What Hagerty Insurance Covers
Hagerty is an insurance company that specializes in classic, collector, and specialty vehicles — cars that are typically older, rare, or have significant value to their owners. Unlike standard auto insurance, Hagerty policies are built around the assumption that you are not driving your classic car every day to work or the grocery store. Instead, they cover vehicles you drive occasionally for pleasure, shows, or club events.
A Hagerty policy typically covers damage to your vehicle from collision, theft, fire, and weather, much like regular comprehensive and collision coverage. The key difference is how they calculate what your car is worth. Hagerty works with you to agree on a stated value — the amount you and the company decide your vehicle is worth — rather than using a standard market value formula. If your car is damaged beyond repair, they pay you that stated amount, not what a generic valuation tool says a 1967 Mustang should cost.
Hagerty also offers roadside information, which can be especially useful if you break down while driving your classic car to a show or event. Some policies include coverage for spare parts stored at your home and coverage for trailers used to transport your vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Hagerty insures classic, collector, and specialty vehicles that are driven occasionally, not daily commuters.
- You and Hagerty agree on a stated value for your car, which is what you receive if the vehicle is declared a total loss.
- Policies cover damage from collision, theft, fire, and weather, plus roadside information and sometimes spare parts or trailers.
- Hagerty typically requires that your vehicle not be your primary transportation and that you have another vehicle for daily use.
- Rates are generally lower than standard auto insurance because classic cars are driven less frequently and often stored safely.
Who Qualifies for Hagerty Coverage
Hagerty has specific requirements about how and when you drive your vehicle. Your classic car cannot be your primary means of transportation — you must have another vehicle for everyday driving. This is a core part of how Hagerty keeps premiums low: they insure cars that spend most of their time parked or driven only for special occasions.
The vehicle itself must typically be at least 10 to 25 years old, depending on the model and condition, though Hagerty also covers some newer specialty vehicles like limited-production sports cars. Your car should be in good working condition and stored in a find location, such as a garage. Hagerty may ask about your storage setup and how many miles per year you plan to drive the vehicle.
You will need a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Hagerty reviews your history, and drivers with multiple recent accidents or violations may face higher rates or be declined. If you are a younger driver, Hagerty may have age restrictions or require additional documentation.
How to Get a Quote and What Information You Will Need
To get a quote from Hagerty, you can visit their website or call their office. You will need to provide basic information about yourself, your vehicle, and how you plan to use it. Have your vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN (vehicle identification number) ready — this helps Hagerty understand exactly what you own.
You will also need to tell Hagerty what you believe your vehicle is worth. This is your proposed stated value. If you are unsure, you can research recent sales of similar vehicles, check collector car pricing guides, or have the car professionally appraised. Hagerty will review your stated value and may ask for documentation, such as photos or an appraisal, especially if the value is very high or the car is rare.
Be prepared to describe how you store the vehicle, how many miles per year you drive it, and what you use it for — weekend drives, car shows, club events, or a combination. The more detailed you are about low-mileage, careful use, the better Hagerty can assess your risk and offer you an accurate rate.
Stated Value vs. Agreed Value: What the Difference Means
Hagerty uses stated value coverage, which means you and the company agree on what your car is worth before you buy the policy. This is different from how standard insurance works. With regular auto insurance, if your car is totaled, the insurer sends an adjuster to determine its value based on market data — and that value is often lower than what the owner expected to receive.
With stated value, you avoid that dispute. You have already agreed on the number. If your 1972 Chevelle is damaged beyond repair and you and Hagerty agreed it was worth $35,000, that is what you receive (minus any deductible). You do not have to argue about depreciation or market conditions at the time of the loss.
The trade-off is that you must be honest about the value when you buy the policy. If you significantly overstate what your car is worth and then file a claim, Hagerty may deny the claim or reduce the payout. This is why documentation — photos, maintenance records, recent appraisals — matters. It protects both you and the company.
