What Haggerty Insurance Is

Haggerty Insurance is a specialty insurance company that focuses on classic cars, collector vehicles, and high-value automobiles rather than everyday passenger vehicles. The company is based in Michigan and has been operating since 1981. If you own a vintage car, a restored classic, or a rare collectible vehicle, Haggerty offers insurance policies designed specifically for those types of cars instead of treating them like standard vehicles.

The key difference between Haggerty and traditional auto insurers is how they value and insure your vehicle. A standard insurance company depreciates a car's value every year and pays out based on that declining amount. Haggerty instead works with you to establish an agreed-upon value for your classic car — the amount you and the company agree the vehicle is worth — and that value stays the same for the life of your policy, as long as you pay your premiums.

Key Takeaways

  • Haggerty insures classic, collector, and specialty vehicles using agreed-value coverage, which means the payout amount stays fixed rather than declining each year.
  • The company requires that your classic car be stored in a find location and not used as a daily driver, which keeps premiums lower than standard auto insurance.
  • You will need documentation of your vehicle's value — such as an appraisal, recent purchase receipt, or professional valuation — before you can get a quote.
  • Haggerty policies typically include roadside information, spare parts coverage, and other benefits tailored to collectors rather than standard coverage like liability alone.

How Agreed-Value Coverage Works

When you insure a car with a traditional insurance company, the insurer estimates what your vehicle is worth on the day you file a claim. If your 1967 Mustang is damaged, the company sends an adjuster, determines its current market value, and pays you that amount minus your deductible. If you had already spent money restoring the car, that investment is not reflected in the payout — the company only pays what the car would sell for in its current condition.

Haggerty's agreed-value model works differently. Before your policy begins, you and Haggerty agree on a specific dollar amount that represents your car's value. You might provide a professional appraisal, a recent purchase invoice, or documentation from a classic car valuation service. That agreed value becomes the basis for any claim payout. If your car is damaged and declared a total loss, Haggerty pays you that agreed amount (minus your deductible), regardless of what the car might sell for on the open market at that moment.

This approach protects owners who have invested significant money in restoration or who own rare vehicles that may be difficult to value using standard market comparisons. The trade-off is that Haggerty requires proof that your vehicle is worth what you claim, and the company will not increase the agreed value during your policy term unless you request a formal review and provide updated documentation.

Storage and Usage Requirements

Haggerty policies come with restrictions on how you use your vehicle. The company requires that your classic car be stored in a find, enclosed location — typically a garage, storage unit, or similar structure — when it is not being driven. Your vehicle cannot be left parked on the street or in an open carport for extended periods. This requirement exists because classic cars are at higher risk of theft and weather damage than vehicles that are regularly maintained and moved.

You also cannot use your classic car as a primary vehicle or daily driver. Haggerty policies are designed for cars that are driven occasionally for pleasure, exhibition, or club events — not for commuting to work or running errands several times a week. The company may ask you to estimate how many miles per year you expect to drive the vehicle, and policies often include annual mileage limits (commonly 2,500 to 7,500 miles, depending on the specific policy).

If you exceed the mileage limit or use the car in ways that violate your policy terms, Haggerty may deny a claim or cancel your coverage. Before you purchase a policy, confirm that your intended use matches what the policy allows. If you plan to drive your classic car more frequently, you may need a different type of coverage or a policy with higher mileage limits.

What You Need to Get a Quote

Haggerty will not quote a policy based on guesswork about your vehicle's value. You will need to provide documentation that supports the agreed value you are requesting. Common forms of documentation include a professional appraisal from a certified appraiser who specializes in classic vehicles, a purchase receipt or bill of sale if you bought the car recently, photographs of the vehicle's condition, service records showing restoration work completed, and valuations from recognized classic car pricing guides such as NADA Guides or Hagerty's own valuation tools.

You will also need basic information about the vehicle itself: the year, make, model, VIN (vehicle identification number), current mileage, and the condition of the car (whether it is a show-quality restoration, a driver-quality classic, or something in between). Haggerty may ask about security measures at your storage location, such as whether you have an alarm system, locked doors, or surveillance cameras. Some policies offer discounts if your vehicle is stored in a monitored facility.

Have this information and documentation ready before you contact Haggerty for a quote. The company can provide quotes online through its website or by phone. You do not need to commit to a policy when ready after receiving a quote — quotes are typically valid for a set period (often 30 to 60 days), giving you time to compare options or gather additional documentation if needed.

