Help me find insurance for my Datsun!

"Big Bubba Ray" (eganward01)
10/08/2014 at 12:10 • Filed to: Bubba's Datsun

I currently pay $800 a year to insure my 240Z. My Outback is over $1,000, so for just two cars, I'm looking at nearly $2,000 a year. On a minimum wage budget and while trying to restore a car, this is WAY too much money. Where should I go for classic insurance?

I tried to get a quote for Geico's classic insurance, but they rejected me because they won't insure cars that are currently under restoration. What a bunch of bullshit. I can't go to Hagerty because they won't insure anybody under the age of 25 (I'm 23). Also bullshit. I want classic insurance because it's cheaper and as I add new parts and continue work on the car, I can increase the insured value.

Can somebody point me in the right direction?

DISCUSSION (28)

Mattbob > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:12

I'd say your kind of out of luck. If you want to do things like restore a car, you need to have more than a minimum wage budget. Sorry if this comes off as being a dick, but you gotta get priorities straight. I may also be bitter because my budget is super tight right now as well, and I have a car sitting not being driven because of it.

bob and john > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:13

ehh, as much as I hate to say this, i'm kinda with matt on this one

JGrabowMSt > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:15

Preaching to the choir about Hagerty. Wish I could throw the SL on there.

I pay about $1400/year for my wagon, so I feel the pain.

Can you put it on a low mileage plan, or move the Outback to a Snapshot type plan? Could save money, unless you're like me, and Snapshot would do the exact opposite of lowering your rates.

Big Bubba Ray > JGrabowMSt
10/08/2014 at 12:18

My current insurance doesn't allow for a low mileage plan for the Datsun, which sucks. I've been looking into Snapshot for the OB because I do, admittedly, drive that car like a grandpa so that might give me a lower rate.

crowmolly > Mattbob
10/08/2014 at 12:19

I'm with you on this one, Matt.

I hate to say it but you aren't going to restore and insure a classic vehicle like this on a minimum wage budget. Even if you can come close you may end up having to make budget-driven decisions regarding parts of the car that should not be penny-pinched.

Big Bubba Ray > Mattbob
10/08/2014 at 12:20

Bandit restored his Trans Am on a min. wage budget. I'm not the first person to do it, won't be the last, and I know that it can be done. It's going to be a slow process, though. I also pick up plenty of side jobs doing landscaping so I've got a steady income. Why do you say I need to get my priorities straight?

JGrabowMSt > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:21

Rates are partially set based on where you live and what you drive, so the worst you could do is get a quote, or try snapshot for 30 days or whatever it is. Not a bad gig overall really, considering you'll get a number, and it'll be good or bad.

I'll admit, I've been really impressed by the service Progressive has given me. They make my parents insurance company look like a joke.

Mattbob > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:24

I don't want to get into your life. You will do what you want. Just balance the opportunity cost of restoring this car with how you could improve your life otherwise with the time and money. Unless you already have your shit %100 together in that respect. But again, it's not my place.

Big Bubba Ray > JGrabowMSt
10/08/2014 at 12:24

Ya, I bought my Outback thinking that insurance would be relatively cheap on it, but NOPE. It's not even a turbo. And my driving record is totally clean. My agent just dislikes me.

I'll definitely look into Progressive. I've heard good things about their insurance.

desertdog5051 > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:24

I like your spirit. You can do it.

Louros > Mattbob
10/08/2014 at 12:26

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:26

Any chance of getting your parents to register it under their name, supposing this isn't your DD? I would assume they are over 25 and that you could pay them.

KatzManDu > JGrabowMSt
10/08/2014 at 12:30

That must be a new thing for Hagerty. I had Hagerty on my 1958 Corvette when I was 20. That was 15 years ago, though.

Big Bubba Ray > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
10/08/2014 at 12:30

Both of my cars are actually insured under their names! I think it's just that my insurance agent dislikes me. They and I thought it would be cheaper to insure my cars under their names, but I think I need to break off now and see what else I can find.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:35

Well, good luck. As a side note and from past experience, avoid Farmers Insurance. I've never had a food encounter with them either as a client or as a claimant.

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:38

I personally have State Farm and find it to be pretty decent, but have heard liberty mutual is really good.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:52

I run EVERYTHING through State Farm. They charge me 120 a year for the Montego. A YEAR

I have our normal DDs through them and the house, nice discounts connected together.

d00mZ > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 12:59

I pay 700/month for my s30. Why is yours soo high?!

JGrabowMSt > KatzManDu
10/08/2014 at 13:29

The other issue I have with the SL600 is that because it's not 25 years or older, I have to convince them it belongs on collector insurance. Considering the mileage, that's a pretty hard sell..

Big Bubba Ray > d00mZ
10/08/2014 at 13:38

I have no idea. It's a joke.

d00mZ > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 13:42

I meant year. Sorry. Yeah it is. I thought California was the most expensive state for car insurance. Unless I'm wrong and you're located here.

Big Bubba Ray > d00mZ
10/08/2014 at 13:55

Ya I figured that's what you meant haha

I live in Missouri, by the way.

Big Bubba Ray > crowmolly
10/08/2014 at 13:57

I won't be cutting corners and pinching pennies. If I can't afford the parts that I want/need, or I simply don't get them. This isn't going to be some hack job.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 14:22

LOL. My 350Z is $2300 per year, might have something to do with the fact I'm 20. Also opted into collision and comprehensive, that was over a thousand right there

Buick Mackane > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 20:18

First, where do you live? How much is your car worth? Do you need collision coverage? Esurance charges me $540.00 per year for my car.

Big Bubba Ray > Buick Mackane
10/08/2014 at 20:50

I live in St. Louis. The Datsun is worth about $5,500 as it sits right now. Colission would be great.

How has Esurance treated you?

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Big Bubba Ray
10/08/2014 at 22:58

Any local insurance agents? Sometimes they can find a better fit as a lot of the major companies don't post all thier stuff online. Is the z garaged? Often not an question online but makes a big difference to an agent, as its less likely to get damaged or stolen.

Big Bubba Ray > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
10/08/2014 at 23:42

I haven't thought to check local agents yet! The Z is always locked up safely in my garage.