Classic/Vintage insurance

[cs363]

Just wondering which insurance companies KB'ers recommend for vintage & classic bikes - all the usual FAQ's such as value for money, low excess, claim experiences etc etc.
I am finding a HUGE difference in responses I'm getting from the companies I've approached so far, some just can't cope with the idea that an older bike can be worth big $$, let alone the fact that they appreciate instead of depreciating which is the norm for them.
My bike's insured with AMI currently as they are my normal insurer, and whilst they freely admitted it was outside of their normal business they went to some trouble to accomodate me, overall (and as usual with my dealings with this company) I'd rate them very highly on their helpfulness and willingness to work with the customer., and whilst not cheap I don't think the cover was outrageously expensive.
I already know that they won't be the best value for money (they even told me that themselves!) so the bike is just with them for the interim (I even told them that would most likely be the case, and believe it or not they agreed I probably would be better going to a specialist for the long term and gave me some contacts).

Please, keep responses to relevant info for vintage & classic owners so that this may help others - Thanks

[toycollector10]

Hi, so what are those contacts they gave you?

I only ride about every weekend or so on my early Jappers so I feel as if I'm not getting value for money with Vero. They say, "What if it gets stolen out of your garage". The bigger odds are that I'm going to get blind-sided by a red light runner, or rammed by a bloody tail-gater down here in Christchurch, which is the same as We-Can't-Drive-For-Shit's-Ville......But I'm doing low mileage, but it's still costing me about $500 p.a. per bike. It don't seem right to me.

[cs363]

Hi toycollector10 - they said to try Classic Cover, Kiwibike & John Baker Insurance.
I'm waiting on replies from these so will keep you informed.
AMI quoted me $1140 p.a. for full cover @ $15000 agreed value and noted no depreciation. Only covered for me though, no other riders 9and yes 25yrs +)
How much cover and what type is that from Vero for $500? (They are our work insurers so might try them too).
So far Honda Riders Club seems to be looking the best at $690, though that's not confirmed - just a quote from the book by Robyn at HRC. I believe their insurance is underwritten by John Baker anyway.

Couple of nice toys you have there by the look!

[toycollector10]

Bloody hell mate, $140 for $15,000 cover. I'll follow up tomorrow for sure. Thanks.

[cs363]

Bloody hell mate, $140 for $15,000 cover. I'll follow up tomorrow for sure. Thanks.

DOH!!! Big typo there.....that should read $1140! lol, now edited.

[cs363]

This is the best I've found so far: (still for $15000 cover) This is through www.classiccover.co.nz

Premium:
$209.34

Excess: $ 250.00

Quote Subject to:
- No riders <30 yrs of age.
- Motorcycle to be garaged when not in use.
- Experienced rider.
- Completed proposal form / Driving & Claims History.
- Mileage limit: 5,000kms per yr – can be extended for additional premium.

[Voltaire]

For bikes over 30 years old join the Vintage Car Club.
Ducati Darmah insured for market value up to 10K
$ 123.00 per year, $ 50 excess.

last year when it was only 29 years old it would have been $800 plus.
Lots of good usable bikes in the pre 78 range.

[cs363]

For bikes over 30 years old join the Vintage Car Club.
Ducati Darmah insured for market value up to 10K
$ 123.00 per year, $ 50 excess.

last year when it was only 29 years old it would have been $800 plus.
Lots of good usable bikes in the pre 78 range.

Good tip! ....Except not for me for a couple of years yet, lol

[Ixion]

For bikes over 30 years old join the Vintage Car Club.
...

Hm. Interesting, but "join the Vintage Car club" doesn't seem so easy. A quick look at their site , you have to have a proposer , and a seconder, and "Acceptable vehicle(s)" ( presumably a motorbike is not going to be acceptable to a car club). All in all , quite a wank fest. So, not really a practical solution for most people, even those with 30+ year old bikes.

[cs363]

Hm. Interesting, but "join the Vintage Car club" doesn't seem so easy. A quick look at their site , you have to have a proposer , and a seconder, and "Acceptable vehicle(s)" ( presumably a motorbike is not going to be acceptable to a car club). All in all , quite a wank fest. So, not really a practical solution for most people, even those with 30+ year old bikes.

Lol...bugger! And I expect they probably wouldn't think a Japanese bike was 'acceptable'.....after all the WWII only ended 64 years ago...

[Voltaire]

I joined and I knew no one, I suppose its " an out" clause.
I don't go in for the rallies as I can't be bothered following instructions when I just want to go for a ride.
I turned up on the BMW...I didn't mention the war thou....

Last run I went on there were two Honda 750/4's a couple of Beemers and a Guzzi....
Its mainly guys over 50 on Brit bikes, but many have modern bikes and they have a good sense of humour.....and clubrooms....with a bar...
and brit bikes do look and sound nice....