Guest Post by Mark Conner

Why Get Insurance for Classic Cars?

Driving is the most dangerous thing we do on a daily basis. One in 114 people will die from a motor vehicle accident, according to statistics from the National Safety Council. Driver error is a factor in nearly 90 percent of car crashes. That's a good case for getting insurance for classic cars - or any car!

Small mistakes have big consequences behind the wheel, yet safety is rarely the first thing on our minds while driving. We’re more focused on enjoying the ride than pondering the consequences of an accident sans seatbelts.

It’s time to reprioritize and put safety in the front seat. You can be a safe driver without sacrificing everything you love about driving. These are the top five actions you should take to stay safe on the road.

#1: Know what your car is capable of — and what it isn’t

Knowing your car’s capabilities prevents you from getting into a situation you can’t get out of. For example, if you drive a Volkswagen Golf, Gumtree notes you’ll want to know that shuddering at low speeds is a sign of a failing gearbox and that the engine goes through oil quickly so you should keep some on hand for topping up. Or if you’re heading off-road in a Toyota 4Runner, you should be prepared for more frequent gas stops or pack a gas can due to the vehicle’s low fuel economy. Researching your car’s pros and cons is particularly important if you’re driving a new-to-you car or driving in conditions you’re not accustomed to.

#2: Never drive without insurance for classic cars

Driving uninsured just isn’t worth it. Best-case scenario, you get caught, ticketed, and potentially have your license suspended for driving uninsured. Worst-case scenario, you’re in a serious car accident and get sued for tens of thousands of dollars.

Just because you have insurance doesn’t mean you have enough insurance. If your coverage period is expiring, take a minute to review your car insurance plan before it auto-renews. Are you getting adequate coverage at a fair price, or paying too much for too little? “If you want the best deal on car insurance, you need to comparison shop. Different insurers charge very different prices for basically the same product. The only way to make sure you have the best price is to get quotes from multiple companies,” says AutoInsurance.com. And remember, insurance not only protects your car, but it also protects you financially.

#3: Don’t drive while tired

When you have a lot of miles ahead of you, the last thing you want is to put more time between you and your destination. But if you keep driving after your eyelids get heavy, you’re asking for trouble: Drowsy driving is a contributing factor in nearly one in 10 car accidents, recent research shows. Avoid getting behind the wheel when you’re sleep-deprived and pull over for a nap if you feel tired while driving.

#4: Stay off your cell phone

Here’s another bad driving habit to kick: using your phone behind the wheel. It might seem harmless to read a quick text message or tap the next song, but using your phone while driving means your23 times more likely to have an accident. Even handsfree use quadruples your risk of a collision, so play it safe and pull over when you need to use the phone.

#5: Make your old car safer

New cars have more safety features than ever, and it’s not just good marketing: You’re less likely to be fatally injured in a modern car than in a car built prior to 1984. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your classic car for a boring crossover. If you’re driving an old VW or Porsche that doesn’t have modern seat belts, let alone safety features like back-up cameras, look into custom restoration. A professional restoration shop can add three-point seatbelts, a modern braking system, brighter headlights, and other safety upgrades so you gain safety without losing style.

Safe driving is good driving. It'’s fun to test your car’s limits and experience the thrill of the open road. But it’s never smart to sacrifice safety for convenience, cost, or complacency. Whether you have bad driving habits you need to fix, an old car that ought to be safer, or need to brush up before taking a driver's test, make changes today so you stay safe for every last mile.

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