Collector cars-a classy niche

Rough Notes, Oct 2003 by O'Hare, Edward

Kruse points out that Aon Collector Car Insurance is always ready to offer support to its agents with customized marketing materials and a strong commitment to customer service. "With increased staff and extended service hours, we're here to help agents meet their clients' needs. Our staff has the experience and resources to make the job easier." He adds that agents can also prepare their own quotes quickly and enjoy interactive service by visiting www.aoncollectorcar.com.

As a collector, Kruse says it's hard to predict which models will become hot collector cars. This was brought home in a recent show in New York City. Parked side by side were a '69 Cadillac Eldorado, gleaming with a two-tone paint job in brown fire mist and sable black, and a white '67 Pontiac GTO. This type Caddy, according to the owner, was the staff cruiser of Hollywood's Rat Pack with Frank, Dean and Sammy each owning one. It was the days when "life was a kick in the head." When the ash trays got filled, they bought another car. Yet the car never increased in value beyond the $18,000 the owner paid for it. Now, if the Rat Pack had actually driven or even ridden in this Caddy, the famous fanny factor would kick in and the car might be worth a fortune. Meanwhile, the Pontiac, the last of the "muscle" cars, sat there simply and silently but looking as if it were always in gear, ready to roar off at any time to another rally. The owner says the car has tripled in value and he wouldn't take less than $60,000 for it.

Two cars to watch in the future are at either end of the cost spectrum There's the "last edition" of Volkswagen's Beetle which rolled off the assembly line in Puebla, Mexico, this summer and sells there for about $8,000. The other is the 2004 Maybach 62 manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. It's a bit pricey at $363,200. But with 10 airbags, how can you ignore those insurance discounts?

Wherever the hobby is headed, Aon Collector Car Insurance stays revved up to serve both the collector and the agent. "We have a single-minded focus to protect the collector car owner in a friendly, efficient and knowledgeable manner," says Meister. "Helping agents understand and meet the needs of their clients is our primary goal. We're also committed to giving our agent partners the tools they need to hit the ground running."

For more information:

Aon Collector Car Insurance

Web site: www.aoncollectorcar.com