Insuring a Collector Car for Car Shows and Trailering

By Jon Merwin, Founder and CEO

Show season in New England runs from the first warm weekend in spring to the last foliage tour in October: cruise nights, club meets, town parades, regional shows and concours events. Some owners drive their cars there; others load them into an enclosed trailer or hire a transporter. Each step, from the driveway to the show field and back, raises its own insurance questions. This guide walks through them. For collector coverage in general, see our classic and collector car insurance guide.

Driving your collector car to events

Collector policies are written around hobby use: shows, club events, parades, tours and occasional pleasure drives. Driving the car to a cruise night or a club meet usually fits. Using it to commute, run errands or for business usually doesn’t. If you plan a long tour or an out-of-state event, tell us where you’re going, especially if the trip crosses into Canada.

Trailering your car

Trailering protects a collector car from road debris and weather, but it adds a few moving parts to the insurance picture.

The car on the trailer

Many collector policies cover the car while it’s being transported, loaded and unloaded, and while it’s on display at the event. Some offer short-term coverage specifically for the time the car is away for a show. Ask how your policy handles each stage, because the details vary.

The trailer itself

Liability for a trailer you tow often extends from the auto policy on the tow vehicle. Physical damage to the trailer, such as a crash, theft or a fallen tree, usually needs the trailer to be listed on a policy. A high-value enclosed hauler deserves its own look.

What’s inside the trailer

Enclosed haulers often carry tools, spare parts, a jack, canopies and display gear. Some of that may be covered by your collector policy, some by your homeowners policy, and some may need to be scheduled. Make a list and ask us.

The tow vehicle

Towing adds weight and wear to the tow vehicle and can change how it’s used. Make sure the pickup, SUV or motorhome is properly insured. See auto insurance and recreational vehicle insurance.

Hiring a professional transporter

For long-distance events or a car going to a second home, many owners hire an enclosed transporter. Before the car is loaded, ask for the transporter’s certificate of cargo insurance, the limit per vehicle and any exclusions. Take dated photos of the car before pickup and at delivery, and tell us about the trip. Owners of high-value cars should read our page on exotic and high-value collector car insurance.

At the show

• Display: ask how your policy covers the car on the show field or in a display area.
• Theft and vandalism: lock the car when you step away, and don’t leave keys in it.
• Spectators: liability matters if someone is hurt around your car or display.
• Show expenses: some policies help with costs such as registration fees and lodging if the car is disabled by an accident or breakdown and you can’t attend. Ask whether yours does.
• Other drivers: before a judge, valet or friend moves the car, check that they’re covered.

Tours, parades and timed events

Club tours, rallies run on public roads at legal speeds and town parades are usually treated as hobby use. Racing, autocross, timed hill climbs and track days are commonly excluded, whether the car is original, modified or exotic. If an event uses a timer or a closed course, talk to us before you register.

How we help

We shop collector car coverage with carriers including Hagerty, J.C. Taylor, Liberty Mutual, Cincinnati and American Modern, and we look at the car, the trailer and the tow vehicle together. We’re a family-owned independent agency founded in 2005, with access to 40+ carriers, and we don’t charge any fees. We are New Hampshire’s highest-rated agency on Google, with 1,000+ Google reviews and over 2,000 testimonials. When the season ends, see our guide to collector car winter storage.

Frequently asked questions

Is my collector car covered while I drive it to a car show?

Driving to and from shows, club events and parades is the kind of hobby use collector policies are built for. Commuting, errands and business use usually aren’t. Check that your policy’s use rules match how you get to events.

Is my collector car covered while it’s on a trailer?

Many collector policies cover the car while it’s being trailered, loaded, unloaded and displayed, but the details vary. Ask us how your policy handles transport and display before show season.

Does my auto policy cover the trailer itself?

Liability for a trailer you tow often extends from the auto policy on the tow vehicle, but physical damage to the trailer itself usually needs to be listed on a policy. An enclosed hauler and its contents, such as tools and spare parts, may need separate coverage. We’ll check how your trailer is insured.

What if I hire a professional transporter?

Ask the transporter for a certificate showing its cargo insurance and the limit per vehicle, and tell us about the trip. Your own policy may also apply in transit, and knowing both helps if something goes wrong.

Are timed events, autocross or track days covered?

Usually not. Racing, timed events, autocross and track days are commonly excluded from collector policies. Club tours and parades are a different matter. If an event has a timer, talk to us first.

Can someone else drive my car at a show or event?

Collector policies usually list the drivers who may use the car. Before you hand the keys to a friend, a judge or a valet, check with us so the driver is covered.

What our clients say

From our client surveys. Comments are lightly edited for typos only.

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Jon is super helpful and amazingly communicative. He responds fast with well thought out answers making the process of getting insurance for my home and car super simple.

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Very informative, responsive, and helpful with answering any questions we had. Helped us get the best deal and coverage, explained the differences between coverage options, and let us choose what worked best for us. Highly recommend!

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Sources

• Insurance Information Institute: Insuring your classic car