Dont’ forget to contact Amber, amanella@galleninsurance.com as you break out your grown-up toys in anticipation of sizzling summer fun!!
She will help to ensure you have the coverage you need to back up the fun with peace of mind.
Read here to find out about insuring your summer toys & info about risks associated with drones!
Gallen Insurance, celebrating 60 years!!
A look back over the past 60 years…way back to when Joe Gallen, Sr. opened the doors!!
More to come, but please join us in celebrating our 60 years!!
We will be holding an open house at our agency in late September to thank you all, our loyal customers, as we know we would not be here without you!
Collecting vehicles is a lifestyle. It’s a statement about personality, individuality and independence.
Getting the right wheels, at the right price, with the right work. There’s hardly anything better, and it’s always worth a little bit of patience… and some keen research.
Wise collectors watch the market – and like every market, it fluctuates.
But This One May Surprise Even the Most Avid Collectors
In the last half-decade, pickup trucks have constituted the largest segment growth in the collectible vehicle market. The number of vintage pickup trucks purchased by collectors has boomed.
According to recent analysis, pickup value has risen 56%
And compared to the relative 13% of other vehicle segments, that puts vintage pickup trucks among the hottest wheels to have.
Vintage Pickup Truck Values are Rising in the Ranks
For a long time, classic trucks were an aesthetic compliment to a quality car show. Nowadays they’re top dollar items – even crown jewels – in their own right.
Even more, for beginners, they’re a ticket into the world of collecting. Pickup trucks are generally pretty available, simple enough to work with, and more affordable than a lot of vehicles in other segments.
Market analysis revealed that almost all (nearly 90%, to be exact), of classic trucks on the road are Fords and Chevorlets. Of course, various generations of trucks from different makers are getting noticed, and correspondingly their values have dramatically increased.
And Consider This…
Trucks that cost $15,000 in 2000 are being sighted now with $30,000 and $40,000 tags. 1940’s Fords are going for between $30,000 and $40,000, 53’ F-100’s can sell for $28,000-$34,000…
And the numbers don’t stop. Interest and pricing is climbing all the time.
Of particular interest to collectors and enthusiasts are Ford, GMC and to a lesser extent Dodge pickups from the ’40s and ‘50s, vehicles with an almost Transformer-like appeal whose beefy personality stems from muscular fenders and broad hoods.
Experts say the big checks are being signed for classic trucks that have been given big-time restorations. Buyers can go back in time, free-wheeling in classic trucks that look like they’re right off the showroom floor.
There’s Something for Everyone
Trucks have a rich history.
The Dodge brothers began selling enclosed commercial trucks after the end of the First World War. They were re-purposed ambulances, transport vehicles, and other once-war-machines. Six years later – the first upright cabbed, long-bedded pickup was born (the 1924 Dodge 3-Quarter Ton Pickup).
Aesthetically and cosmetically (not to mention the tech) they’ve evolved as much, or more, as any other classic vehicle.
Collectors can find big, bulky, armored-looking creations or streamlined art-deco era museum pieces.
There’s something for everyone. And it’s the perfect time to get in the game.
To make sure your vintage pickup truck’s value is properly insured, contact us to find out about our classic car insurance programs today.
Looking for classic car shows in and around the Berks County area? We’ve got a great lineup of classic car, collector car, hot rod and motorcycle shows for this summer that’s guaranteed to keep your engine revving!
5/7/15 – Every Thursday this Summer – Morgantown Sonic
Morgantown, PA / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
5/16/15 – Denver Park Assoc.
Denver, PA / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
5/17/15 – Richland Legion Car & Bike
Richland, PA / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
5/30/15 – Raising Awareness the Classic Way
Denver Park / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
6/21/15 – Womelsdorf Park Assoc
Womelsdorf Park / Collector Cars
8/25/15 – Reinholds VFW Post 6759
Reinholds, PA / Collector Cars
8/28/15 – 8/30/15 – Wheels of Time SRA
Macungie Memorial Park / Street Rods & Custom Cars
9/13/15 – Womelsdorf Park Assoc
Womelsdorf Park / Collectors Cars
9/19/15 – Smokehaus
Robesonia, PA / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
9/20/15 – Shillington Business Association
Shillington, PA / Collectors Cars
For more information on classic car and motorcycle insurance contact:
Amber Rice-Manella – Insurance Consultant
610-898-6510 | Email
Choosing the Right Classic Car Insurance Companies
Lot’s of companies will sell you car insurance for your classic car. But who is generally considered the best classic car insurance company? The first mistake many classic car owners make is buying regular auto insurance for the classic car. Not only will this mistake not get you the coverage and amenities a classic car policy needs, it will also cost you more money due to the fact that our classic cars generally aren’t driven nearly as much as our regular day-to-day vehicles.
What Classic Car Insurance Company Do We Choose?
