Vargas & Vargas Insurance

1133 Washington St
Dorchester, MA 02124

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The Limitations of Classic Car Insurance

Classic car insurance offers specialized coverage for classic vehicles in and around the Dorchester, MA area. Not all vehicles qualify for this type of insurance due to their limitations. Several criteria determine eligibility: age, rarity, condition, and usage restrictions. Understanding these factors is essential for classic car owners to determine if their vehicles meet the criteria.  

Usage Restrictions 

Classic car insurance often imposes usage restrictions to qualify for coverage. The first thing considered is if there are any age restrictions on the vehicle. Other restrictions vary but commonly include limitations on mileage, requiring the vehicle to be used for pleasure or exhibition purposes rather than daily commuting. Some policies may prohibit commercial use or restrict the distance traveled from the owner’s residence.

Limited Coverage for Modifications 

Classic car insurance may have limitations on modifications. Insurers often expect classic cars to be kept as close to their original condition as possible. How rare the vehicle is can be a factor. Extensive changes or aftermarket alterations may impact eligibility or result in limited coverage.

Limited Use for Regular Transportation 

Classic car insurance is designed for vehicles primarily used for recreational purposes rather than as daily drivers. Consequently, coverage for regular transportation, commuting, or extensive business use may be limited or excluded.

Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value 

Classic car insurance policies typically offer coverage based on an agreed value or stated value rather than the vehicle’s actual cash value. This means the insurer and owner agree on the vehicle’s value upfront, ensuring appropriate coverage. It also means that depreciation may not factor into claims settlements.

How Vargas & Vargas Insurance Can Help You

Here at Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we are ready to assist you with your classic car insurance needs. We cover areas around the Dorchester, MA region. Contact us today.

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Tips to care for your classic car

Owning a classic car can be a great joy and an exciting hobby here in the Dorchester, MA area. However, taking care of your classic car is no small feat. Here are some tips from us at Vargas & Vargas Insurance to help you keep your classic car in excellent condition: 

1. Regularly Check Fluids – Keeping the engine fluids of your classic car at the correct level is essential to its good health. Regularly check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid levels and top off when needed. 

2. Protect from Rust – Rust can quickly damage the body of your classic car if not taken seriously. Treating any rust spots with a rust-inhibiting primer as soon as they appear will help protect them from further damage. Covering exposed metal parts with wax or protective paint will also help keep the rust away. 

3. Invest in Quality Parts – Using quality parts when repairing or upgrading is critical to keeping your classic car running smoothly for years. Buying cheap parts that don’t meet your vehicle’s specifications may lead to bigger problems down the road, so it’s essential to do research before deciding what parts you use for repairs or replacements. 

4. Perform Regular Maintenance – Just like any vehicle, regular maintenance is important for keeping your classic car running well over time and avoiding costly breakdowns in the future. Take the time to change spark plugs, filters, and other components as necessary, and ensure everything is working correctly before putting it back on the road again. 

For more tips, please call us at Vargas & Vargas Insurance today. We are proud to serve the Dorchester, MA area.

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A Brief Guide to Classic Car Insurance

If you have been thinking about buying a classic car in Dorchester, MA, you will want to ensure you are familiar with classic car insurance requirements and differences when compared to standard insurance. Vargas & Vargas Insurance shares some information you need to know.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

Most auto insurance companies will have a set of eligibility requirements for a classic car insurance policy. It is not generally required for your classic car to meet a minimum value, but it is usually required for your classic car to be of higher value now than when it first came out on the market. Further, your car should be at least 10 years old in order to qualify for classic car insurance.

The condition of your antique car will also be taken into consideration. It needs to be currently running (or close to it) and be in good condition overall. You will also be required to keep your vehicle stored in a secured indoor environment. Mileage will also need to stay low with a possible maximum number of miles being permitted.

How Is a Classic Car Insurance Policy Different Than the Standard Policy?

With both forms of auto coverage, you are protected while on the road with collision, comprehensive, and liability offerings. With classic car insurance, though, the policy is focused more on the particular needs of an antique vehicle. As the value amount of your classic car increases, you can make adjustments to your insurance policy. A classic insurance policy will also take into consideration the fact that it will cost more to repair or replace your vehicle if involved in an accident.  

If you are interested in classic car insurance in Dorchester, MA, contact the team at Vargas & Vargas Insurance for a quote.

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Getting Classic Car Insurance in Massachusetts

Getting Classic Car Insurance in Massachusetts

When you have a classic car, it works a little differently from regular vehicles. There are several concerns that come with classic cars that later models don’t come with. With classic car insurance in Massachusetts, you can get the protection that you need from your insurance policy. If you need coverage for a classic car, give us a call at Vargas & Vargas Insurance in Dorchester, MA to find out more.

