Nova Scotia Insurance

[Questor]

Anyone found a way to get insurance in NS other than Silver Wheels (Too many limitations) or Facility?

After an entire year away from my build, I think I'll get back to it and get her on the road. Kind of boring driving around the block.

How about a painter? I had it in a shop for 8 months with NOTHING done and finally gave up on him. The only other guy I've found said $9500 which seems excessive.

[RonSchofield]

I was able to line up insurance for my Factory Five using regular channels. The stipulation was that it had to be built by a trained mechanic. Since I graduated from trade school with my Motor Vehicle Repair, I qualified. Since a kit car in Nova Scotia has to be inspected by an automotive engineer as safe for the road, you can use this as a reason why it shouldn't matter who built it. What I found was the local agents didn't know much, but when I got them to call the head office and ask questions, then the requirements became clear and not a problem.

My father and I are doing the body work and I am having a friend paint it for me in my home made paint booth.

[Questor]

Thanks Ron. Do you mind if I ask which company you ended up going through? It will give me a place to start with my broker.

I'm worried about the body work. So many warnings about the "process" and one experience I had. I took my Z-28 to a local painter to have a scoop added to the fiberglass hood. (To fit my little B&M blower) The job looked fantastic for about a month and then every place he had put a temporary screw to hold it down showed a depression in the hood/paint. He never would go good for the job as he said it wasn't his fault.

[RonSchofield]

Questor,

It would be better to try going though your own as you have some history and insurance with them already. Try explaining the situation and getting clarifications to the rules for the company. Get them to check with the headquarters for clarifications on the rules. If the agent doesn't want to take the time, contact the insurers directly and explain the situation.

Body work isn't as bad as you think as long as you buy and use what is recommended. I did extensive body work (new rear spoiler, new rear fenders, etc) and used good vinylester resin and 3M HSRF and didn't have any problems and it has been sitting for a while now. You couldn't tell anything was changed. And by no means was this a small change. Take a look at the following pics.

http://www.mycoupe.ca/modules/wordpress/images/20100619_7.jpg

http://www.mycoupe.ca/modules/wordpress/images/20100619_11.jpg

You cannot tell where the seams are..

http://www.mycoupe.ca/modules/wordpress/images/20101222_3.jpg

More photos at : http://www.mycoupe.ca/modules/wordpress/?p=454

[OttawaFFRer]

we've talked quite a bit about insurance in Canada and from talking to my broker at Cooperatives, that is insuring me, it is 95% client broker relationship that gets this done.

If you want insurance on a cobra, move your house, business, life, what ever you have over...if it's a package they will usually do it.

[efnfast]

What's wrong with the Silver Wheel policy? The only way I can see it being too restrictive (assuming it doesn't differ much in Alberta vs NS) is if you wanted this to be your daily driver.

[Questor]

What's wrong with the Silver Wheel policy? The only way I can see it being too restrictive (assuming it doesn't differ much in Alberta vs NS) is if you wanted this to be your daily driver.

Well my understanding is that it only covered to and from shows. I could be wrong, or it might be different here. :shrug

[efnfast]

I think the only thing is you can't use it for regulator transportation (going to grocery store, work, etc....).

[Questor]

I think the only thing is you can't use it for regulator transportation (going to grocery store, work, etc....).

Well that's good to know. I always thought it was quite restrictive.

Thanks

[RonSchofield]

What's wrong with the Silver Wheel policy? The only way I can see it being too restrictive (assuming it doesn't differ much in Alberta vs NS) is if you wanted this to be your daily driver.

The biggest problem is that you can't get it for cars that are less than 15 years old. That would eliminate most Factory Five vehicles.

[efnfast]

The biggest problem is that you can't get it for cars that are less than 15 years old. That would eliminate most Factory Five vehicles.

There are a lot of FFRs insured through them - both my ffr and rcr are insured by them.

[RonSchofield]

There are a lot of FFRs insured through them - both my ffr and rcr are insured by them.

Well I see that the Silver Wheel and Custom Wheel are for vehicles 15 years or older.

I do see where they have added another program. Do you have yours under the Special Interest/Exotic/Modern Collectible Program? Although they state in the rules "Vehicles must be Limited production/Factory special edition packages.". So which program do you have yours insured under?

[OttawaFFRer]

When I looked up silver wheels it had a custom wheels option.

