Insurance for engine swaps?

[ltdodge]

I'm looking to do a 505 AMW swap on my jeep. I have state farm and they say they don't cover added items like engine swap. I have called numerous companies and the max i have seen was 25K towards aftermarket mods. progressive said they can insure a stated value, but there is an Asterix that says they will pay the lesser of actual cash value or stated value, so basically actual cash value.

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[Sweetums]

I've had a hard time finding insurance companies that understand aftermarket modifications. Most haven't updated their "accessory coverage" limits in decades, $5,000 seems to be the norm, but that will barely cover decent shocks these days.

 

[chr15m]

It varies by company, but you mentioned SF, which is who I've had for decades.

Unfortunately I'm a bit experienced in this, as I've had a number of vehicles totaled out. I've never been at fault but have had to go thru the process enough that I can nearly handle it on my own at this point.

SF values vehicles that are totaled based off fair market value. So if it was totaled and you were not at fault you'd expect to get what other JTs in the area are selling for with similar trim and mileage. Far less than your truck would be worth with a swap.

The added options can be considered, they were on my Tundra that had over 10k in mods. The issue is that usually gets into arbitration with the other drivers insurance and while SF will initially pay out what you and they agree upon, if the arbiter fails to get the other insurance to cover the full cost it can negatively effect your rates.

This isnt popular I know, but that additional cost if not covered is commonly settled thru lawyers. If its 10s of thousands of dollars, it would be worth the lawyers fees.

Basically even if you can get it written into your plan you still run a good chance of paying an extra premium that may ultimately not be covered, at least not truly covered. All you'd know is they'd tell you nothing, the truck would be paid out and it'd look like you're all good, yet your rates suddenly increase multiple times over the next few years.

Basically if you are ok with that and a small premium month to month that may or may not work out in your favor then that's probably the best you can hope for.

Realistically I'd drive it, keep receipts and if needed get a lawyer should the worst happen.

If of course you were at fault for the accident all of the above goes out the window and your own insurance would become your enemy lol. Basically if they don't just opt out by canceling rather than paying anything, they will likely cover way less than you want. I've seen both sides of State Farm, when they don't go to bat for you it can be very contentious.

I had police statements, video evidence and city CCD footage of a guy blowing a red light, on pain meds and totaling one of my cars.

SF ended up settling 50/50 because my mediator didn't really want to do the work. Dealing with them promptly turned to legal jargon and veiled threats from my own provider.

Remember they're in the business of making money.

GL

 

[ericw.]

You can try Haggerty Insurance. They focus on custom car insurance for things like hot rods and classics, and you can declare the value.

I had issues getting a policy with them in the past only because I wanted multi-car policy that included my wife's basic car so they turned me down. They had no interest in insuring a stock 2015 VW beetle. lol

 

[Sweetums]

You can try Haggerty Insurance. They focus on custom car insurance for things like hot rods and classics, and you can declare the value.

I had issues getting a policy with them in the past only because I wanted multi-car policy that included my wife's basic car so they turned me down. They had no interest in insuring a stock 2015 VW beetle. lol

I looked at Hagerty for our rare "one of 99" Wrangler that we've put a lot into and can't fully insure - they won't touch anything that goes off road, don't even ask.

 

[ltdodge]

You can try Haggerty Insurance. They focus on custom car insurance for things like hot rods and classics, and you can declare the value.

I had issues getting a policy with them in the past only because I wanted multi-car policy that included my wife's basic car so they turned me down. They had no interest in insuring a stock 2015 VW beetle. lol

Hagerty will not insure the gladiator

crazy thing if you buy a built AMW from the dealer, how would insurance companies insure it? as sport model they start with?

 

[punk'n]

Hagerty is great. I have them for several vehicles. However, they do not write for a daily driver and won't write for a modern car unless its pretty rare. They also have use and mileage limitations.

 

[ericw.]

Dang, they were ready to write a policy for my Audi. They didn't mention anything when I added the Wrangler either. It was the only a problem once I tried to add the Beetle (which we sold in 2021).

I'll keep all this in mind and stop recommending Haggerty.

 

[Sweetums]

Dang, they were ready to write a policy for my Audi. They didn't mention anything when I added the Wrangler either. It was the only a problem once I tried to add the Beetle (which we sold in 2021).

I'll keep all this in mind and stop recommending Haggerty.

Hagerty is great, but they are a very niche insurance company. If you are in that niche, they are fantastic.

 

[punk'n]

Hagerty is great, but they are a very niche insurance company. If you are in that niche, they are fantastic.

They are great. Paid out within a week or two with no questions on my brother's vintage BMW that was totaled by a red light runner.

But, what I like the best is their "Cherished Value" that you can add. If your car gets totaled, they pay you the agreed amount and you keep the car at no additional cost (no buy back). I have it on one of the vehicles I have with them that is fairly rare and typically would be totaled in just a fender bender.

 

[Deleted member 57233]

Dang, they were ready to write a policy for my Audi. They didn't mention anything when I added the Wrangler either. It was the only a problem once I tried to add the Beetle (which we sold in 2021).

I'll keep all this in mind and stop recommending Haggerty.

Hagerty is honestly a great insurance company for classic and collectable vehicles. Easiest claim I have ever dealt with, and the people they send out to look at the vehicle actually know their shit about classics and custom car shop costs.

 

[Lance]

Give Grundy a try. I ended up with my house, a '99 Porsche 996 C4, an Aston Martin Vantage V8 and my '20 JT all insured with them. Good so far, finger crossed.

 

[ltdodge]

Give Grundy a try. I ended up with my house, a '99 Porsche 996 C4, an Aston Martin Vantage V8 and my '20 JT all insured with them. Good so far, finger crossed.

I called them, they need 3 vehicles. they won't insure 1 only

 

[Chasm]

Hagerty?

 

[Sweetums]

Hagerty?

See post #5 and #6 of this thread

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