That why we at Gallen Insurance have chosen to partner with Hagerty for all of our customer’s classic car insurance needs. On average, a Hagerty Classic Car Insurance Policy will cost you 46% less than an average car insurance policy. Hagerty also allows you to customize your policy to meet your specific vehicle’s needs. Hagerty agents are not only trained to specifically handle classic car policies but also to handle your claims. And every Hagerty policy comes with guaranteed Flatbed Roadside Assistance, where they use soft straps rather than metal hooks and chains that may damage your vehicle, as well as offering unlimited battery jumps, towing and lockout service.
Does Your Vehicle Qualify for a Hagerty Insurance Policy?
Providing programs for a variety of collector vehicle needs is one of the many things Hagerty takes pride in. Our combined passion for the collector car hobby matches the passion their clients have for their own vehicles.
As our partner, Hagarty provides insurance coverage for collector vehicles that are owned for limited pleasure driving, car shows and club events. We provide guaranteed value coverage on every vehicle we insure. Because of this, there are certain guidelines that our underwriters need to follow while issuing policies or adding new vehicles.
Our program is made to fit the collector vehicles that are used for club functions, exhibitions, organized meets, tours and even occasional pleasure driving.
Collector vehicles should be stored in a private, enclosed, secure structure when not in use. Appropriate storage examples include:
- Private residential garages
- Private pole building or barns
- Rental storage units
Collectors are our specialty, and we do not have programs for regular-use vehicles driven on a daily basis. Keep an eye out for the following types of collectors we insure:
- Antique & Classic Cars
- Exotic and Special Interest
- Fire Trucks
- Lowriders & Tuners
- Military Vehicles
- Modern Classics
- Motorcycles and Scooters
- Muscle Cars
- Replicas
- Street Rods
- Tractors
- Trailers
- Trucks
- Vintage Race Cars
- Vehicles Under Active Restoration
Who Is Not Eligible?
In most states, we are unable offer coverage to drivers with a serious infraction within the last five years. Serious infractions include:
- Alcohol-related offenses
- Reckless driving
- Excessive speed violations
- All household members with a valid drivers license should have a regular-use vehicle for daily driving
- In most cases, motorcycles and public transportation are not considered viable regular use vehicles (contact us for details)
- Applicants must also maintain regular-use insurance in their own names
What Should You Look for in a Classic Car Insurance Carrier?
Most of all, your satisfaction with your insurance carrier is paramount. A good Classic Car Insurance Policy should give you the peace of mind you need to relax and enjoy your vehicle. So, here’s what you should look for in a carrier:
- Claims Satisfaction: Claims are main reason why insurance companies exist, and the outcome of claims settlements is a leading factor on how an insurance company runs their business. Hagerty has on-staff parts specialists that are able to track down rare collector car parts for any needed repairs. Hagerty also provides in-house claims service for timely response and expert care.
- Ease of Service: The ease of doing business with a company and willingness to help plays a big role in how an insurance company stands in the industry. Hagerty’s agent book roll makes transitioning clients’ policies simple by using three easy steps; obtain an online quote, complete the intent to transfer application, and provide payment for the coverage.
- Policy Retention: The percentage of policies that renew with an insurance company accounts for that company’s stability and overall client satisfaction.
- NPS Scores: Net Promoter scores are a great way to view a company’s overall satisfaction ratings. The scores give you a solid idea on the amount of loyalty between the provider and the client.
- A.M. Best Company ratings: This is a prime tool for discovering an insurance organization’s financial stability, which is an incredibly important factor when establishing a relationship with a company.
For more information on Classic Car Insurance or traditional car insurance in Pennsylvania, please contact:
Gallen Insurance
Classic Car Insurance Specialist
2237 Lancaster Pike
Shillington, PA 19607
Ph. 610-898-6524
This Month in Classic Cars | Gallen Insurance
April is finally here. The month in which we all take the covers off our beloved classic cars and start enjoying the spring/summer driving season. It’s also the perfect time to get into classic car collecting, as well, but starting a hobby like classic car collecting can seem intimidating and expensive to newcomers. Well, you may not want to start out with a 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe but there are more affordable options, especially for those looking for a hands-on project.
This collector was looking for a fun summer sports car and found that this $1600 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500 was the perfect car to start his collection.
But sometimes a rare treasure falls into your lap. Retired ironworker, Larry Brown, used to drive around in a 20 year old Ford pickup until his passing in September of 2013. As it turns out, Larry had purchased a new 1969 Ford Shelby GT500 from Eger dealership in McKeesport for $5200. It was discovered in his garage after his death with less than 8000 miles and all original parts. It’s expected to sell at auction in Centre County for $130,000.
Make sure to check back next month for more information on a great Classic Car Event at Denver Memorial Park.
