rules limit your driving to.

So, any advice on appraisal or what kind of insurance to get (and where) especially in the portland, or, area?

Thanks.


TomL, Portland, OR
1964 230SL Euro 4-speed Silver+Black w/ Red Interior
1973 280C DOHC Metalic Blue w/ Tan interior

[France]

TomL,

Check out American Collectors Insurance, Inc., in Cherry Hill NJ.  I have my car insured with basic coverage for $157 per year.  This lets me drive 2000 miles, but extra mileage is available for very little added cost.  Bodily injury is at $300K, with an agreed value of $21,000 for the car.  I will raise all my limits this year, but I doubt it increases the price terribly much.

You can reach them at 1-800-360-2277

Good luck!

Trice
1968 280SL US, signal red/bl leather, auto, kinder
Sarasota FL; Alsace France

[hauser]

I have Hagerty for my car.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Raymond]

I have Hagerty too.  It allows you to drive the car reasonably except daily commute or business and without worrying about mileage.  

It's a good idea to get an appraisal.  It becomes more documentation on the history of the car for future reference.  I don't know the resources in Portland but look for a dealer who trades in these cars, or better yet, a restorer.  Did you do the work yourself? If not, ask the shop that just did your work for a reference or ask if they would do a written appraisal.

My car is due out of the paint shop next week.  After I re-install the engine I will get an appraisal for the records and for insurance.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[n/a]

toml

You may want to also try Grundy Worldwide Collector Car Insurance,
1 800 338 4005.  The coverage and rates are similar to Hagerty' with one exception.  They do not have a mileage limitation, but do not expect the car to be used as a daily to work type driver.  

Good Luck

Iverson

[ChrisInNashville]

I've checked with the companies noted and it's very important to note that their coverage provides very real restrictions on use to preserve coverage...for instance, the agents told me that I would not be covered AT ALL if something happened on a rare day that I might have driven it to work or on an errand to the drug store.   In fact, many policies require that you warrant that you will not use for many specific uses that to me would detract from the car's enjoyment.

I have enthusiast's coverage through Cincinnati insurance.    It does not require that I limit it's uses (as long as it's not a daily driver and garage parked)...and it's only about $150/year.

[n/a]

I have my '64 230SL insured for a stated value of $18,000 for $64 per year with Tri-State Insurance; agent is Continental Western Group; ask for Gloria Nelson at 800-533-0303.  Coverage is $250K/500K BI and standard coverages for uninsured motorists and med payments; deductible is $1000.  I have 5 Mercedes insured with them and rates go down with multiple cars on the policy.  My total premium for over $80,000 worth of cars is under $500 annually.

Mileage limitation is 2500/yr; car must be kept in locked storage; cars in process of restoration can be insured.

This company is not licensed in all states; suggestion is to check with your local American Automobile Association.  My local one is marketing collector car insurance and comparing their rates/coverages to Hagerty at a savings.

Don French
'64 230 SL - 300,000 miles and 7 other
classic MB's