I spent five years hunting down New-Old-Stock (NOS) trim pieces for my Impala, storing them on shelves in the garage. When thieves cleaned me out, taking $10,000 worth of chrome and carbs, my homeowner’s insurance denied the claim because “motor vehicle parts” are excluded. My auto policy denied it because the parts were not “attached to the vehicle.”
Key Takeaways
- The Double Denial: Loose parts fall into a coverage gap between Home and Auto policies.
- Specific “Spare Parts” Coverage: You need a policy that explicitly covers “Spare Parts and Accessories” up to a certain limit (e.g., $2,000 is standard, higher must be purchased).
- Inventory is Mandatory: If you can’t prove you owned the parts (receipts/photos), you get nothing.
- Memorabilia is Different: A neon sign or gas pump is “Memorabilia,” not “Spare Parts.” These need different coverage.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Motor Vehicle Exclusion
Homeowner’s Policy (HO-3) Exclusion: “We do not cover motor vehicles or their accessories, equipment, or parts.”
Auto Policy Definition: “Covered Auto means the vehicle described in the Declarations.” Parts sitting on a shelf are not the vehicle.
[IMAGE: Photo of a garage shelf full of car parts with a red “Excluded” stamp over it]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I checked who covers the hoard in the garage.
1. Heacock Classic
- The Offer: They offer standalone coverage for “Spare Parts and Automobilia.”
- Limit: You can buy coverage up to $10,000+.
- Requirement: Detailed inventory required for high limits.
2. Condon Skelly
- The Offer: Includes a small amount (
500−500−1000) of spare parts coverage automatically. - Verdict: Good for casual owners, insufficient for restorers.
3. Homeowners Rider
- The Trick: You can add a rider to your home policy for “Auto Parts,” but it is expensive and rare. Most agents won’t offer it.
Comparison Table
| Item | Homeowner’s Policy | Standard Classic Policy | Specialized Rider |
| Tools | Covered | Excluded | Excluded |
| Loose Parts | Excluded | Limited ( 500−500− 2k) | Covered ($10k+) |
| Gas Pumps/Signs | Covered (maybe) | Excluded | Covered (Memorabilia) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Photograph the Shelves: Take a video of your parts stash today. Open the boxes.
- Estimate Value: If you have more than $2,000 in parts, call your classic insurer. Ask to increase the “Spare Parts” limit. It usually costs pennies.
- Separate Tools vs. Parts: Tools are covered by Homeowners. Parts are covered by Auto (Specialty). Keep them mentally separate.
- Secure the Garage: Insurers require signs of forced entry. If you leave the garage door open and parts vanish, it’s “Mysterious Disappearance” (often excluded).
FAQ Section
Are tools covered by my auto policy?
No. Snap-on tools are “Personal Property” covered by your Home/Renters insurance.
What about a spare engine?
A spare engine is a “Spare Part.” If it’s worth $15k, you definitely need to schedule it specifically.
Does this cover parts in transit (e.g., at a swap meet)?
Check your policy. Heacock/Hagerty often cover parts “Transit” to and from shows. Standard policies do not.