INSURANCE WOES- ANY ONE ELSE??

[glennstin]

OK, This is WAR!!! Informed today by my MAJOR Antique Auto Insurance Co. that my newly purchased CJ3B is not acceptable under my Antique Auto Policy because it has a factory installed winch along with a trailer ball. I have been with this (Unnamed right now) company for about 25 years. I have insured several Willys vehicles over the years including CJ2A, CJ3A, DJ3A, Wagons, Pickups and Aeros , never with a problem until now. To quote the underwriter employee:
Glenn,

We appreciate your longevity with (hidden), but although it is a collector vehicle, given our low rates we need to be sure the vehicles we insure are not be used for work purposes, i.e. to tow or haul anything, plow anything, pull anything with a winch, etc� We insure many types of vehicles, but the usage of each vehicle is the primary concern. This is why when we see vehicles with the type of equipment that is included on this Jeep we require the items be removed.

Now, most of you who frequent this site know I have made Willys Special Equipment my primary area of interest. I have been consulted by Willys enthusiasts all over the world about the uses our Jeeps were built in Toledo to do. I have exhibited Willys Special Equipment at major shows throughout the East. I have sought out odd ball Willys accessories, collected the factory literature, traded and sold very rare items, and worked tirelessly to promote the Willys name as the Overland wanted. Now, out of the blue, I'm told Willys was wrong. We can't do that!! Are any of you guys with Special Willys Goodies having a problem?? We need to fight this as a group, not as an individual. Post your response right here for all to see. I may identify the insurer later. Thanks

[Matto]

I use these guys for my CJ3B http://www.americancollectors.com/
I don't have a winch but do have a factory ball on the draw bar.

[garage gnome]

I don't use any of those classic car insurance companies. They place too many restrictions on what you can and can't do to the vehicle. I was fortunate to find a company that only charges me around $100 a year for my '53. I think the '49 is the same too.

[Tumbleweed]

I just changed to Haggerty on my 53 wagon, JCT had too many limitations on how I could use my Jeep, where I had to park it, could not use it in parades, etc.

Not sure if this helps but just my 2 cents.

[johnrb3b]

I insure all 6 of my vehicles with Country Companies. Four are modern, daily drivers - two of those are Jeeps - woohoo.
They give me a reduced "antique" rate on my CJ-3B with no restrictions.
They won't give me the low rate on my '57 Wagon because it has not yet been restored. As soon as I reupholster the interior and paint it, I'm good.
If anybody is curious, I'll look up the rates when I get home.

[macrisel]

Glenn,
As an insurance agent, I have had several head butting contests with various underwriters over the years concerning both my vehicles and my clients classic vehicles.  If you get an underwriter that is not a car guy, or worse yet, not a Jeep guy they can be very difficult (ie impossible) to change their mind and convince them you are using your vehicle for "limited use".

First, you should call your agent and get him involved in the discussion.  Let the agent and the company know that your equipment is "period correct" and was an "OEM option" for that vehicle.  Assure them that the vehicle is for limited use and will not be used as a day-to-day driver.

After that, if they still refuse to issue a classic policy, just switch companies.  There are plenty out there that write classic insurance.  Hagerty and Grundy are two companies that have good customer service and good policies.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Good luck!

[Otto R]

I was rejected by all of the major companies!  I had to register the vehicle in my name and not a company name.  The best is i cannot register as a historic vehicle since all 6 of my trucks are in the company name. NJM allowed me to register my vehicle as a daily driver for 650$ a year with no collision.  I can't wait for MV !

[Gunslinger]

Wow, this makes me feel very fortunate, I have all my insurance with American Family, all the cars, house , property... They charge me about 100 bucks a year for daily driver insurance on the jeep, no questions, no hassle, no collision.  I have it registered as a daily driver as Minnesota puts a lot of restrictions on classic cars: parades only, no going to work, events...

[Bill]

I use gulfway for my m38.  I had to go through them because my jeep is not kept in a locked garage year round and I like to drive it, so no mileage restrictions was a big plus.  They didnt have a problem with my winch.  I think it cost me $260 per year for full coverage with a value of $15,000 on the jeep.