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The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Blog

How to Prepare Your Car for Concours: Protecting Your Investment

July 19, 2023

The Pebble Beach Concours is the world’s premier celebration of automobiles and showcases an exceptional selection of the most beautiful vintage and modern-day super cars. To be selected to participate in this event is a testament to the uniqueness and beauty of your car. However, it’s also a reminder that you must take every precaution to ensure your investment is fully protected. To help prepare your car for Concours, Alliant Private Client is sharing these tips from their expert collectible car practice leaders.

Transporting Your Vehicle

Transporting your vehicle safely and securely is a crucial aspect of preparing for a concours. If you plan to use a third-party transporter, it’s essential to hire one with experience handling high-value collectibles. Additionally, it’s important to inquire about the cargo coverage they provide for each truck. While some transporters offer substantial coverage, others may have none at all. It’s always a good idea to contact your insurance broker to confirm that your vehicle will be suitably protected during transit.

Furthermore, if you’re using a borrowed truck and trailer for transportation, it’s vital to ensure that the person driving accepts responsibility for the car while it’s in their custody and control. They should carry sufficient insurance coverage, unless your own policy stipulates that it will cover any potential damages.

Regardless of the mode of transportation, it’s recommended to take a video of your car before handing it off. Carefully walk around the vehicle and record its condition in its entirety. This documentation serves to protect both your interests and those of the professional transporters who may also perform this process.

Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Ensuring Adequate Coverage at the Event

Once your vehicle arrives at the concours, it’s crucial to verify that your insurance coverage adequately protects it during the event. One primary concern is having the proper liability coverage in place. This is especially important if your vehicle is either self-insured or not street legal. In the rare instance that you cause bodily injury or property damage during the event, you want to ensure you have liability protection. Remember, at the concours, your vehicle will be driven around people, including workers and spectators. Being adequately protected in case of an unfortunate incident is essential.

Before hiring any car handlers for the event, ensure they are properly licensed, insured, and have acceptable driving records. If the handlers are part of your full-time staff, this is an opportunity to review your insurance program for them.

It’s also advisable to have your insurance broker review any waivers associated with the event. This helps determine what the organizers agree to cover, especially regarding security or weather-related issues. In most cases, the responsibility lies with the car owner, so it’s crucial to have the opportunity to ensure you are properly covered in all circumstances.

By taking these steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ve done everything possible to safeguard your cherished automobile during the spectacular concours event.

To join key automotive figures discussing the most interesting topics facing car collectors today and to learn more from our experts, be sure to join us at the Classic Car Forum in Concours Village August 17-19.

To learn more about our Classic Car Forum Sponsor, Alliant Private Client, visit them at alliantprivateclient.com or on LinkedIn.

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