For more information on Classic Car Insurance or traditional car insurance in Pennsylvania, please contact:
Jodie Leigey
Classic Car Insurance Specialist
2237 Lancaster Pike
Shillington, PA 19607
Ph. 610-898-6524
March 2014: This Month In Classic Cars
Past & present, March is a great month for Classic Car enthusiasts. We, here at Gallen Insurance, are proud to not only offer you the best in classic car insurance, but the best news, advice, trivia and events in the Reading, PA and central Pennsylvania area.
EVENTS
March 15, 2014:: Time to take the classic cars out of the garage and and the classic clothes out of the closet for the Pottstown Classics Car Club Annual Spring Dance at the Keystone Fire Company. Dance the night away to your favorite oldies and classic rock, enjoy free beer and soda, a family style dinner and auction. Tickets are $25/ea or 2 for $25. 7pm.
HISTORY
March 2, 1966:: Ford Motor Company celebrates the production of its 1 millionth Mustang, a white convertible. The car had only debuted 2 years earlier in April of 1964.
March 8, 1950:: An infamous day in hippy car history. The VW Bus goes into production.
March 13, 1969:: “The Love Bug,” a Walt Disney movie about the adventures of a Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie, opens in theaters across the United States.
March 14, 1922:: Mack Truck founder killed in car crash. John “Jack” Mack, who co-founded what would become one of North America’s largest makers of heavy-duty trucks, is killed when his car collides with a trolley in Pennsylvania.
Mar 18, 1933:: Studebaker goes bankrupt. American automaker Studebaker, then heavily in debt, goes into receivership. The company’s president, Albert Erskine, resigned and later that year committed suicide. Studebaker eventually rebounded from its financial troubles, only to close its doors for the final time in 1966.
For more information on Classic Car Insurance or traditional car insurance in Pennsylvania, please contact:
Jody Leigey
Classic Car Insurance Specialist
2237 Lancaster Pike
Shillington PA 19607
Ph. 610-898-6524
This Month in Classic Car History:
January is a great month in history for classic car trivia buffs. Here’s Gallen Insurance’s top 5 moment’s in class car history this month.
January 1886 – The first gasoline-driven car is patented by Karl Benz.
The Benz Patent-Motorwagen (or motorcar), built in 1886, is generally viewed as the first vehicle intended to be pushed by an engine. The vehicle was awarded a German patent to Karl Benz on January 29, 1886.
January 1904 – Henry Ford Sets Land Speed Record
On January 12, 1904, Henry Ford set a land-speed record of 91.37 mph on the frozen surface of Lake St. Clair in Michigan. He was driving a four-wheel vehicle, dubbed the “999,” which had a wooden chassis with no hood or body.
January 1965- Shelby GT350 Debuts
On January 27th, 1965, the first Shelby Mustang, a Wimbledon White Shelby GT350, made its debut. In less than a month, the race version of the car, the Shelby GT350R, had already won its first SCCA.
January 1965 – NASCAR’s ban of the Hemi engine goes into effect
Fan of the Hemi? In 1965 NASCAR banned Ford’s high-riser engines stating that they did not actually fit under “stock” hoods.
January 1979 – “General Lee” 1969 Dodge Charger debuts on The Dukes of Hazzard
On January 26, 1979, “The Dukes of Hazzard,” a television show about two cousins in the rural South and their 1969 Dodge Charger known as the General Lee, debuts on CBS.
For more information on classic car insurance, please call our classic car insurance specialist:
Jody Leigey
Classic Car Insurance Specialist
2237 Lancaster Pike
Shillington PA 19607
Ph. 610-898-6524
Too often, Collector Car owners choose the same auto insurance for the regular use & collectible vehicles. But the truth of the matter is that special vehicles need their own special coverage. That’s where we come in. We work with carriers that offer a unique type of Collector Car insurance. Some carriers only cover you for a ce
rtain number of drives a year or only when parked in the garage/showroom. But we know that you didn’t purchase that car for it not to be driven!!
Collector Autos differ from everyday vehicles in many ways. When looking at insurance it is particularly important to note that your everyday vehicle depreciates in value daily, while your Collector Auto appreciates in value.
The same idea is true with most insurance carriers regarding the value of your Collector Auto. The industry standard is to have a set value in place for your vehicle, determined maybe by the year and condition. But we know that the heritage of a vehicle can greatly affect the value. That’s why we work with insurers to help you work together to determine an appropriate value which may be way above the standard value of a vehicle that year, make or model.
Most importantly, we know cars! It’s important to have an agent that “gets” your passion. Jodie Leigey, our newest team member here at Gallen Insurance has been in the Collector & Antique auto insurance field for years!! We welcome her here to fill the need we often had for our auto enthusiast. We welcome your calls & email regarding questions & Jodie welcomes the opportunity to compare your current coverage & see what we can do for you!
Classic Car Insurance or traditional car insurance in Pennsylvania, please contact: