Losses and Lessons: Umbrella takes flight at show, crash-lands on classics
VEHICLES INVOLVED: 1965 Ford Mustang coupe, 1937 Dodge pickup truck, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible.
WHAT WENT WRONG: Most classic car owners carefully gauge the weather before going for a cruise or attending a show, but sometimes a simple gust of wind can result in a claim. A 1965 Ford Mustang coupe, 1937 Dodge pickup truck and 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible were parked side by side at a car show, and their owners had just settled in for the day when the Mustang owner’s sun umbrella caught some air and clipped all three before falling to the ground.
DAMAGE/LOSS: The umbrella scratched the hood of the Mustang, damaged the fender and hood of the Dodge and tore a hole in the Chevy’s canvas top. Since Hagerty insured the Chevy, they paid $1,220.57 for the repairs and then attempted to recover their loss through the umbrella owner’s homeowners insurance policy.
LESSON: It’s always better to be overly cautious than under prepared, so think “worst-case scenario” before placing objects near your classic. Is it securely fastened? What if it fell or tipped over? If you choose to relax under an umbrella at a car show, put plenty of space between yourself and other cars, and make sure the umbrella is firmly fastened down.
