Here's one I haven't seen yet - I have a 1986 CJ-7 which I did a complete frame-off restoration; fiberglass body, brand-new 4.0, brand-new tranny, lift, tires/wheels, etc., etc. Basically, heck, not basically - everything IS brand new on the rig, down to every last nut and bolt. Getting the appraisal wasn't the problem - I found a reputable agency that performed a very extensive and professional appraisal for about 100 bucks. I had about ten grand invested in the Jeep and it appraised for over 20 grand. The problem? My insurance company (whom I've had for over 20 years with zero accidents or moving violations) jacked my premium on this ride like you wouldn't believe. The insurance on my new 2003 Grand Cherokee is cheaper (and with a higher deductible no less).  The Jeep is more for "show" than "go", and I explained that it's basically a weekend car used for the Summer. When asked why the premium was so high, my agent replied that the car is no longer a depreciating asset, and that it will now increase in value over time, as opposed to the Grand Cherokee.  Make sense? In either case, does anyone out there who has a highly modified (i.e.mucho cash tied into the sucker) Jeep have any particular insurance company that  they've had great experiences with? I'm in the St. Louis metro area if it makes a difference. Thanks!    

I have an '82 CJ-7  I rolled about 2 1/2 years ago.  My insurance company (State Farm) came to look at it then.  I also had about $20,000 in it at the time.  It was insured as a plain stock '82 CJ-7 used for pleasure only, thus it was very cheap to insure for full blown coverage.  They got to the part about totaling it out.  I stated I have receipts on all the modifications.  When they saw the file and receipts I had as well as the "collectors" value blue book, they wrote me a check for $10,000.00 to fix it.  No questions asked.

Today I have doubled the investment in the CJ with the check they gave me (full frame off resto/mod all done myself so the dollar streched more) and it still is insured as it was before.  They stated as long as I had the documents (receipts) to back it up, they would cover it.  They do offer a total value amount policy, since the vehicle tends to depreciate, but its really only like a $100.00 more per year I am told.  So today it is still insured as a stock CJ, and the added cost of the premium now for making a claim? $26.00 more per year.  And a 3 year ding (on that vehicle only) which will expire in May 2005.

I found all this out originally 9 years ago when I put a YJ windshield in it.  I had to cover the initial cost, after that they "replace with what's in there at the time of claim".

Very good information - and very interesting. I appreciate the feedback. I'll run this through my agent and see what he says. If I don't get a decent response I might be switching insurance companies very soon. Thanks again. 

I'm sorry, I don't know anything about the insurance industry. But I am in the STL area as well. Where did you get your work done? I'm looking for a reputable place to take my YJ in to get some suspension work done. Any suggestions? BTW, thanks for the heads up on the insurance. I would never have thought of that. What a low blow.  

my insurance company is covering me with grundy( same as muscle cars) great coverage and cheap. they figure if you went through all that work you will take care of it.  

If its truely a top down sunny day rider jeep you can go with hagerty. NO WHEELING!!! Now upon stipulations of this. You must have another 4 wheel drive to offroad, also your daily driver must be 2004 and newer. Every licensed driver in your family must have a vehicle to drive. The family cannot have any more than 8 points against any of their licenses. A spare vehicle won't hurt either. You must garage this jeep. If it has a Tow reciever on it is ineligable. This is collector car insurance. You must treat it as such. That means again no wheeling. But they will allow you to drive your jeep for pleasure and to and from shows. You cannot use this to go back and forth to work in. Simply pleasure no buisness. If this fits your jeep they offer full coverage up to your regular auto policy. They are a very good insurance company. Nice and easy to deal with. They will require many photos of the vehicle and garage. With your appraisal sheet sent with your application they will write it for that full amount. If you should suffer a "total" loss they will refund you the full amount that you agreed upon at the start of the policy. Most insurance companies allow you to pay as if the vehicle is worth 25,000 dollars but if they can find the same vehicle in similar condition for 12,000 thats what you will get.  Its called agreed actual cash value or something like that. Grundy has low mileage stipulations and pays out the same way. My wife used to work for this company as an agent licensed in 48 states. They dont like to write 4 wheel drives. Simply state it is a show truck and used for pleasure driving on the road. I know everyone will want to shoot me for saying no wheeling but if your not planning to do it, this is probably perfect for you. I can recommend some one to speak with directly if you pm me.