[CHERRY HILL, NJ (July 21, 2006)] Insurance professionals can give their car-loving clients seven key tips for protecting their prized collector vehicles during hurricane season.
American Collectors Insurance added that many of these tips were effective during the devastating 2005 hurricane season:
- Use a waterproof/padded tarp on the vehicle to protect against saturated drywall and debris falling onto the vehicle.
- Remove heavy objects from shelves and items such as bikes hanging from the ceiling. Place tools and large objects on the floor.
- Shore up the garage door (the largest opening to the house) using special products, lumber, and/or hardware.
- Secure any openings to the attic from the garage with latches or lumber.
- Use plywood to protect garage windows. Window films provide some protection against shattering, but 1/2” or 3/4” thick plywood is a better option. Hurricane shutters are preferable to sunshades on windows.
- Keep automobile titles and other documents sealed in plastic bags in a safe or a large, heavy container that won’t get lost.
- Participate in a car club. Tap in to fellow car lovers as the best resource for local and regional repair shops and other resources before, during and after an emergency.
“Collectors typically are passionate about anything related to their vehicles and are eager to learn and share,” commented Laura Bergan, licensed insurance agent and director of marketing for American Collectors Insurance adding that most specialty policies require a collector vehicle to be stored in a locked garage. “ Car lovers tell us these are the simple steps they take year after year, and insurance agents can take these tips and pass them on to their clients.”
“Independent insurance agents are in the prime position as risk-management experts to help their clients prevent or minimize hurricane damage,” Bergan added. “The key lesson: securing the garage door can be vitally important not just to preserving a cherished vehicle but to protecting life and limb, which are most important.”
Bergan suggested that client newsletters, e-mail messages, client-review letters, and billing statements are good places to communicate these tips to clients, which “can save the heartache, lost time, and property damage that go along with claims.”
American Collectors offers free e-mail newsletters for agents and collectors through its web site at www.AmericanCollectors.com.
About American Collectors Insurance
American Collectors Insurance specializes in insurance for collector vehicles and collectibles. Based in Cherry Hill, NJ, and licensed in 48 states, American Collectors Insurance offers products directly to consumers, as well as through independent insurance agents and alliances with several major insurance organizations. For more information, visit www.AmericanCollectors.com or call (800) 620-5052.