Auto Buying Tips

Muscle cars are built for speed. Given that, it’s hardly surprising that muscle car insurance is more costly than insurance for other cars. If the cars are built for speed, people will drive fast, at least on occasion, else there’s little point in having a muscle car at all. But insurers see them as a higher risk; some may even refuse to insure them at all. Still, if drivers are responsible and shop around, they can find muscle car auto insurance coverage with a traditional insurer or they can even choose an insurer that specializes in muscle cars.

High-Performance Insurance Category

Though every insurance company has its own vehicle categories and definitions, muscle cars are generally considered high-performance vehicles because of their weight-to-power ratio. Thus, muscle cars have higher insurance premiums. There are many factors that contribute to this. Muscle cars are more often the target of theft and vandalism. They’re more expensive to purchase or, importantly, more expensive to replace and repair. But the primary reason is that statistically, drivers of muscle cars take more risks and get into more accidents. Given a higher-than-average replacement cost and higher-than-average accident rate, it’s not surprising that the cost of coverage for muscle cars is higher-than-average. Some states require specialty high-performance insurance for muscle cars, so drivers should check their state’s regulations before purchasing a policy.

Classic Car vs. Muscle Car

There is a distinction between classic cars and muscle cars, with different types of insurance for each. Classic cars are those used mostly for show. Muscle cars utilize their high-performance capacity, oftentimes for joy rides or short trips. The distinction can be questionable in some cases, especially if a driver has an older high-performance vehicle. Generally, insurance coverage should correspond to use. So if the driver is mostly showing the car, he should get a classic car insurance policy. These policies very often place restrictions on the vehicle’s usage, making it impossible to use it for everyday driving. If a driver primarily uses the car’s high-performance capacity, he should purchase a muscle car insurance policy.

Specialty Car Insurance

Specialty car insurance can be useful for muscle car owners. Traditional insurance is based on the notion that a car’s value depreciates over time. With muscle cars, that’s not necessarily the case. Many increase in value, especially if they’re cared for. Specialty car insurance may be better suited toward handling a muscle car’s needs. There are caveats, however. Many specialty insurers require a spotless driving record, without speeding tickets. Also note that older cars have higher premiums because they’re more likely to break down and replacement parts are more difficult to find. But muscle car owners should take care not to shop only on price. Drivers should pay special attention to what a policy excludes, what it says about replacement parts, and so on. Finally, owners should always make sure to increase coverage if a car’s value has gone up over the years.

Ways to Get Discounts

If a driver doesn’t drive his muscle car every day, he may be able to get a low-mileage discount from traditional insurers. Insurance companies very often give discounts for storing the vehicle in a locked garage and installing anti-theft devices. Not only will these reduce rates, but they also keep the car safer. A pristine driving record will help anyone get a lower insurance rate, so drivers should check theirs to make sure records are accurate. They should also maintain a clean driving record going forward. It pays to prove one’s responsibility to insurance companies. Credit history has an impact, as well, so drivers should check theirs and make sure to keep it in order. Finally, check to see if there are muscle car clubs in one’s area; such organizations often have special deals for members.

Tags: car insurance, muscle car auto insurance, muscle car insurance

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