If there's one thing a true classic car lover knows, it's that a restoration isn't just about mechanics and paint. And for our safety and peace of mind, we need to have a insurance for cars under restoration.
Restoration is a journey. It's a story pieced together piece by piece. It's that dream that keeps us awake at night and fills us with pride when we finally hear the engine roar.
But what if something goes wrong during the process?
A fire in the workshop, the theft of an original part, an accident during transport... No one wants to think about it, but the risks exist.
And this is where the specific insurance for cars under restoration.
If you're involved in a project or about to start one, this is the perfect time to talk about how to protect your investment and make sure nothing ruins the rebirth of your classic.
1. The most common mistake: believing that traditional insurance covers restorations
Many collectors make the same mistake: they think conventional insurance will cover any damage during restoration.
The reality is very different.
Regular insurance companies often consider a restored car to be unroadworthy. And if it's not running like a "normal" car, many insurers simply won't cover it.
That's where the problems begin.
If you're investing thousands of dollars in a restoration project, the key question is: Is it properly insured?
2. What does insurance cover for cars under restoration?
Specific restoration insurance is designed to protect the car throughout the entire process.
Here are the essential coverages you should look for:
Fire protectionIf something goes wrong with a spark in the workshop, you're covered.
Theft of partsMany original parts are very valuable and are targets for thieves.
Damage in transit: Whether on a crane, on a trailer or even at the entrance to the workshop.
Vandalism coverage: Because there's always the "funny guy" who wants to ruin a classic being restored.
Insured value according to the progress of the restoration: Something key, because a car in pieces is not worth the same as a restored classic.
Good insurance keeps pace with the increasing value of your restoration, because the investment grows month after month. And the last thing you want is to lose everything because you're not covered.
3. True Stories: When Insurance Saved a Restoration Project
I want to tell you two stories that I experienced firsthand and that made me understand the importance of insuring a car under restoration.
Case 1: The Camaro that came back from the flames
My friend Fernando had waited years to restore his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SSFinally, he took it to a specialized workshop to begin the reconstruction.
Everything was going well until one morning, a short circuit in the workshop caused a fire.
Several cars were reduced to ashes. But Fernando's Camaro was insured with a special restoration policy.
The insurance covered the car's entire estimated value, allowing him to buy another Camaro in better condition and start over. Without that insurance, he would have lost not only the car, but also his dream.
Case 2: The Porsche 911 and the unexpected theft
Carlos had gotten a 1973 Porsche 911 In a sorry state, but with all the documents in order. He sent it to a trusted workshop for a complete restoration process.
A month later, thieves broke into the workshop and stole several parts, including the original Fuchs wheels and engine parts.
Fortunately, Carlos had purchased restoration insurance that covered theft of parts. He recovered the value of the lost parts and was able to continue his project without suffering a tremendous financial blow.
4. Keys to choosing the right insurance
Not all insurers offer this type of coverage. If you're in the middle of a restoration, here are some key tips for choosing the right one:
Make sure your insurance covers the increasing value of your car.If your car is worth €10,000 today, but at the end of the restoration its value increases to €50,000, the policy should reflect this.
Check that it includes protection inside and outside the workshopSome insurers only cover the car when it's in a private garage.
Ask about transfer coverageMany pieces can be damaged in transit, and you don't want any surprises.
5. Is restaurant insurance worth it?
If your classic car is being restored, the answer is a resounding yes.
We've seen how unforeseen events can ruin years of work and thousands of dollars in investment. It's not worth the risk.
Restoration insurance gives you the peace of mind that, no matter what happens, your project will continue.
Protect your dream, not just your car
Restoring a classic isn't just a mechanical process. It's a passion. It's reliving history.
But like everything valuable, it's also vulnerable. Fires, theft, accidents in the workshop... any carelessness can be costly.
Specific insurance for restored cars isn't an expense. It's a guarantee that, no matter what unforeseen events, your classic will roar back to life.
So tell me, is your restoration insured? Tell me about your experience!
+See more: Insurance for classic car shows and exhibitions
He's been passionate about classic cars for as long as he can remember. His story began in his grandfather's garage, watching the painstaking restoration of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. It was in that space, amid the smell of grease and the stories told, that he discovered his love for old four-wheelers.