I think that is what you'll have to inquire about.
http://www.garysteevesinsurance.com/

I'm getting my insurance through my coop agent, it is based on the business I have with them and the relationship I have with my agent.

[RonSchofield]

When I looked up silver wheels it had a custom wheels option.

I think that is what you'll have to inquire about.


From their website.

Silver Wheel
"Plan is available for non-modified vehicles used for hobby and/or collector car activities, and not used for regular transportation, in two Categories: Antique & Classic for automobiles 25 years and older, and Special Interest for automobiles 15 to 24 years old."

Custom Wheels
"Plan is available for Modified, Street Rod & Custom vehicles used for hobby and/or collector car activities, and not used for regular transportation, which are 15 years old or older"

Special Interest/Exotic/Modern Collectible
Vehicles must be Limited production/Factory special edition packages.

The last package is also not much better than facility for the rates I was quoted.

[OttawaFFRer]

http://www.garysteevesinsurance.com/ From their site, we are talking about different brokerages. This one doesn't dictate that customs have an age requirement.


We are Atlantic Canada's leading insurer of collectible cars. Thousands of Automotive enthusiasts, like you, have protected their vehicles with us.

Our antique and classic auto insurance coverage offers a full coverage package policy including a guaranteed value endorsement that guarantees the appraised value of your vehicle in the event of total loss or damage.

If you own an antique car, classic car or a special interest automobile our Silver Wheel Plan™ is ideal for all your insurance needs.

For modified cars, street rods or custom automobiles, we offer our Custom Wheel Plan™.

You can rest assured knowing that your Classic Automobile coverage is backed by the largest automobile insurance company in Canada — Aviva Elite Insurance Company.

Put your trust in someone who shares your interests!

[RonSchofield]

http://www.garysteevesinsurance.com/ From their site, we are talking about different brokerages.

They are different brokers but the same insurance program.

http://www.lant-ins.ca/contact.php

They are all offering the same plan through Aviva Elite Insurance Company. All the associates except for the Gary Steeves Insurance spell out all the rules and qualifications. If you contact them, they will tell you the same things as the others.

From the Aviva website.

http://www.avivacanada.com/press/hagerty-insurance-agency-and-aviva-canada-now-offer-collector-vehicle-insurance-ontario-consum

"The move adds to Aviva’s five decades of expertise in leisure and lifestyle insurance and allows Canadian enthusiasts access to similar Hagerty insurance products and services that are currently offered in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Hagerty products will complement the Silver Wheel Plan and Custom Wheel Plan products that Aviva continues to provide to its customers through Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Limited and their associate brokers across Canada."

There is no way that Gary Steeves as an associate will be able to have different rules for the same program.

[OttawaFFRer]

I think its worth a shot Ron.

Maybe Gary is working some magic...

These cars are insurable, it's simply not likely to cost the same as your vw jetta parked in the driveway. Talk with your agent.

[Questor]

The biggest problem is that you can't get it for cars that are less than 15 years old. That would eliminate most Factory Five vehicles.

When I checked with the DMV here, they told me the car was whatever the engineer that did the inspection (David Hoar) said it was. He said he has no problem with it being a 65 Cobra and when I checked with the insurance guy in New Brunswick he said a bunch of FFRs are done as 65s. If the DMV and insurance folks are okay, I'm okay. I just had the wrong idea about what you could use the car for.

[OttawaFFRer]

I may have to get a New Brunswick inspection and registration in that case. Then I could transfer it to Ontario as a 65.

[efnfast]

These cars are insurable, it's simply not likely to cost the same as your vw jetta parked in the driveway. Talk with your agent.


Both my kit cars are far cheaper to insure than any of my OEM cars. e.g., 65 cobra was appraised at 95,000, I believe I'm paying around 600/yr for my policy for it. My 04 cobra 'vert costs me 900/yr to insure.

[OttawaFFRer]

Some canucks are able to find brokers to work magic, some aren't. You up here in the igloos efnfast?

My agent has the ability to to see past some infractions, after a slew of speeding tickets my insurance was quoted at 2k, a 5 minute phone call brought it back down under $600 on my pickup.

[RonSchofield]

I think its worth a shot Ron.

Maybe Gary is working some magic...

These cars are insurable, it's simply not likely to cost the same as your vw jetta parked in the driveway. Talk with your agent.

The information is not for me. I already have insurance lined up with my broker.

