Insurance for under 25 year olds -- interest in old cars

[scott12180]

This reply is carried over from "Stink'en NY inspection stickers!"

"Silverghost" replied that he was insured through JC Taylor when he was 17 years old. I was too, except I was only 16 when I first put my Model T on the road. Only problem: that was about 30 years ago.

When I registered my 1926 Packard two years ago, all of the antique car insurance companies I contacted had exclusions for anyone under 25 years old. No one would insure a younger driver and there was nothing to be done about it. If you are under 25, you aren't allowed to drive an antique car. Huh???

I don't have a kid that age so it doesn't effect me directly, but since I was rebuilding Model T's and driving them at 16, I really am concerned for the future of the pre-war car hobby if young guys are not allowed to drive old cars. They are already so caught up with computers and, with very few exceptions, have very little interest in cars these days. I'm a professor at an engineering school and always show photos of the Packard to my class. You would expect that here of all places there would be guys interested in old cars. But out of nearly 1000 students I've had over four years, no one has shown any interest.

--Scott

Troy, NY

[R W Burgess]

Scott, Maybe you should have taken the Packard to school one day so those fellows and gals could get a closeup look at a real car. The upholstery and brass should get their attention. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Steve Moskowitz]

I have had this discussion with at least one insurance carrier and their response was that they take the "under 25" requests one at a time. The look at all the variables and determine the real use of the car before making an elegibility decision.

[R W Burgess]

That's good news Steve. I spoke with the J C Taylor Rep last year at Philly and nothing had been done about that situation at that time. Looks like my son, mike might fall in this catagory before too long.

Wayne

[aacalifeer]

I too have been involved in this hobby since I was a youngen. Grew up with 20's - 30-s era cars. One of my children is interested in the hobby as well. When I reviewed Insurance companies recently, having used the before mentioned company for several years, I switched to Hagarty. Two reasons: 1. They offer towing . 2. they cover those under 25 years old with no problems. While I'm not endorsing any one company I just wanted to share my experience.

[oldcarfudd]

Interesting, about Hagerty. I'm insured with them. I've let a couple of college kids drive my '13 T and '07 Cadillac. I was warned by someone that my insurance would be void. I read my policy, saw no restrictions, and called Hagerty. They said my insurance (I'm 69) covered any licensed driver, regardless of age, driving my car with my permission. But they weren't allowed to issue a policy to a named insured under 25. Better check it out.

[Guest Silverghost]

Hello Folks!!!

I was in fact covered at age 17 by JC Taylor in a time when you were not required by law to have liability ins. but that was many many years ago...I am now 50 y/o.

Also as I remember the total yearly miles were limited to 300 mi or less!!!

One has to wonder how many claims are in fact made yearly on Antique & Classics. I would think very very few. I really don't understand why they would not cover a person under 25 ???

If this young person wanted to drive a 67 Big Block Corvette Tri-Power or a Hemi Cuda...I mght well uderstand why they might not want to cover them...BUT...How about a Model "T" or "A" ??? You sure can't get into much trouble in these!!!

I might also note that I grew up in the tail-end of the muscle car era and had no trouble getting coverage for my Chevy SS 396 (Paid for it myself!!!) but had to pay about twice what my dad had to pay for his Ford daily driver to insure it!!!...

Funny note...My Dad in 1971 wanted to buy me a new AMC Gremlin !!! I told him that this would mean the instant death of my "Image" as a gearhead-Hot car guy; not to mention my social life !!! (sorry Gremlin fans!) I wanted the chevelle SS 396. He told me..."If that's what you want you'll have to buy it + insure it yourself!!!"

He thought that would be the end of that idea.

BUT...I did EXACTLY THAT!!! ( Used 1969 SS 396)