1) Review Your Insurance – Make sure your coverage is up to date. Find out if your policy covers damage to your classic cars in the event of a natural disaster. Do you have stated value or agreed value for your collection? You may want to add an optional comprehensive coverage if you are in an area that experiences frequent weather-related events. Let your agent know of any recent restoration work that could affect the car’s value.
2) Go Digital – Don’t wait until you need to evacuate to start searching for your important papers. Scan your insurance policies (for home and car collection), an inventory of your garage, vehicle sales and tax records, receipts for restoration work, and any original documentation you have that contributes to the provenance of the car. Make sure all the scans are backed up to a cloud server as well as on your computer.
3) Take Photos – Throughout the year, take photos of your collection. It is well worth your time and effort. It documents your cars’ conditions before disaster strikes. During a restoration, take pictures to record the VIN, original parts and how far along your build is progressing. Upload the images to the cloud.
4) Print a List of Important Contact Numbers – You may have them on your phone but what happens if you lose your phone at this critical moment. Since the invention of speed dial, many people do not remember their family’s numbers. Have your essential contact numbers like family members, insurance agent and doctor in hard copy form as well as on the cloud.
5) Create a Jump Bag for Car Stuff – Call them grab bags or jump bags, create a bag for your car stuff. Include copies of build sheets, dealer window stickers, original sales invoices and the service and restoration documents. These can help prove the car’s authenticity. Having a hard copy with you helps if you do not have access to the internet when talking to your insurance agent. Consider putting any originals you cannot replace in a safety deposit box. In addition, of course, everyone in your household, including pets, should have a lightweight tote ready to go with items like clothing, medicine, water, cash and emergency gear. Stash them in a closet or a locked garage cabinet, where they’ll be safe and easy to retrieve at a moment’s notice.