[RonSchofield]

Both my kit cars are far cheaper to insure than any of my OEM cars. e.g., 65 cobra was appraised at 95,000, I believe I'm paying around 600/yr for my policy for it. My 04 cobra 'vert costs me 900/yr to insure.

And that is with Silver Wheels? Those numbers don't match what is posted on their site.

http://www.lant-ins.ca/silver_premium.php

[RonSchofield]

When I checked with the DMV here, they told me the car was whatever the engineer that did the inspection (David Hoar) said it was. He said he has no problem with it being a 65 Cobra and when I checked with the insurance guy in New Brunswick he said a bunch of FFRs are done as 65s. If the DMV and insurance folks are okay, I'm okay. I just had the wrong idea about what you could use the car for.

When was the last time you checked. One of the local FFR builders just got his roadster registered in Nov. and it has to be registered as the year it is completed. There was a lot of people trying to get around the rules and they are more strict now.

[efnfast]

And that is with Silver Wheels? Those numbers don't match what is posted on their site.

http://www.lant-ins.ca/silver_premium.php

Looking at those numbers I'm probably in the antique and classic category.

IIRC i initially insured my rcr for 40k and paid $340ish.....they're quoting $370 for 40k on that website, so once I factor in all my discounts that seems roughly correct.

[Questor]

When was the last time you checked. One of the local FFR builders just got his roadster registered in Nov. and it has to be registered as the year it is completed. There was a lot of people trying to get around the rules and they are more strict now.

Well I think Fern got his done as a 65 last year. I'll check to be sure.

[OttawaFFRer]

My Co-operators broker is insuring mine.

As far as brokers being able to get around underwriters policies, it seems possible. I can tell you my driving record is pitiful at the moment, a quick online quote from multiple sources shows me as insurable for $2000 plpd only on a 10 year old pickup.

My agents gives me full coverage on that for $600. She is able to do something...a wink and nod. And she tells me she can do it for the ffr.

She says its ALL about your relationship with the broker.

[PaulW]

A broker may be able to get you a better price on any given piece of insurance. What they cannot do is change the terms and conditions of any given policy. So if the policy is restricted to say 15 year old vehicles your broker is not going to be able to cover your new car. As well, the policy that any broker writes is not binding on the insurer if it is in contravention of their actual products. You will see this most often in instances where the broker quotes a price and you pay and then 6 weeks later you get a letter from the company saying there was an error and you still owe them the difference. Refuse to pay and they will cancel the policy and refund you for any unused portion of the insurance (based on the higher price of course).

[efnfast]

So if the policy is restricted to say 15 year old vehicles your broker is not going to be able to cover your new car.

Unless your US MSO and Canadian title both say 1965 .... even if you want to argue that the canadian registration was not titled properly, it's hard to argue when you have a manufacturer's MSO stating otherwise. :)

[OttawaFFRer]

If you are lucky enough to get your New Brunswick roadster titled as a '65, which some people have, it won't matter what the MSO states. If you have a VIN plate that matches that registration, you have a '65.

It seems to me that there are anomalies when dealing with the registration and insurance of these vehicles, and these opportunities should be explored.

Come to think of it I have a relative working at one of the MTO/service Ontario locations I may have to visit when the time comes.

[RonSchofield]

Unless your US MSO and Canadian title both say 1965 .... even if you want to argue that the canadian registration was not titled properly, it's hard to argue when you have a manufacturer's MSO stating otherwise. :)

And if the insurance company denies your claim because of fraud, you won't have a leg to stand on..

[RonSchofield]

If you are lucky enough to get your New Brunswick roadster titled as a '65, which some people have, it won't matter what the MSO states. If you have a VIN plate that matches that registration, you have a '65.

It seems to me that there are anomalies when dealing with the registration and insurance of these vehicles, and these opportunities should be explored.

Come to think of it I have a relative working at one of the MTO/service Ontario locations I may have to visit when the time comes.

Those "anomalies" will become causes for denial of claim when and if you need them. If you try to skirt the rules in the gray areas, you can get burnt. Are you willing to risk it? I am not.

[OttawaFFRer]

If the ministry of transportation registers your car as a 65 how is that you committing fraud?

Gents, some of the guys have posted above that their NB cars are registered as '65's. It isn't fraud as the cars are insured for their appraised value.

This thread is regarding finding insurance coverage, and my position is that these cars are easily insurable.