Coverages of Classic Car Insurance

The protections that are found in regular vehicle insurance are the base of classic car coverage. Added to this are the specific coverages needed for classic cars. However, a classic car policy is usually used instead of regular auto insurance. Like regular car insurance, the coverage types in a classic car policy can include personal injury protection for your own injuries in an accident, bodily injury liability, for other people’s injuries, and collision coverage for damage to your own car. It also should have property damage liability protection as well as coverage for getting into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Having each of these types of coverage is ideal for the car you love having.

Classic Car Components

In addition to all of the regular coverage, types are types that are unique to classic car insurance. There is the agreed value coverage that covers it for its specific value as a classic car rather than simply the make, model and year of the car. There is also a flexible usage allowance. For many people, the car needs protection, but the car isn’t driven very often. You might be a classic car owner who drives it every day, or you may take it out only occasionally, and your insurance needs to reflect that. There is also coverage for 24/7 roadside assistance for collectible vehicles that is available for emergencies.

Get Classic Car Insurance

If you need to cover your classic car, call us at Vargas & Vargas Insurance in Dorchester, MA.

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The Difference Between Classic Car Insurance and Standard Auto Insurance

You might wonder why you need classic car insurance when your other vehicles carry a standard auto insurance policy from Vargas & Vargas Insurance. Your classic car requires a different level of insurance coverage than your other vehicles.

You could wreck your 2020 Chrysler or Dodge in Dorchester, MA, pick up a check from the insurance company, and purchase a new 2020 Chrysler or Dodge from the car lot. That is not the case with a classic car.

If you wreck a completely restored 1963 candy apple red Corvette Stingray, you cannot drive to the Chevy lot and buy a new one. You would have a hard time replacing it.

You also would receive a different amount of money for the new car and the classic car. With auto insurance, your payout would come in the form of a depreciated value. You would get the Blue Book value of your car or truck on the day the accident occurred. You would not want this with a classic car. The depreciated value of a 1963 Corvette is not the same thing as the actual value of the same car when completely restored to pristine condition.

Classic car insurance pays actual value or agreed-upon value. That means you either obtain the actual cost of purchasing another mint 1963 Corvette or you get a check for the value of the vehicle as you and your insurance company agreed to it when you negotiated the insurance policy.

With classic car insurance, you do not get to drive your vehicle as often. The policy typically limits you to about 1,000 miles per year. You can show it in car shows and drive it in parades.

Choosing classic car insurance saves you money if your vehicle ever incurs damage. Contact Vargas and Vargas Insurance of Dorchester, MA to learn more about classic car insurance.

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Important Variables Classic Car Owners Should Consider While Researching Policies

Vargas & Vargas Insurance serves the Dorchester, MA community, as well as the surrounding areas, by helping people find coverage. We strive to help our clients find policies that will keep them safe and secure. As an independent agency, we have positive relationships with several carriers in the region to help make sure that our clients can find flexible and reliable policies.

Important Classic Car Insurance Variables

Your classic car is one of your most prized possessions. It’s a unique asset that you have to take care of. Classic car insurance will help you maintain the value of your vehicle. Here are some important variables to consider while you are researching policies.

The Usage

In order for your vehicle to maintain its status as a classic car, you should only drive the vehicle on very exclusive occasions. Primarily, you should only drive the vehicle to special shows in the Dorchester MA area. The policy will also outline a mileage limit that you have to adhere to.

Storage

Having a good place to store your classic car is important. You should look for somewhere safe and secure where your vehicle will be protected from the threat of inclement weather. Consider a classic storage facility. Storing your car at a classic facility will allow you to enjoy some amenities specifically designed to help you maintain your classic car. Storing your classic car at a private building is another option.

Maintenance Tips

Make sure that your classic car has regular oil changes to prevent contamination buildup. Also, try to keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle. That will reduce the possibility of engine troubles. Make sure that your policy contains coverage if you plan to replace parts of your car with new ones.

Consult With Vargas & Vargas Insurance

For more information on classic car insurance, visit our website today!  

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Things to Consider When Shopping for Classic Car Insurance

When it comes to classic cars, they are in a unique category for insurance.  It needs to be protected if you want to drive it.  It doesn’t matter whether it is a vehicle that you lovingly restored yourself or if you just enjoy the nostalgia of driving a classic around.  Policies for classic cars differ from the policy you have on your primary vehicle.  The insured value listed in the policy will be an agreed upon amount.  Also, classic cars tend to increase in value whereas modern vehicles depreciate over time.  In the Dorchester, MA, our agents at Vargas & Vargas Insurance can explain your policy options to get your vehicle covered.   

In order for a vehicle to qualify for classic car insurance, there are several requirements.  The owner must prove that the vehicle is not their primary car.  They also need to show that it is driven only occasionally. For instance, traveling to car shows. When it is not on display, it has to be stored in an enclosed garage or storage building.  Most consider these requirements relatively minor. 

Other than that, class car insurance has traditional auto insurance features.  You can et comprehensive and collision insurance.  Some offer roadside assistance or a flatbed towing in an emergency.  Special coverage options include auto show medical coverage and protection when the vehicle is displayed when you are not at the show. 