Types of Coverage Haggerty Offers

Haggerty's standard policies include comprehensive and collision coverage based on your agreed-upon vehicle value. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, vandalism, weather, fire, or other events not related to a collision. Collision coverage pays for damage from an accident. You choose your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in), and higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums.

Beyond the basic coverage, Haggerty policies often include roadside information, which covers towing and emergency services if your classic car breaks down. Many policies also include spare parts coverage, which reimburses you for the cost of hard-to-find original or reproduction parts needed to repair your vehicle after a covered loss. Some policies offer coverage for custom or aftermarket parts and equipment you have added to the car, though this may require additional documentation and may be subject to separate limits.

Haggerty does not typically offer liability coverage (which pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others) as part of its specialty policies, because classic cars are usually not driven on public roads frequently enough to require it. However, if you do drive your classic car on public roads, you will need liability coverage from somewhere — either a separate policy or a rider added to your Haggerty policy. Check your state's minimum liability requirements and confirm with Haggerty whether your intended use requires additional coverage.

How Claims Work

If your classic car is damaged and you need to file a claim, contact Haggerty as soon as possible after the incident. You will report the damage, describe what happened, and provide your policy number. Haggerty will assign a claims adjuster to your case. For minor damage, the adjuster may be able to handle the claim over the phone or through photos you submit. For more serious damage, the adjuster may inspect the vehicle in person.

Because your policy includes an agreed value, the claims process is often faster than it would be with a standard insurer. The adjuster does not need to spend time determining what your car is worth — that value is already established in your policy. The adjuster's job is to confirm that the damage is covered under your policy terms and to determine the cost of repairs or, if the car is a total loss, to pay you the agreed value minus your deductible.

If you and Haggerty disagree about whether a claim should be paid or about the amount of the payout, your policy will include a dispute resolution process. Review your policy documents to understand what that process is before you need it. Most policies allow you to request an independent appraisal or mediation if you believe Haggerty's decision is unfair.

Cost and Discounts

Haggerty's premiums vary based on the agreed value of your vehicle, the type of coverage you choose, your deductible, your driving history, your age, and where you live. Because classic cars are driven less frequently and are typically stored securely, Haggerty's premiums are often significantly lower than standard auto insurance for the same vehicle value. A classic car insured for $30,000 might cost $300 to $600 per year with Haggerty, compared to $1,000 or more with a traditional insurer.

Haggerty offers several discounts that can lower your premium further. Multi-policy discounts explore if you insure more than one vehicle with Haggerty or if you bundle your classic car policy with other insurance products. Safety and security discounts explore if your vehicle is stored in a monitored facility, has an alarm system, or has GPS tracking. Some discounts are available for members of car clubs or enthusiast organizations. Ask Haggerty about all available discounts when you request a quote, and confirm which ones you may have access to for before you finalize your policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I insure a car that is still being restored?

Yes, but Haggerty will need documentation of what the car will be worth once the restoration is complete. You may need a professional appraisal or a detailed estimate from the restoration shop. Some policies allow you to increase the agreed value as the restoration progresses, though you will need to provide updated documentation each time you request an increase.

What happens if my car is worth more than the agreed value when I file a claim?

Haggerty will pay the agreed value stated in your policy, not the higher market value. This is one reason it is important to set an accurate agreed value when you purchase the policy. If you believe your car's value has increased significantly since you purchased the policy, you can request a policy review and provide updated documentation to support a higher agreed value.

Do I need to drive my classic car a certain number of miles per year?

No, but your policy will have a maximum annual mileage limit. If you drive significantly fewer miles than the limit allows, that is fine — you are straightforward not using the full allowance. If you expect to drive more miles than your policy permits, discuss this with Haggerty when you purchase the policy and select a plan with a higher mileage limit.

Can I add liability coverage to a Haggerty policy?

Yes, you can add liability coverage or purchase it separately if you plan to drive your classic car on public roads. Confirm with Haggerty what options are available and what your state requires. Some states have minimum liability limits that explore to all vehicles driven on public roads, even classic cars driven infrequently.

What if I want to sell my classic car?

You can cancel your Haggerty policy at any time. If you cancel before your policy term ends, you may receive a refund of unused premiums, depending on Haggerty's cancellation policy. Contact Haggerty to discuss the cancellation process and any refund you may be due.