I have a 1932 Ford Roadster that wins awards but never touches pavement. It lives in a climate-controlled garage and travels in an enclosed trailer. Why was I paying $800/year for liability and collision insurance? I switched to a “Show Car / Paddock” policy and dropped my rate to $200.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Only: If the car doesn’t drive, you don’t need Liability or Collision (road risks). You need “Comprehensive” (Fire, Theft, Falling Objects).
- Trailer Coverage: Ensure the policy covers the car while inside the trailer. Some policies stop at your driveway.
- “Off-Premises” Extension: You need coverage that follows the car to the car show hall, not just your garage.
- Agreed Value: Critical. A show car’s value is in the labor and perfection, not the blue book.
The “Why” (The Trap): Over-Insuring Road Risk
Standard policies bundle Liability (required by law for driving) with Physical Damage.
If the car is not registered for road use (Trailer Queen), you are paying for risk (hitting a pedestrian) that doesn’t exist.
However, standard carriers often won’t write a “Comp Only” policy because the premium is too low for them to profit.
[IMAGE: Photo of a show car inside an enclosed trailer]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I looked for “Storage/Show” insurance.
1. Grundy
- Product: “Collector Vehicle” (Non-driven option).
- Cost: Very low.
- Coverage: Covers the car in the garage, in the trailer, and on the show field.
- Verdict: Perfect.
2. Heacock Classic
- Product: “Paddock / Storage.”
- Coverage: Specifically designed for race cars or show cars that aren’t street legal.
- Verdict: excellent.
3. State Farm
- Product: “Suspended Liability.”
- Process: You have to manually suspend and reinstate coverage. It’s a hassle and risky if you forget.
Comparison Table
| Coverage | Standard Full Coverage | Show/Storage Policy |
| Road Liability | Included (Expensive) | Excluded (Cheap) |
| Theft/Fire | Included | Included |
| Transit/Trailer | Varies | Included |
| Cost | ~$800/yr | ~$200/yr |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Drop Liability: If the car is not tagged, drop the Bodily Injury/Property Damage liability.
- Verify Transit: Read the policy. Does it cover “In Transit”? If the trailer flips, is the car covered?
- Check “Unattended” Clause: Does the policy cover the car if you leave it at the convention center overnight?
- Agreed Value: Include the cost of the trailer and the spare parts / display boards in the total value.
FAQ Section
Can I drive it in the parade?
With a “Storage” policy? No. You would need to call and add a “One Day Event” binder or carry full coverage.
Is the trailer covered?
The trailer needs its own policy for physical damage. The car inside is covered by the car policy.
What if a judge scratches it?
That is “Damage to Property.” Covered under Comprehensive/All Risk.