Just wanted to say love the site and the people who contribute to it. It has been a constant resource for me as a (hopeful) up and coming MV owner.
I'm planning on buying my M35A2 in the Spring. I've been shopping for insurance for almost two weeks. Nearly every single place I tried, through brokers and direct, had one reason or another to deny or charge me a $1,200 - $1,500 annual premium (collector's insurance aside).
Geico wanted me on a commercial policy with a CDL and 1 year minimum experience because according to the representative, having 3 axles makes the truck capable of hauling 26,000 lbs or more.
As stated in earlier posts by some, Progressive would not in any way shape or form touch it because it was military (not that I advertised). I asked how others may have managed to get coverage and was told of a number of scenarios, including being long-time customers or being “force placed”, I think she said. I guess if you can't insure your vehicle, you can talk to DOT and they will basically assign you to an insurance company as an exception to policy???
State Farm barely even talked to me since I did not have any of my other insurance (vehicle, homeowners, etc) through them. In fact, they acted somewhat suspicious and resentful that I needed a single commercial policy (as they deemed necessary) and did not have years and years of State Farm coverage in my history to back me up. I even asked if I could get a quote if I moved my other insurance to them... no cigar.
I talked to most of the major insurance companies one way or another... so many in fact the details of what I was told from company to company has blurred together outside of the 3 listed above. Heard some more good one's too I can't recall.
However, a beacon of white light finally emerged in the midst of my despair. Having all but resigned myself to the crude and unfulfilling existence of an MV owner forced to accept “parade insurance”, the last number I dialed was to Shelter Insurance. I was told, I had to contact a local representative to write non-emergency policies. I dialed the number given, gave my personal information, gave the information asked for about the truck, including VIN/Serial from a 1968, courtesy of the good folks at Boyce Equipment. Within 3 minutes, if that long, the representative came back on the line and said they were writing it as a classic limited use (part time) vehicle, which is perfect for me. No hauling restrictions, no garage, no problem. Annual cost is $120, full comprehensive. I asked her if she was sure about that and gave her a few of the horror stories I had from shopping other carriers. She responded, “Really? Let me double check that...”. 30 seconds later, she was back on the line, “Yep, the quote's correct! We'll just need pictures”. I feel like I should send her flowers or something...
Anyway sorry for the long post. I thought you might enjoy the (apparent) success story. When I actually get the truck, I may be printing a retraction, but for now, it looks Shelter is going cover me (pun intended).
Oh, and to anyone who has “Parade Insurance” by choice or not, I mean no insult to you or anyone else. I personally found most of the restrictions they impose very difficult or impossible to satisfy.