4 Questions That Help Agents Uncover Collector Vehicles and Quote with Confidence

For insurance agents working across personal lines, it can be easy to assume that collector vehicles will come up in conversation naturally. But many collector vehicle owners don’t always think of their cars as "collector" vehicles or they assume their current policy is "good enough."

The reality? These drivers are often underinsured. That makes it even more important for agents to ask probing, open-ended questions to understand what the vehicles mean to the client, how they use the vehicles, and how they’d want a claim resolved.

Here are four questions that do just that. Each one is designed to build stronger client relationships and uncover opportunities to quote with Hagerty in the process.

1. “Can you tell me about your vehicles?”

This is your best opening move. It sounds simple, but it prompts the client to share more than just year-make-model. Many owners of collector or enthusiast vehicles will light up when invited to talk about their car’s backstory, condition, restoration journey, or why it’s special to them.

Why it works:

• Collector vehicle ownership is emotional. Owners don’t think of these cars as disposable assets.
• You’ll learn which vehicles might qualify for Hagerty coverage, even if the client doesn’t see them that way yet.
• You create space for the client to share stories, not just specs – deepening trust.

Pro tip: Listen for cues like seasonal use, custom upgrades, or sentimental value. These are all strong signals the car may be better protected on a Hagerty policy.

2. “What would your ideal claims experience look like?”

Clients don’t always know what a claims process could be until you invite them to imagine it.

Why it works:

• It surfaces pain points with current or past carriers (e.g., delays, lack of transparency, poor communication, conflict with adjusters).
• It helps differentiate Hagerty’s best-in-class claims team and process, which is built specifically for the collector market.
• It reinforces that insurance is not just about price – it’s about what happens when you need it.

What to listen for: A desire for quick turnaround, knowledgeable adjusters, parts sourcing support, or control over repair decisions. All of these are strengths of Hagerty’s enthusiast-first claims approach.

3. “Is it important to you that the claims adjuster working on your claim understands how to repair your specific collector car?”

This question narrows the focus to a key Hagerty differentiator: expertise.

Why it works:

• It reveals how much the client cares about authenticity, repair quality, and vehicle value.
• It opens the door to explain that Hagerty claims adjusters know collector cars, from rare British roadsters to American muscle to modern exotics.
• It positions you as a knowledgeable advisor who understands that not all claims teams are equal.

When to ask it: When a client shows pride in their vehicle or mentions a past repair experience, this question adds value and deepens the conversation.

4. “Would keeping your vehicle after a total loss be important to you?”

It’s a question most clients have never been asked. But for many collector vehicle owners, the answer is a resounding yes.

Why it works:

• It reveals emotional or restoration investment in the car.
• It introduces one of Hagerty’s most appreciated features: the ability to keep the salvage at no additional cost after a total loss claim with Cherished Salvage®*.
• It emphasizes the differences between standard auto policies and specialty coverage.

Why it matters: Salvage retention allows clients to keep and rebuild their car, preserve its legacy, or retain parts. You can provide this optional coverage for your customers by adding the Cherished Salvage endorsement to new or existing policies.

Turn Conversations into Coverage

The right questions don’t just uncover vehicles, they help clients see what they truly value, and what they risk without the right protection.

By asking these four questions, you will:

• Build credibility as a trusted advisor
• Show clients that you understand not just their cars, but their passion
• Spot opportunities to quote with Hagerty

Collector vehicles aren’t just weekend drivers. They’re prized investments, rolling stories, and sometimes even family heirlooms. As a partner with Hagerty, you can offer coverage that matches the level of care enthusiasts have for their special cars.

Want to quote a collector vehicle today? Log in to quote now.