Sometimes The Unthinkable Does Happen

SYDNEY – October 5, 2010: Throughout Australia, tucked away in garages and sheds, there are thousands of classic cars and motorcycles. Many barely used, some sitting quietly under tarpaulins, others that might even be awaiting their turn to have some finishing touches applied and become part of that special collection.

There are even the few that are simply waiting, patiently, for that classic restoration project to begin.

It could be a car or motorcycle that has some special significance, a family connection, or maybe something that evokes a childhood memory. To a true enthusiast, one thing is certain- they are more than just mechanical objects - they are vehicles that their owners have a real attachment to, and are truly passionate about.

While some may say about these vehicles "what could possibly happen to it while it's just sitting here" the reality is there are many scenarios that can befall your pride and joy. It could be stolen, or, it could have parts stolen, it could be damaged by fire or falling trees, it could be damaged in transport or even while at a repairer's, or restoration shop.

It sounds unthinkable, but specialist insurer, Shannons, knows that sometimes, the unthinkable actually does happen, and this is exactly what happened to Rodney Hedrick's classic, '57 Chevrolet, 210, 4-door sedan.

"I know that sometimes you think it's easier, or even cheaper to take the risk, but believe me, when you look in your rear-view mirror and see something that you have a real attachment to, something that has occupied a lot of your life and spare time for years, completely side-swiped, it leaves the worst feeling in the pit of your stomach," said Rodney.

Rodney's trailer on which his '57 Chevrolet was riding developed the "wobbles" after hitting a bump on the freeway, south of Sydney.

The resulting "tank-slapper" flattened the Chev's rear quarter on the guardrail, moving the entire car over on the trailer, inflicting damage all down its flank and further damaging the rear bumper and tail lights.

The Chev also had a custom paint job that no-one could match. So the only satisfactory solution was to repaint the entire car in a catalogue period colour. And to do the job properly meant removing all the panels, glass and rubbers.

Rodney Hedrick' s experience is just one scenario that brings home the reality that this could happen to anyone.

"In my case, a lot of the pain was taken away by the fact that I did have insurance cover," said Rodney. "For a true car lover it's just not worth the risk, especially when a company like Shannons has so many options for motoring enthusiasts - in my case I had a policy called 'Laid Up Cover', which isn't expensive considering what I've put into restoring the Chev".

Another Shannons customer, David Chapman, can also testify first-hand the benefits of specialist vehicle insurance. David was in the process of restoring his 'Vitamin C'-painted 1972, VH Chrysler Charger 265 when, without brakes, it got away from him while being towed on his property.

"The damage looked pretty extensive at first, and luckily no-one was hurt, but that feeling when the Charger slipped the tow, I just can't describe it" said David.

"I think at first you are just in shock and it takes a few minutes before you remember that your insurance policy will cover you. I now know from experience, with cars like this, you absolutely have to have specialist cover" said David.

Shannons Executive Manager, Julian Benton said that with the range of specialised policies that are available to enthusiasts and collectors the risk of not taking out insurance is just too great. "When you think about the type of vehicles we are talking about, it takes a lot of specialist knowledge and skills to repair them if they are involved in any sort of accident. At Shannons we have developed policies that are tailored to the needs of the enthusiast, whether it's for limited use cover, or you may be a club member who only drives with club plates, or even if your pride and joy is sitting under that tarpaulin, at Shannons we do our best to cover the circumstances of motor enthusiasts. "

There are a number of very affordable ways of insuring classic cars and motorcycles and Shannons urges enthusiasts, especially ones with restoration projects, to do some research and find what policy best suits them.

As Rodney Hedrick says "I was always so careful around the Chev, but that didn't take into account the unthinkable - that a simple bump in the road could do so much damage. You just never know"