The Classic Tractors and Trucks scheme from Herts Insurance Consultants (HIC) is tailor-made for tractor enthusiasts to give them the best policy for their money. There was a time when vintage tractors were just old, clapped-out, muddy vehicles holding up the traffic. But no longer - now vintage tractors are lovingly restored, clean, well-oiled collectors’ items. They come out on high days and holidays for vintage tractor runs, ploughing competitions and to take pride of place in private collections.
There are specialist magazines, chat forums and web sites all attracting the attention of dyed-in-the-wool enthusiasts and enticing new converts into the field. Vintage tractor restoration has turned into a serious worldwide hobby. But once restored, they need careful insuring and this is where the HIC policy comes into play.
“When we started getting requests about insurance for vintage tractors we applied our expertise in the classic car market and came up with a policy specially designed for the vintage tractor owner,” explains HIC’s Andy Morton. “Most owners should find they qualify for our maximum limited mileage discount which really keeps the premiums down.”
HIC’s policy is extremely flexible to take account not only of the quirks and features of different machines but also the specific requirements of the policy holder. Often, in the case of clubs and restoration societies, more than one person needs to be able to drive the vehicle. The HIC policy makes allowance for this, so that more than one driver can be included at little extra cost. Also, since restorers will often want to do their own work in the garage, HIC offers a cost-cutting ‘parts only’ option for policy holders qualified to carry out their own repairs.
An expertly restored tractor shouldn’t break down, but these things do happen. So, just in case, HIC has a Rescue option on the policy that delivers roadside assistance, homestart and relay (as well as 30 days cover in Europe) for an extra £77.
And should something really dreadful happen and the carefully renovated tractor from yesteryear is written off, HIC can usually arrange ‘salvage retention’. This means, once the claim is settled, the policy holder can buy back the vehicle and set to restoring it all over again! What joy!
