can't find insurance for my 1936 Airstream

[1936RoadWarrior]

joined the Airstream Forum primarily because I did a body off/new frame

on my 1936 19 foot Airstream. i have MAJOR money , over $100,000, in a total restoration and have been unable to insure it for its real value.

need help??

thanks
Gary Elrod
Reno Nevada

[dznf0g]

Classic car insurance company? Sorry, I have no experience with classics, but I know they are out there.

[tsunami]

Try Grundy Collector car insurance. They have great rates, are very responsive on claims, and cover a lot of different types of vehicles (new ones to really old ones), including RV's. Google them for their web site. I switched from Sate Farm to Grundy for my 1954 Chevy Street Rod for an agreed value policy.

[aslvr66]

hi there, try these folks - it was the only place I could find that would do an agreed value policy. FCIS Insurance 1-800-331-1520. after searching for a while, this was one of the places that folks recommended. the whole process - including the required appraisal - was pretty straightforward. I haven't had to make a claim but they did get good reviews from what I saw during my research - they use a progressive "agreed value" policy.

[dznf0g]

FCIS is who I have.

[ghaynes755]

And you might try calling Timeless Travel in Denver. They do restoration work and might have some suggestions for you.

[60's Iron]

Gary I'll chime in on the subject. I'm no expert but have had long discussions with my agent about my trailer, my cars and my collections. You may find someone to insure it for what you say it's worth. They love to take your money..... Collecting is another story. I'm not trying to insult you, but just because you have over $100,000 into your restoration doesn't mean that's what it's worth. That I'm afraid that is just a fact. If for some unfortunate reason you file a claim, you are going to have to prove its value. This can be done though "current" appraisals, resent sales of like trailers (good luck, you have a rare one).
The rarer the item the more difficult proving what it's value is. That is going to be your major problem. With my cars I do stated value. I'm sure they're undervalued but if anything happened there wouldn't be much of a hassle collecting. With my collections I just keep my fingers crossed as proving the value of a lot of items is almost impossible financially. The major pieces are covered but not the entire collection. My trailer will be on the road next month. I'll treat it the same as the cars, valued enough that if something happens it won't sting quit so bad. Good luck and keep us posted........

[greybeard41]

Originally Posted by gary_elrod

joined the Airstream Forum primarily because I did a body off/new frame

on my 1936 19 foot Airstream. i have MAJOR money , over $100,000, in a total restoration and have been unable to insure it for its real value.

need help??

thanks
Gary Elrod
Reno Nevada

You could also try Hagerty Ins. I had a 1934 Chevy Street Rod insured w/them for about 10 yrs. They will insure w/approved appraisal over a certain amount. Mine was under their required amount (50k?) so didn't need appraisal.
Mike. Ft Collins Co.

[vanster]

At the 2013 Vintage Trailer Academy there was a presenter that spoke to this issue
He does evaluations of Airstreams that is certified by the insurance companies
As I recall he is in Orange County. He really knows his stuff! Get ahold of
Steve at Vintage Trailer supply or go to vintagetraileracademy.com and track him down.
This is a very valid issue as those of us that have vintage AS's with some big bucks in them don't want to get short changed by an insurance company that doesn't understand the product. I have a few vintage cars and I have spoken to Haggerty about this and they say they are "considering it"

[paddle whisp]

I don't know about ins... but I'd love to see photos...

[DanB]

Sierra Trailer Restoration - 1936 Airstream I'm assuming

[Esarabeth]

Try Lloyds of London.....they insure anything

[Jacob D]

I tried FCIS for my '67 Original A/S (well cared for but unrestored) and was told they required their approved certified appraiser put the value on it. The nearest one was 4 or 500 miles away. I added it to my State Farm homeowners and auto policy and got about the coverage I felt I needed including liability while towing and umbrella liability. The cost was way less than FCIS.

[Secguru]

AAA has agreed value insurance for RVs, but all your insurance has to be with them to qualify for it.

They will pay the agreed value. You just have to have evidence (appraisal from a reputable source).

[AWCHIEF]

Foremost also has agreed value for vintage trailers.

[dcasr]

I've been through several insurers who said yes they have Agreed Value, but then sold me something much less. Kept each of them only one year. Nationwide Insurance used my IVAN Appraisers documented appraisal and wrote a policy for what I thought the trailer was worth in the real market place, and that was also what the appraiser had documented. It was a few dollars over $300 for $31,000 worth of insurance, along with slip and fall, and a lot of extras. While hooked up and moving your collision liability to others is covered by your TV's policy.

As others have pointed out, it is not what you have in it, and it isn't what you think its worth, it is what your trailer would sell for in the market at the time of appraisal, and what it would cost you to replace the trailer with a like trailer in the same condition. The appraisal sort of splits the difference, but is documented. If you accept this value as a real world value and the insurance company does too, it is an Agreed Value policy, but make sure it is written in ink in the policy AGREED VALUE. Otherwise they look up your AS in a depreciation schedule, which for 25-50 year old AS is slightly above scrap aluminum value. Some Insurance companies require your AS to be in a locked garage when not in use, so if your AS is free standing, make sure that your insurer knows that, and if that's not OK keep looking. My 1990 Excella 29' AS is free standing and Nationwide was happy to write an Agreed Value policy.

[911Patriot]

This is a work of art! Perhaps you can have it insured as that! I'd be afraid to take it off the driveway. Perhaps a little place to play some cards & have some fun (in the driveway!) :-)

[Stefrobrts]

Originally Posted by Secguru

AAA has agreed value insurance for RVs, but all your insurance has to be with them to qualify for it.

They will pay the agreed value. You just have to have evidence (appraisal from a reputable source).

This was not true for me. I got my RV insurance through AAA, but it is actually Progressive. The rest of our vehicles are insured through esurance (AllState). We had the trailer appraised and got an agreed value policy. We have never had to use it so I cannot speak to their follow through.

[Dixie722]

I use J C Taylor for my 64 Galaxie, they agree on my value, and charge accordingly. That being said.. normally I will look at a few of the pictures posted, but on this one, I gotta tell you, I looked at every one, twice. This trailer is phenomenal, and I mean outstanding. It is so customized that it is almost un real. I dont think there would be any problem asking whatever you might want for it. ... someone is going to just have to have this one. Really.. great job.

[Denis4x4]

I have a single policy that covers my house, out buildings, cars, the AS and an LTV Unity MH as well as an umbrella policy. However, the umbrella policy will not cover my cars that are insured by Hagerty. I've discussed vintage trailer insurance with Hagerty and I've got the impression that underwriting old Airstreams is not a priority.