Hi All!

Not sure if anyone remembers me or not, I've been away a while. Lots has changed since I last was here. Sadly, my wife passed away from Cancer at 41. Far far far too young. I'm doing ok now, this was back in February and I've had some time to adjust though life will never be the same.

Which brings me to my second love, my 86 TransAM. Still have it, still want to finish it as it hold many memories of my wife and I taking it across Canada back in 1997. What bothers me is Insurance companies, I'm right on the threshold of the car not worth enough to be insured with collector/hot rod firms and no insurance company will touch it because of the swapped motor. Even after I explained to several insurance companies, that I can't go back in time to get a motor exactly the same and zero miles - that the fast burn (admittedly a significant upgrade from the LG4) is a dealer supplied motor that had warranty and everything. Even when I mention there are plenty of cars on the road right now that have more HP than that motor, I still am met with "no".

And you can't just say it's not modified, if you are ever in an accident and you don't tell them you are screwed when they find out. I hate insurance companies, and I hate them even more when I can't drive my girl around. Hell I'm 40, and no speeding tickets or accidents and I can't get insured for this car? Something is seriously wrong with the system.

SO.... last time I asked was something like 2 years ago. Figure I'd try again while saying hello to those here, and to those that helped my enthusiasm while doing this swap Five7kid for sure. I can't believe that was 3 years ago now, I haven't been able to drive it the past two summers

 

most collector car insurance companies will work with you on a establishing a set value on the car based on its current condition and mods, even if its not a whole lot. theres a guy on the local 3rdgen form for my area who has his car insured for $6000, and its mostly stock. atleast thats here in the states

 

Check out lant insurance:

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

I plan on using them to insure my car next year.

Colin

 

I have my s10 insured with Hagerty.

Very sorry for your loss.

 

I'd second 85 ZED28's suggestion. I've been with Lant/Silver Wheels for over five years now. The policy is too restrictive for a daily driver but for good occasional car insurance, I don't think you can beat it. Mine's had a engine swap too but even with that, the premium this year was around $250 on an appraised value of 13K. I'd have to paper the car with hundred dollar bills to get that but whatever, it's just an insurance value and nice to have if something hits the fan.

 

I have no idea how Canada works, but down here nobody cares if your motor is the original motor or not. In my case, I insure my IROC with Grundy Collector Car Insurance, and I fully disclosed that my car is modified and not stock. My rate was no different than on my stock Trans Am. Both are agreed-value policies, and the rate was the same for both.

 

Thanks for that, if it's silver wheel I think they are the ones that told me my car needs to be appraised at $5k and mine was appraised at 4800... go figure.

Ty

Going to have to put a good stereo in there or something, see above reply to Zed

Wish they didn't care here. They never asked for if the engine is modified/switched a number of years ago. Seems only recently they've started asking that up here. I think Grundy told me straight up "No", didn't like that response without a why.

 

No problem. You could always try a different appraiser and "casually" explain your predicament to him.