Special Vehicle Insurance Basics

If you drive a car that garners tons of positive attention when driving around town, you may be a proud owner of a special vehicle. Special vehicles come in all shapes and sizes and the group is comprised of an array of vintage, classic, or modified vehicles. Because of the the car's unique, inherent value, they require specialty insurance coverage exclusive to their makeup.

Although the classification of "special vehicles" varies between insurance providers, some basic categories that may require you to find specialized vehicle insurance include:

• Vintage/Veteran Vehicles: Minted before 1940
• Classic Cars/Vehicles: Vehicles at least 25 years old
• Modern Classic: Vehicles aged between 10 and 25 years.
• Modified: Like the vehicles seen on "Pimp My Ride," as they have been mechanically and/or cosmetically altered from the original specs
• Imports: Vehicles privately imported, such as a Rolls Royce still featuring the license plate of the country of origin
• Custom & Street Rod: Modified vehicles x 10 as they have been overhauled or custom built for show and performance
• Prestige: Luxury vehicles of European, Asian or American origin.
• Off-Road: Range Rovers, Hummers and other off-road vehicles that have been designed and are specifically used for their intended purpose

Typically, these cars need special attention for maintenance or to recover from any dink, scratch or accident. Although it may be a dream to own one of the beauties listed above, it is important that you consider the cost of insuring these vehicles into your budget. But at least classic car insurance and specialty insurance is cheaper than adding it as a regular car to your existing auto insurance policy. Insuring a specialized vehicle may entail:

• When insuring a vehicle with specialized insurance such as a wheelchair lift, high end stereo equipment, refrigerators or other things not added on directly by the manufacturer, you must let your insurance company know as chances are they will provide you with rider coverage specifically covering the additions
• Insuring a vintage, veteran, classic or modern classic vehicle will require astated-amount coverage policy where the car-owner gets the car appraised for the "collector's value" from a licensed appraiser, photos of the interior and exterior are submitted to the insurance provider and a policy for the total value is customized based on that vehicle

***Learn more about the different types of auto insurance with Go Insurance Rates.***