I wanted to put this in a new thread, as there are some things I want to start fresh with. In case anyone missed the original thread, it is
Insurance information straight from the source!
Thanks everyone for keeping the thread clean. I really appreciate it. I think we can beat the subject to death, but it won't change anything for anyone unless we DO SOMETHING about it.
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting DV yesterday at his shop, and we had some great discussions about insurance, Cobras, DVSFIII and cars in general. Thank you so much DV for showing me around and taking time from your schedule.
DV and I discussed when would be a good time to invite the marketing rep from my insurance company to come out and meet everyone. I will let DV point out which times are best, but we certainly agree that only certain times would be good. But I still believe it would be a good opportunity for her to understand that we are good people and responsible drivers, and we should get insurance.
One idea DV brought up, which I love, is the idea of creating some kind of group or organization, which will "certify" Cobras and their drivers. We talked about the NSRA organization for street rods where they must pass a 23 (?) point inspection by a certified mechanic to get the sticker. As one of the concerns of insurance companies is that they are worried about home builds, wouldn't it be a good idea for us to come up with some kind of way of certifying that our cars are well assembled and not some backyard expirement? What I would propose (these are ideas given to me by DV) is that anyone who wants their car certified must have it inspected by a Cobra builder, or if one isn't local or convenient, an ASE certified professional mechanic. There would be a standard checklist of items for the mechanic to look for, in case they aren't familiar with Cobras. The checklist would have to be written by builders who know EXACTLY what to look for. Check steering, brakes, suspension, critical build points, etc... This would give some type of standard to help prove that the car is well built. The list would be mandatory for membership, and NO exceptions would be made for anyone. Understandably, due to liability concerns, we wouldn't ask the Cobra manufacturers to officially participate in the program at all, we need to run this on our own. But I would hope that once we get established, we could ask for their verbal and moral support.
As a further step, the group would sort of watch out for each other. In no way would I suggest this group should be a Nazi strict organization, but a pledge to drive responsibly (i.e. don't street race, go 100 mph in a 35 mph zone, etc...). Yes, of course we can, and damn well should, have a blast driving our cars, but do it with some common sense. Perhaps even having a place to list high performance driving experience and/or Cobra driving school/racing experience in our membership.
I know this sounds like a lot to do, and sounds complicated. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But I do know that if we don't do something, our troubles may only get worse. I love driving my Cobra too much to stand by and just watch this. If I'm going down, I'm going down swinging.
Can you see where this whole problem might be leading? If insurance becomes difficult or nearly impossible, to get, people will stop buying new kits. Those with current kits will want to unload them since they can't drive them. What will happen to the Cobra market?? And it WON'T be the fault of the insurance companies, it will be OUR fault. (Please lets' not start an argument with that comment, it is just plain reality).
I would propose to make it as simple and easy as possible. My favorite philosophy...K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. I think it can be done with no (or very very minimal) membership fee, and no "meetings" or anything unless we wanted to. This would also take time, so we would have to stick with it. I think we'd have to organize the group, get people signed up, drive responsibly, then be able to go to the insurance companies and say "Hey, here we are. Our cars have been inspected to ensure quality build, and we have shown and pledged that we are responsible drivers and watch out for each other". If we get this going, I will certainly be a volunteer to be in communication with the insurance companies, since I work for one. I would just notify them at the start that we are organizing a club and explain what it is about. I wouldn't ask them for anything right away, just invite them to see what we are doing and watch what happens. It can't hurt to try. I truly believe it will work. Why do you think those applications for classic car insurance ask if you are a member of any clubs? For reasons exactly like this. Many insurance companies recognize and respect these clubs. I know this for a fact because a few of the underwriters mentioned to me that it bothers them when someone says they are a club member and they aren't. I think this is because they see these clubs as organized owners with common interests, goals and responsibilities. Corvettes are known for these type of owners groups. So why on earth can't we have a Cobra group for the same thing? Don't tell me 'Vette owners are better than we are!
I hope there will not only be initial support for this idea, but it is something that people will need to commit to and stick with. I see no reason people can't commit to it, you won't really have to do anything except get your car certified, drive smartly, and if you want attend a driving school (which is more fun than you can imagine).
I've been rambling on here, so I'll shut up now. It's your call. These are your cars (and mine too), it's your decision. Thanks for your consideration. Anyone else on board with me?
Steve