I have simply offered my opinion based on what my broker at the co-operators tells me, and that is she can insure my car, and that is based in our relationship, I have all my insurance business with them and we work well together.

Make your insurance request a personal visit to the brokerage. Wear a nice smile, you never know!

[efnfast]

And if the insurance company denies your claim because of fraud, you won't have a leg to stand on..

I disagree - if you have a canadian dmv-agency registration that says it's a 1965, and you have a US-MSO that says it's also a 1965, I don't see how that can constitute fraud. There's no VIN washing or anything of that nature.

[RonSchofield]

[QUOTE=efnfast;5805]I disagree - if you have a canadian dmv-agency registration that says it's a 1965, and you have a US-MSO that says it's also a 1965, I don't see how that can constitute fraud. There's no VIN washing or anything of that nature.[/QUTE]

It is simple. They stipulation is that the cars are 15 years or older. Just because it is registered as a 65 doesn't mean the car is over 15 years old. The US COO states 1965 REPLICA, not 1965 and you can see the date of the COO which isn't 1965. If you want to take a chance with being covered or not, then go ahead. I won't take the chance.

[RonSchofield]

If the ministry of transportation registers your car as a 65 how is that you committing fraud?

Gents, some of the guys have posted above that their NB cars are registered as '65's. It isn't fraud as the cars are insured for their appraised value.

This thread is regarding finding insurance coverage, and my position is that these cars are easily insurable.

I have simply offered my opinion based on what my broker at the co-operators tells me, and that is she can insure my car, and that is based in our relationship, I have all my insurance business with them and we work well together.

Make your insurance request a personal visit to the brokerage. Wear a nice smile, you never know!

You are right, finding insurance for these cars are possible, but it is best to be honest.

[efnfast]

[QUOTE=efnfast;5805]I disagree - if you have a canadian dmv-agency registration that says it's a 1965, and you have a US-MSO that says it's also a 1965, I don't see how that can constitute fraud. There's no VIN washing or anything of that nature.[/QUTE]

It is simple. They stipulation is that the cars are 15 years or older. Just because it is registered as a 65 doesn't mean the car is over 15 years old. The US COO states 1965 REPLICA, not 1965 and you can see the date of the COO which isn't 1965. If you want to take a chance with being covered or not, then go ahead. I won't take the chance.

My MSO says '1965' period. Not 1965. So I guess I'm a 1965 =)

[canuck1]

If the ministry of transportation registers your car as a 65 how is that you committing fraud?

Gents, some of the guys have posted above that their NB cars are registered as '65's. It isn't fraud as the cars are insured for their appraised value.

This thread is regarding finding insurance coverage, and my position is that these cars are easily insurable.

I have simply offered my opinion based on what my broker at the co-operators tells me, and that is she can insure my car, and that is based in our relationship, I have all my insurance business with them and we work well together.

Make your insurance request a personal visit to the brokerage. Wear a nice smile, you never know!

I hear about this a lot and here in BC it's different of course (insurance is run by a crown corp. ICBC), but I'd be nervous about relying on the fact that "they (the ministry of transportation) did it" alone.

The registration and insurance process is a two way street. The various agencies rely on you to provide certain information (plus money :eek:) and you rely on the service they offer to make your car road legal and insured.

If the information you offer is factually incorrect or intentionally misleading, you have no defence in "they accepted it"... It's a little bit like writing a bad cheque. Claiming you've got something you don't actually have.

I've often wondered why people get so hung up on registering their kit car as a 1965 vehicle. What does it do for you? Is it a status symbol issue or is it to do with emissions regulations or simply lower insurance rates?

Sean

[RonSchofield]

To all concerned about NS insurance. I talked to people at Lant Insurance in Ont and Gary Steeves Insurance in NB. I wanted some clarification about the 15 year rule. They confirmed that the rule is actually registration based and not age based. So if you register your Factory Five as a 1965, then it can be covered. The problem with NS is that I confirmed that NS requires the registration year be the year the kit is registered my RMV. I also checked with RMV and you will not be able to register the vehicle in another province and drive it here. They have a 90 day limit on out of province vehicles.

So for NS, Silver Wheel/Custom Wheel is out as far as insurance goes.

[OttawaFFRer]

Wally at the Ontario Cobra Club has posted on his forum that Zehr's insurance has decided to accept policies on Cobra's if they are safety inspected at approved sites. he is looking for people to bring forward experienced hot rod mechanic's for approval by Zehr's.