Lowriders

Nuts & Bolts: Traverse City, Mich.-based Hagerty Insurance has added two categories of lowriders to the list of customized and collectible vehicles it insures. As defined by Hagerty, a lowrider is a car or truck that has had its suspension modified to decrease ground clearance and usually includes an added hydraulic system or air-ride suspension (using a car’s air bag system) that gives it the ability to bounce or vary its ground clearance rapidly. However, Hagerty is unable to insure any car that is bounced or involved in bouncing in street dance competitions at this time. Lowriders 1980 vintage and older will be insured under the same criteria used for Street Rods. Vehicles are restricted to show, club or pleasure use and can’t be used as daily drivers. Owners must submit four photos, including views of the engine, interior, open trunk and a vehicle profile. Lowrider models 1981 and newer will be covered under the same criteria Hagerty uses to insure exotic cars and will be eligible for that rate, with limited liability, uninsured motorist coverage and a $1,000 comprehensive and collision deductible. With these newer model lowriders, only true show cars with customized interior and exterior modifications, and custom paintwork can be considered for coverage. The most popular vehicle models converted to lowriders include the 1930 Chevrolet Deluxe and 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline, 1955-1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, 1958-1968 Chevrolet Impala, 1970-1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1980s vintage Cadillac Fleetwood, Coupe de Ville and Brougham, 1981-1987 Buick Regal and 1981-1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In the above groups, individual owner profiles, including length of vehicle ownership, usage or intent for usage, driving record, club affiliations, etc., will determine whether a particular lowrider qualifies for coverage.

Dollars: Premiums vary. Two examples are: A 1964 Chevrolet Impala 2 door convertible, valued at $20,000, 15/30/5 liability, 15/30 UM, $1,000 med pay. Annual premium would be $327. A 1986 Cadillac Eldorado 2 door coupe, valued at $20,000, 15/30/5 liability, 15/30 UM, $1,000 med pay. Annual premium would be $378. There are no deductibles for lowrider vehicles 1980 and older. Vehicles 1981 and newer have a $1,000 deductible. Up to $500,000 combined single limit will be offered for vehicles 1980 and older.

Carrier: Encompass Insurance.

States Available: All except Alaska and Hawaii.

Contact: Hagerty Insurance Agency, (800) 747-5348 or www.hagertyagent.com.

Topics Auto