I needed to insure a 1969 Camaro Z/28 valued at $85,000 and a 1990 Mercedes 560SEC valued at $30,000. I was tired of the forum wars, so I actually went through the quoting process with the two giants of the industry—Hagerty and Grundy—to see who actually delivers in the high-inflation market of 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Hagerty is the “Club”: You pay a premium for the ecosystem (Drivers Club, magazines, events), but their acceptance of younger drivers and newer classics is broader.
- Grundy is the “Value King”: Grundy was consistently 20-30% cheaper for me, but their usage restrictions (no errands, strict daily driver checks) were tighter.
- Inflation Protection: Grundy offers automatic value increases (Inflation Guard) standard; Hagerty requires you to monitor it or pay for “Cherished Salvage.”
- Daily Driver Requirement: Both strictly require you to have a separate daily driver for every licensed driver in the household. No loopholes.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Usage Warranty
The biggest difference isn’t price; it’s Usage.
Grundy’s policy explicitly states the vehicle is for “hobby usage” and often restricts driving to work entirely.
Hagerty allows “flexible usage,” meaning an occasional drive to work (e.g., “Take Your Car to Work Day”) is generally acceptable as long as it isn’t habitual.
If you crash in your office parking lot, Grundy might deny where Hagerty might pay.
[IMAGE: Side-by-side screenshot of the “Usage Restrictions” clause from both carriers]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I quoted the same two cars ($115k total value) with a clean driving record in a suburban zip code.
1. Hagerty
- Quote: $950 / year.
- Pros: Very easy online interface. Accepted my 24-year-old son (with a surcharge). “Cherished Salvage” (I keep the car if totaled) is an extra checkbox.
- Cons: Higher price. Drivers Club is an “opt-out” fee.
2. Grundy (MVP Program)
- Quote: $680 / year.
- Pros: Significant savings. Included Agreed Value and Inflation Guard automatically. Unlimited mileage (for pleasure).
- Cons: Strict on “no errands.” If I stop at Home Depot on the way back from a car show, it’s a grey area. No drivers under 25 allowed on the policy.
3. Heacock Classic (The Third Player)
- Quote: $720 / year.
- Pros: Good middle ground. They allow “incidental” trips.
- Cons: More paperwork (paper application required for some mods).
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hagerty | Grundy |
| Annual Premium (Est) | $950 | $680 |
| Mileage Limit | None (Flexible) | Unlimited (Pleasure only) |
| Commuting | Occasional allowed | Strict No |
| Young Drivers | Allowed (Case by case) | Usually Excluded (25+) |
| Salvage Buyback | Optional ($) | Often Included |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Audit Your Driving Habits: Be honest. Do you drive it to work on sunny Fridays? If yes, pay the extra for Hagerty. If strictly car shows, take Grundy.
- Check the “Household” Clause: Ensure every person in your house has a daily car. If your spouse doesn’t have a car, they might reject you.
- Quote Both: Prices vary wildly by zip code. It takes 10 minutes.
- Ask About “Breakdown” Coverage: Hagerty’s roadside is legendary (flatbeds only). Grundy uses third-party networks.
FAQ Section
Does Grundy cover modifications?
Yes, they have a “Modified” program, but you must list the mods.
Can I use Hagerty for a 2026 Porsche?
Yes. Hagerty insures modern enthusiasts’ cars. Grundy generally focuses on 25+ years old, though they have expanded recently.
What is the “MVP” program?
Motor Vehicle Program. It allows you to bundle your daily drivers, classics, and trailers onto one Grundy policy. This is a major 2026 trend to simplify billing.