Interesting Conversation with Airstream: Now what do I do?

[styledpets]

I purchased a Vintage Airstream in 2003. After a little research at that time I deemed it a 1962 Overlander, even the insurance company couldn't tell me otherwise so they left the model blank.
I was prompted to call Airstream for information so I did so yesterday.

John from Airstream was most helpful and just as curious as I was. After finding out that my Airstream, Olivia, is a 1960 Ambassador, we also learned that it is a prototype. Really cool! Now how do I insure this, it is a one of a kind.
The interesting factors of Olivia, compared to the Ambassador;
Olivia Ambassador
over length-32ft overall length-28ft
Body lentgth-28 ft Body length-25ft
similar floor plan to 62-63
overlander
4 lights on back 2 lights on back

However the VIN states it is made as an Ambassador.
I sent Pictures into Airstream of Olivia to confirm that it has not been altered.
John was very helpful in telling me that Santa Fe. CA would do this in the 50-s and early 60's and throw out a one off.
John has confirmed I have a one of a kind.
AWESOME!!!!
So how do I go about insuring her?
Any information would be great.
Thanks so much.
Tanya

[crazylev]

Could John at AS write some sort of appraisal for the unit? Maybe offer some $$$ for their help? Or can they recomend someone to write one. If insurance has it in writing you'll be good I think.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The only good way to insure anything this old (trailer, truck, or car) is with what's called an "agreed value" policy. Not all insurance companies will write them. An appraisal by a company approved appraiser is often required. Put another way, you have something that is more like a one of a kind piece of artwork than a vehicle. Insurance works differently in that case.

Bob

[YippieKiYa]

Haggerty insurance covers classic cars with agreed value policies. They might take on your unique AS, too. www.hagerty.com

[rvb]

Contact Jim Polk, the top Airstream appaiser in the country. He appraises custom and stock vintage Airstreams. Online at Polk apprisals inc. Very reasonably priced and you can get agreed value insurance.

[dcasr]

Originally Posted by styledpets

I purchased a Vintage Airstream in 2003. After a little research at that time I deemed it a 1962 Overlander, even the insurance company couldn't tell me otherwise so they left the model blank.
I was prompted to call Airstream for information so I did so yesterday.

John from Airstream was most helpful and just as curious as I was. After finding out that my Airstream, Olivia, is a 1960 Ambassador, we also learned that it is a prototype. Really cool! Now how do I insure this, it is a one of a kind.
The interesting factors of Olivia, compared to the Ambassador;
Olivia Ambassador
over length-32ft overall length-28ft
Body lentgth-28 ft Body length-25ft
similar floor plan to 62-63
overlander
4 lights on back 2 lights on back

However the VIN states it is made as an Ambassador.
I sent Pictures into Airstream of Olivia to confirm that it has not been altered.
John was very helpful in telling me that Santa Fe. CA would do this in the 50-s and early 60's and throw out a one off.
John has confirmed I have a one of a kind.
AWESOME!!!!
So how do I go about insuring her?
Any information would be great.
Thanks so much.
Tanya

__________________
At the WBCCI Rally last week in Escanaba there was an FCIS insurance representative who was writing AGREED VALUE insurance policies on several different companies including Nationwide, who writes mine.

You will need a certified appraiser for "antique" Airstreams such as an I-VAN appraiser (www.i-van.org) and there are other appraisal companies as well. Costs between $250-$350 for the appraisal, and you get a hard copy of the appraisal with documentation, and a e-copy on a thumb drive or emailed to you. It's good for usually 5 or so years. If you don't have agreed value insurance, NADA or Kelly Blue Book will give you scrap aluminum value. For older-vintage trailers the AGREED VALUE and certified appraisal is the only certain way to protect your investment.

Start with finding a company that writes AGREED VALUE insurance and see what appraisal company they prefer to work with. Good Luck

[OTRA15]

Welcome to the forum, styledpets!

Good suggestions so far.

If you look at the list of topics in this Insurance sub-forum:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f351/

. . . you will find other recent threads about Agreed Value Insurance::

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f351...ce-164563.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f351...cy-157841.html

Also FYI here are some search results, using the blue box above, for the same search terms:

https://www.google.com/search?q=agre...=airforums.com

In addition to the advice here, there may be nuggets of wisdom available at the sources above.

One suggestion would be to start with your insurance agent(s) for your car and homeowners policies, particularly if they have had a good track record for you. In the last year, our tow vehicle was totaled in a rear-end collision, and our local agent was great in helping us deal with everything.

Another suggestion would be to document everything carefully with emails, and hard copies, backed up well.

Good luck!

Peter

[mayco]

Need an appraisal for agreed value. Its worth the money to have it done and James Polk seems to be the man. He did mine. Then you have documentation to backup the agreed value. The more documentation the better but nothing is guaranteed in a total loss situation. I wouldn't expect the "one off" to increase its actual market value much if any. But the first step is to fork out the $$$ for a professional appraisal. Your premiums will then reflect whatever the agreed value is. Polk can do it online, its painless. Just had mine done earlier this year. Expect the appraised value to be much higher than actual market or retail value because regardless of the appraised value, the actual value is whatever the market will bare. BUT! You gotta start somewhere and a professional appraisal is as good as anything to get that ball rolling. Remember it's still insurance, and an insurance company....their job is to give you as little as they can get away with in a total loss situation. The more documentation the more ammunition in your gun.