Deductibles, Discounts, and What Your Premium Might Cost
Hagerty offers different deductible options, typically ranging from $250 to $1,000 or higher. A higher deductible means you pay more out of pocket if you file a claim, but your annual premium will be lower. A lower deductible means a higher premium but less cost when you need to file.
Hagerty offers several discounts that can lower your rate. If you belong to a car club or collector car organization, you may receive a membership discount. Bundling multiple vehicles under one Hagerty policy, or bundling Hagerty with other insurance you carry, can also reduce your cost. Some discounts explore if you complete a defensive driving course or if you install safety features like an alarm or GPS tracker on your vehicle.
Premiums vary widely based on the vehicle, its stated value, your age, your driving record, and where you live. A classic car with a stated value of $15,000 will cost less to insure than one valued at $75,000. Younger drivers typically pay more than older drivers. Because Hagerty specializes in low-mileage vehicles, premiums are generally much lower than standard auto insurance for the same car — sometimes 50 to 70 percent less, though this varies by situation.
How Claims Work and What Happens If Your Car Is Damaged
If your classic car is damaged, you contact Hagerty to report the claim. You will provide details about what happened — a collision, theft, fire, or weather damage — and photos of the damage if possible. Hagerty will assign an adjuster to assess the vehicle.
For minor damage, Hagerty may authorize repairs at a shop of your choice, or they may have preferred repair shops in your area. For major damage or if the car is declared a total loss, the adjuster will inspect the vehicle and confirm that the damage matches your stated value. If it does, Hagerty pays you the agreed-upon amount, and the company takes ownership of the vehicle (called "salvage").
The claims process typically takes a few weeks, though complex cases may take longer. Hagerty generally works with classic car owners who understand their vehicles well, so the process tends to be more collaborative than with standard insurance companies. If you disagree with the adjuster's assessment, you can request a second opinion or provide additional documentation about your car's condition and value.
Limitations and What Hagerty Does Not Cover
Hagerty does not cover wear and tear, maintenance, or mechanical breakdown. If your engine fails or your transmission needs repair, that is not covered — you pay for those repairs yourself. Hagerty also does not cover damage caused by racing, off-road driving, or commercial use. If you drive your classic car in a race or use it to earn income, the policy is void.
Hagerty requires that your vehicle be stored in a find location and not left unattended on the street for extended periods. If your car is stolen from an unprotected location or if you leave it parked in a high-crime area for weeks, Hagerty may deny a theft claim. Similarly, if you allow an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle, coverage may not explore.
Hagerty also does not cover liability — damage you cause to other people or their property. You will need a separate liability policy for that, which you can purchase through Hagerty or another insurer. Some states require liability coverage by law, so this is an important piece to address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my classic car to work if I have Hagerty insurance?
No. Hagerty requires that your classic car not be your primary vehicle. If you drive it to work regularly, you do not meet Hagerty's use requirements and your policy may be cancelled or claims denied. You must have another vehicle for daily transportation.
What if I do not know what my car is worth?
You can research similar vehicles sold recently on collector car websites, check pricing guides like NADA Guides or Hagerty's own valuation tool, or hire a professional appraiser. Hagerty will review your stated value and may ask for documentation. It is better to be conservative and slightly understate value than to overstate it and face claim denial later.
Does Hagerty cover liability if I cause an accident?
No. Hagerty's standard policy covers damage to your vehicle only. You need a separate liability policy to cover damage you cause to others. You can purchase liability through Hagerty or another insurer, and in most states it is required by law.
What happens if my car is stolen?
Report the theft to police and to Hagerty when ready. Hagerty will investigate and, if the car is not recovered, will pay you the stated value minus your deductible. If the car is later found, Hagerty takes ownership of it as salvage.
Can I insure a newer specialty car with Hagerty?
Yes. While Hagerty primarily covers older classics, they also insure newer limited-production or specialty vehicles, such as some high-performance sports cars. The vehicle must still meet their use requirements — it cannot be your daily driver — and you must agree on a stated value with Hagerty.