What’s the Difference? Antique, Classic and Modified Autos

You spend countless hours and money on restoring your classic so you can take it out on beautiful summer evenings like we have been having lately. Of course you never want to think about the 'worst case scenario' of what could happen while out cruising but, as they say, "accidents do happen". It's at those times that having the right type of insurance is important.

A little bit ago, we took a look at ways to save on your insurance costs. This time we turn to our contact, Christy Heilman at Foremost Insurance over in Grand Rapids, to talk about the difference between antique, classic, and modified autos. Of course, this classification is how Foremost looks at them, so it's always best to check with your own insurance agent.

"With events like our local Foremost Insurance 28^th Street Metro Cruise^® coming up and other car shows across the country, knowing unique characteristics can help you find an insurance policy that’s as distinct as the car you are displaying,” says Chad Brown, Foremost Insurance senior product manager“Not all antique, classic or modified cars are the same. Your insurance policy should be tailored to the type of car you own.”

Antique

An antique auto is a vehicle that is 25 years or older, according to Foremost. It must be in its original or original restored condition and in working order. Antiques may be defined differently than this depending on the state you live in, so it’s best to check on local classifications.

A 1966 Ford Mustang is one example, but antiques can include more unusual vehicles such as:

• Light trucks
• Motorcycles
• Farm tractors

Classic

Foremost considers a classic car to be 19-24 years old, restored and in working condition. The Classic Car Club of America defines classic cars as “fine or unusual motor cars which were built between and including the years 1925 to 1948…” How your insurance company classifies these cars may depend on whether your home state law has a definition. So do your homework to get the coverage you want.

Classic cars vary just like antiques do and a Foremost example is a 1986 Chevy Camaro IROC Z28. Classic cars can also include:

• Foreign and American sports cars
• Muscle cars
• Convertibles
• Station wagons
• Corvettes

Modified

A modified car is one that has been changed from its original condition, whether it’s the body, chassis, engine or interior.  If it’s altered, it’s a modified. This can make it difficult for some companies to insure, since by modifying, you’ve changed the standard value of your car and it has to be reevaluated.

If you’ve done work on your 1970 Chevy El Camino SS, then it would be considered a modified. Some other examples of modifieds may include:

• Street rods
• Customized cars
• Replicars
• Kit cars
• Exotic vehicles

A part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies^®, Foremost has been a leader in the specialty insurance industry since 1952. Foremost is headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan. To learn more about our products or share your feedback, visit www.Foremost.com, our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/foremostinsurance or our Twitter page at www.Twitter.com/foremost.

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