Losses and Lessons: Timber! Tree flattens ’67 Mustang

VEHICLE COVERED: 1967 Ford Mustang custom

WHAT WENT WRONG: Sometimes good intentions turn into “what-are-the-odds” disaster stories. The owner of a 1967 Ford Mustang custom convertible rolled his car into his driveway for a wash and wax. It was an overcast day, and he knew that rain was on its way, but he thought he could easily finish the job and put his car back inside before any drops fell. Then the house phone rang, he ran inside to answer it, and a short chat turned into a deep conversation. In the meantime, a fast-moving storm converged on his neighborhood. Just as the owner ran outside to move the Mustang back indoors, a huge oak tree branch came crashing down onto it.

DAMAGE/LOSS: Fortunately, the owner wasn’t injured, but the car didn’t fare so well. The custom convertible – which had been lowered, shaved and painted with custom wheels added – suffered damage to the hood, roof, windshield, dash, seats, trunk, driver’s side front fender, door and back fender. It was a total loss. Hagerty paid the insured Guaranteed Value of $30,000.

LESSON: Take nothing for granted when you walk away from your classic. If inclement weather is imminent, take a moment and put your car inside. One simple decision could avert an accident.