Our agents at Vargas & Vargas Insurance in the Dorchester, MA area can help you get the coverage that you need for your classic car.  Visit the website to get started then call or come by to talk with one of our agents.  You wouldn’t trust your restored beauty to just anyone.  Trust it with the classic car insurance experts.  Come in today for the coverage of your classic car needs!

 

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Three unique factors regarding classic auto insurance

Standard auto insurance isn’t typically enough for those who own a classic automobile. Such an automobile tends to be more valuable while also holding a lot of emotional value for the vehicle owner.

There are numerous factors that make classic auto insurance unique from standard auto insurance. The following are three unique factors: 

Classic auto insurance usually reimburses for the full or “guaranteed” value of the vehicle in the event of a total loss. 

A standard auto insurance policy won’t necessarily cover a vehicle for its total value in the event that it is completely destroyed in an accident. On the other hand, a typical classic auto insurance policy will usually cover the vehicle for its full, guaranteed value. This value is usually mutually agreed upon by the vehicle owner and the insurance company at the time that the policy is purchased 

A classic car insurance policy typically covers a vehicle that is between 19 and 24 years old.

With most insurance providers, a vehicle that falls in between 19 and 24 years old should be covered under a classic auto insurance policy. On the other hand, an older vehicle would be covered under a policy specifically designated as an “antique” auto insurance policy. 

Another common type of auto insurance policy for collectors is the modified car insurance policy. This is used for vehicles that have been heavily altered by the owner in terms of their engine, chassis, interior, or another factor.

Additional features included in classic auto insurance include Auto Show Medical Reimbursement and No Attendance Required features.

There are numerous unique options available for classic auto insurance. Two examples are auto show medical reimbursement and no attendance required features.

Auto show medical reimbursement provides coverage for damages when an accident is caused by a vehicle in the events of an auto show. No attendance required means that the policy will cover damages even when the vehicle owned isn’t present when the accident occurs. 

If you are looking for a classic auto insurance policy for your vehicle, contact us at Vargas & Vargas Insurance to learn more about the policies we offer for vehicle owners in Dorchester, MA.

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How Do I Know if My Car is Eligible for Classic Car Insurance?

There is nothing quite like seeing a class car rolling down a city street, especially when it is contrasted by a mass modern vehicles. Antiques exude a class and elegance that are seem to be lacking from most cars manufactured nowadays. This is why it is important to protect and preserve classic cars that have survived the test of time. Many have a special place in history, such as a Ford Model T. If you are fortunate enough to own a classic car, be sure to consider purchasing an insurance policy that will specifically cover your prized vehicle. Vargas & Vargas Insurance in Dorchester, MA will be able to give you more information on classic car insurance and let you know if your car meets the qualifications.

Classic Car Insurance Eligibility

In order to qualify for classic car insurance, your vehicle must meet certain requirements. It can either be classified as a ‘classic car’ or ‘antique car.’ Here are the distinguishing factors between the two categories:

  • Classic car – A vehicle that is 10 to 24 years old with historic interest, such as a muscle car or hot rod.
  • Antique car – A vehicle that is 25 years or older with historic interest.

Additionally, you must be able to prove that your vehicle will be used on a very limited basis, that it has been preserved in its original condition (or in the process of being restored), and that it will be stored in an enclosed building or storage unit.

Whether your classic car holds sentimental value for you or restoring antique vehicles is a just a hobby, it important to protect its worth. It would be a shame for an unforeseen incident to destroy a piece of history that you hold so dear. Contact Vargas & Vargas Insurance in Dorchester, MA if you are interested in learning more about classic car insurance.

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Can I allow anyone to drive my classic car?

Why have a classic car if you can’t show it off? You may want to take it to a car show or drive it in a parade because letting other people admire your car is part of the fun. But can you let other people drive it too? If there is someone you really trust, you may want to give them the chance to experience the pleasure of operating your vehicle.

If you live in or around the Dorchester, MA area, you can talk to the representatives at Vargas & Vargas Insurance about what your policy can cover. Protecting your investment is important and knowing what is allowed and not allowed is key when cruising in your classic. 

You Can Allow Other Drivers to Operate Your Vehicle

As long as there are no restrictions stated in your contract, you should be able to allow other people to drive your classic car. Your current coverage should protect your guest from any mishaps they may have while driving your vehicle. There are certain restrictions but, as long as the state laws are followed, there should be no foreseeable issues.

The individual must be of age to drive and must have a valid license, with no suspensions or restrictions. Failure to ensure that the driver is eligible to drive can cause you problems if anything happens while the other person is behind the wheel.

A big part of the American automobile experience is independence. Classic cars let you show off your unique style and do things your own way. If you drive a classic car in Dorchester, MA and want to make sure you are getting maximum protection, call Vargas & Vargas Insurance for more information today.

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