Here’s a detailed overview of American Collectors Insurance (ACI), one of the leading specialist insurers for classic and collectible vehicles in the United States:
🏆 Company Background & Reputation
- Established in 1976, American Collectors Insurance specializes in collectible and classic vehicle insurance, maintaining strong ties with USAA, car clubs, and collector events Barron’s+15American Collectors Insurance+15American Collectors Insurance+15.
- Highly rated: ACI earns a 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot (over 15,000 reviews), and an A+ rating from the BBB, with excellent customer feedback on service, affordability, and claims processing Trustpilot+1TrustedChoice.com+1.
🔍 Key Policy Features
❖ Agreed Value Coverage
You and ACI agree upon the vehicle’s insured value at the outset, ensuring full payout in case of a total loss—no depreciation deductions AMAC+4American Collectors Insurance+4American Collectors Insurance+4.
❖ Mileage Plans
Choose from flexible tiers: 2,500, 5,000, 7,500 or even unlimited miles per year, depending on your use case American Collectors Insurance+1AMAC+1.
❖ C.A.R.E. – Towing & Transport Coverage
The Collector Auto Reimbursement & Expenses plan helps with emergency towing and transportation costs, with chosen service providers reimbursed up to policy limits Reddit+14American Collectors Insurance+14American Collectors Insurance+14.
❖ Zero Deductible & Repair Shop of Choice
Optional zero deductible for certain claims and freedom to select your preferred repair shop—an uncommon benefit in standard auto policies Trustpilot+7American Collectors Insurance+7American Collectors Insurance+7.
❖ Inflation Guard
Automatically increases your Agreed Value by up to 6% annually to match appreciation in vehicle worth Reddit+9American Collectors Insurance+9Forbes+9.
❖ Spare Parts Coverage
Policy includes up to $500 coverage for spare parts damaged or stolen—higher limits available upon request American Collectors Insurance.
❖ Coverage While Restoring
Offers coverage even if your vehicle is undergoing active restoration—not yet road ready—at no additional charge American Collectors Insurance.
❖ Automatic Temporary Coverage for New Acquisitions
New eligible collector vehicles added during your policy term receive up to 30 days automatic coverage, up to $100,000 Reddit+11American Collectors Insurance+11American Collectors Insurance+11.
❖ Discounts Available
Includes discounts for high-value collections, multi-vehicle policies, mature drivers, security features, and USAA member perks (5%) American Collectors Insurance+1AMAC+1.
❖ Driver & Vehicle Qualifiers
General requirements:
- Min. 5–6 years licensed driving experience
- Clean record (1 moving violation / 1 at-fault accident) within 3 years
- Must own another daily-use vehicle
- Vehicle must be garage-kept and used for non-daily, pleasure purposes only Reddit+4American Collectors Insurance+4American Collectors Insurance+4.
- Vehicles under restoration, replicas, exotics, trucks, hot rods, custom vehicles, etc., may qualify Reddit+12American Collectors Insurance+12Better Business Bureau+12.
📊 Summary Table
Feature | What ACI Offers |
---|---|
Agreed Value Coverage | Full pre-agreed payout, no depreciation |
Mileage Options | From 2,500 miles to unlimited annual mileage |
Zero Deductible Option | Available for specific claim types |
Repair Shop of Choice | Yes |
Inflation Guard | Up to 6% yearly increase |
Spare Parts Coverage | $500 included; higher on request |
Restoration Coverage | Policy applies while car is undergoing restoration |
Auto Coverage for New Cars | 30-day protection up to $100k |
Discounts | Multi-vehicle, high-value, USAA member, mature driver, etc. |
Requirements | Licensed 5+ years, separate daily-use vehicle, limited-use only |
🗣️ What Owners Say
- A Reddit user insured a 1967 Mustang with ACI at an agreed value of $25,000 for approx. $208/year in Pennsylvania—praising their high Trustpilot rating Birdeye Experience Marketing platform+15Reddit+15American Collectors Insurance+15American Collectors Insurance+4American Collectors Insurance+4American Collectors Insurance+4American Collectors Insurance+4American Collectors Insurance+4American Collectors Insurance+4Better Business Bureau+14American Collectors Insurance+14American Collectors Insurance+14Better Business Bureau+13Forbes+13American Collectors Insurance+13American Collectors Insurance+1American Collectors Insurance+1.
- Another shared they insured a ’72 LeSabre for $180/year and found the application process smooth and helpful Reddit.
- Community users note that American Collectors tends to be more straightforward than some competitors like Grundy or Hagerty American Collectors Insurance+15Reddit+15Reddit+15.
⚠️ Considerations & Limitations
- Age restrictions apply: you generally must be at least 26 or have at least 5–6 years driving experience; younger drivers may be ineligible or quoted significantly higher premiums .
- The policy enforces strict garage storage rules—vehicles must be kept in a fully enclosed, secure structure; alternatives may get higher deductibles or be declined .
- Spare parts coverage is capped at $500 by default, which is lower than some competing insurers .
🧭 Should You Consider ACI?
American Collectors Insurance is ideal if you:
- Own a classic, vintage, or collectible vehicle used mainly for show or pleasure.
- Want predetermined Agreed Value coverage and mileage flexibility.
- Prefer zero deductible options, a dedicated collector specialist, and ability to choose your repair shop.
- Keep your vehicle in a secure garage and have a clean driving record.
- Meet the insurer’s age and experience requirements.
With industry-leading service ratings, strong policy features, and competitive pricing, ACI is a top choice in its niche—especially for car collectors who want tailored protection. American Collectors Insurance+1American Collectors Insurance+1
✅ Next Steps
If you’d like:
- Help checking eligibility based on your vehicle and personal details,
- Quotes or coverage comparisons with Hagerty, Grundy, or Heacock,
- Assistance navigating the application process —