Protecting Your Classic Car Collection During a Natural Disaster

When it comes to natural disasters—such as hurricanes, wildfires and rising flood waters—it’s imperative that you have an emergency plan in place for how you’ll keep yourself and loved ones safe. Of course, that’s the most important thing. We also recommend planning for moving your valuables, in case there is time to do so. Below is a helpful list of steps to take and things to consider now so that if the worst happens, you’ll know what to do with your cars. Download and save our handy one-pager.

Planning for an emergency evacuation of your collection

Identify a safe evacuation storage location

Talk to other enthusiasts or search online to find a temporary storage facility that is enclosed, clean, dry, and far from the reason you are evacuating. Ideally it will be climate-controlled, gated, and staffed for monitoring. Make sure it’s within a reasonable driving distance to ensure you’ll have time to get your car(s) there on short notice.

Storage options may be private or public. Art warehouses can be an option for your valuable collections. For some locations in the US, Hagerty can recommend storage locations.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Hagerty or your agent if you want help finding or reviewing your location.

Answer questions ahead of time for the evacuation process

How many collector vehicles can you move each trip, and how many trips will be necessary? Is there a priority to move certain collector vehicles first?

Keep any security codes, keys, phone numbers in a safe place that is accessible on short notice. Will multiple people need to access keys?

Plan who will fuel up the collector vehicles, and where. Catastrophes often cause power outages, so gas can become difficult to obtain at the last minute. Make sure you know how to open garage doors manually in case of a power outage.

Decide how your collection will be transported

If you’re frequently out of town or your collection is too large to move on your own, consider hiring someone to transport your cars for you in an emergency.

You can find vendors through referrals from trusted enthusiasts you know, or Hagerty may be able to help. You’ll want to verify their expertise in moving expensive collector vehicles.

Properly store your valuables for the move

Take photos before loading so you have proof of damage that might occur during transit. Tag each item with a number for future identification.

If trailering vehicles, use soft straps to secure them so there is no movement during the trip. For other valuables, such as automobilia, consider whether prefabricated custom crates will be needed.

Time your evacuation plan

Estimate how long it will take to prepare and move your valuables. If you will be evacuating collector vehicles yourself, plan your driving route well in advance.

Print directions in case digital directions, such as GPS or online maps, become unavailable.

Review your coverage with Hagerty

Confirm that your collector vehicles are insured for their correct value and make sure you understand what your policy covers for evacuation expenses. Save receipts from any evacuation expenses.