Protecting Your Classic Car

Many people for many reasons enjoy classic cars. Maybe it is the nostalgia or the fact that they are rare – whatever the case, if you own a classic car or vehicle that is worth more than it originally sold for when it was brand new, then you will want to make sure it stays protected as well as properly insured.

To start, don’t leave your car out in the sun. Cars left to the elements of weather fade and crack, paint peels and it isn’t pretty. There is no quicker way to devalue your vehicle than to leave it exposed. Another danger of leaving your car out in the weather is hail damage. In some states, hail damage costs over 1 billion dollars a year. While body shops can help you remove the dents and dings from hail damage with a technology called paintless dent repair or PDR, it is always best to prevent the damage from occurring in the first place, if possible. But of course one can’t keep their classic car protected on a constant basis, driving it is part of the joy in owning it. For this reason, you want to make sure your classic car is also properly insured.

Insuring your classic car is going to be a different than insuring your regular driving around car. When you buy a classic car insurance policy, you are essentially purchasing protection for the value of the vehicle as a collectible.

With this type of policy comes certain stipulations or requirements. These stipulations include:

* A decent driving record.
* At least 10 years driving experience
* No teen drivers on the policy or drivers with poor driving records
* Secure and out of the weather garage
* Proof that you have another car for daily transportation
* Collector vehicle insurance is sometimes limited by the age of your car, and if your car is too young it may not qualify for a particular policy.
* Limited mileage. You probably don't want to drive your creampuff car all the time, and your insurance company doesn't want you to either. Mileage limits have increased recently, though, so if you can live with 250 miles a month you're probably okay.

Once you are approved you want to make sure the policy’s worth is what you intended. Review these terms:

1) Actual cash value:

This is what you usually get with ordinary insurance, and is based on replacement cost minus depreciation.

2) Stated value:

The insurance company pays up to the stated value of the car, but may not guarantee the full stated value. And deductibles of up to $1,000 usually apply.

3) Agreed value:

In most jurisdictions, those who provide collector car insurance or classic car insurance are allowed to insure for a value that you and your insurer agree upon. And for most autos, there is no deductible. If your $100,000 vintage Rolls get trashed, you get a check for 100 grand, plain and simple - which is exactly why collectors use special classic car insurance coverage.

Last, after you have purchased your insurance, do a periodic review of your coverage limits, because classic car prices are rising. What you insured your classic car for ten years ago may be a fraction of what it's worth is today. And if you are restoring a vehicle, ask your agent to give you appropriate insurance.

Once your car is properly protected physically and through insurance, you are ready to show it off and of course enjoy the ownership of something unique.

David Etienne is the founder of FIX-A-DENT, the premier provider of Professional Paintless Dent Repair services in the United States. Established in 1991, FIX-A-DENT continues being the leader in Paintless Dent Removal (PDR), technologies, practices, and techniques. For more information, please visit http://www.fixadent.com

Summer Car Care

Summer is around the corner and in some parts of the United States it is heating up. With the change in temperature comes the need for a vehicle checkup. Remember, your car responds to the weather just as you do and depending on where you live, it could determine how much care your car needs. Here are some tips to start with:

1. Prepare for Emergencies. You have to consider that each time you drive your vehicle could potentially break down. Will you be prepared? Even if you only travel short distances, if you live in climates where the temperatures are above 100 degrees, you must be prepared. Number one rule, always keep water with you. Secondly, consider buying a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight – vehicles break down at night too.
2. How Are Your Hoses and Belts. Your belts and hoses are the veins and arteries of your vehicle. If either of them go you could be in a lot of trouble. Today, many cars are equipped with a serpentine belt that runs all of the accessories; so if that belt breaks, you can lose your power steering, water pump and charging system immediately. A good shop will check for any visible damage, abnormal wear or small hairline cracks. You should replace any belt that shows signs of wear. Even if a belt appears to be in good condition, it should be replaced every 50,000 miles as preventative maintenance. Like belts, radiator & heater hoses are also made of rubber. Having all hoses inspected periodically for wear, including hairline cracks and soft, bulging spots, might prevent an impending rupture from occurring.
3. How is The AC Working? One should have their A/C System checked before it gets hot! Because of the high usage during the hot summer months, this is the time it will be likely to fail. So, if you haven’t had it checked yet, do so now! An airconditioning service will test your vehicle’s system pressures, clean the condenser, visually and electronically inspect hoses, fittings and seals for leaks, check cooling fan operation, check output temperature, and adjust belt if needed. Freon will be added if needed.
4. Check your tires. Heat makes tires react more intensely, so make sure they are neither over-inflated nor under-inflated. An inspection will also tell you how much tread life you have on your tire, as well as alert you to any uneven tire wear, which could indicate an alignment problem. An inspection can also alert you to any visible damage to your tires, which can worsen under intense heat.
5. Wiper blades and windshield wiper fluid should be checked. Any rubber on your vehicle can become brittle and crack, especially if you live in a very warm climate. Replace those worn out & cracked wiper blades before you need them. Make sure that the washer fluid is checked and replenished also.
6. Check Your Oil. While this very well may be the least costly of all the routine maintenance services on your vehicle, its’ importance is critical. Most manufacturers require the oil to be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles. Because of the harsh desert heat conditions in Texas, we recommend every 3,000. Most good shops will perform a free bumper-to-bumper safety inspection on your vehicle while doing the Lube, Oil, & Filter Service. A safety inspection can consist of everything from checking your fluid levels, conditions of your belts & hoses, brakes, tires, battery & cables, shocks, wiper a washer operations, light operations, air cleaner, water pump, radiator, etc., etc.
7. Battery - Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

A little prevention will carry you a long way through the summer months making your travels safe and enjoyable.

David Etienne is the founder of FIX-A-DENT, the premier provider of Professional Paintless Dent Repair services in the United States. Established in 1993, FIX-A-DENT continues being the leader in Paintless Dent Removal (PDR), technologies, practices, and techniques. For more information, please visit http://www.fixadent.com