I have owned collector cars since the 1980s and have used most every collector insurance company that is out there today. Having never had a claim, thank goodness, I only had two ways of evaluating a collector car insurance agency. Price is certainly important, but I have learned not to simply buy on price. The second, and actually the most important thing to evaluate is a bit more complex. That somewhat more subjective thing is service.

Everyone says that they have good service, however I have come to learn that maybe my threshold for good service is somewhat higher than some in what I find acceptable. I learned this first hand a few year ago when I was insured through another company for my collector cars.

I once owned a 1996 Impala Super Sport (yes, the black menacing looking one) and I loved that car. It was one of a very few cars I kept for over 100,000 miles. A few years ago, I decided I wanted another one and found a very low mile perfect example. I bought it and called my collector car insurance company to add it to the policy. The “underwriter” came back and told me that they would not insure a ‘96 Caprice. I politely stated that an Impala SS is certainly very different from a Caprice. I was told that it was no different based upon the VIN. They finally and begrudgingly agreed to add the car, again balking at its stated value, but did it based on our relationship. Well, by now we clearly had differing views on our ‘relationship.’

The next day I phoned the NCM Insurance Agency. Bobbie Jo was the first person I spoke with at NCM. Well, what a difference from the “how can I not help you” person from the other company. Friendly. Knowledgeable. Simply said, a competent person who made me feel that my insurance needs were important to her, too! What a change that was!

Oh, and yes, she immediately and intuitively knew than an Impala SS was different from a Caprice. I completed the paperwork that night, became a customer of NCM Insurance the very next day, and have never looked back! I should add that my premium also went down from what I had been paying. Better, friendlier service, and I was saving money.

As a customer for a few years now I can unequivocally say I have no plans of ever going to another agency, ever! Anytime I need to change a car or have a question, everyone I speak with is helpful, efficient and friendly.

If you own a collector car and are not currently insured through the NCM, I strongly urge each of you to call Adam, Bobbie-Jo, Sharon, or Sam, and discuss your needs with them. I am confident that you will experience the same level of exceptional service that I receive each and every time.

As the owner of Conte’s Corvettes and Classics, I am constantly asked by friends buying their first or another classic car who I suggest for insurance. I smile and simply say, “Do what I do myself, call my friends at NCM.” Most all do, and most go out of their way to let me know that their experience is exactly like mine and thank me for letting them know about NCM. It is just so rewarding to deal with friends who know what they are doing and do it well each and every time. That is what you get from NCM Insurance. Check it out, and I am confident that you too will agree My thanks to the entire team at NCM for being there and for what you do!

Marty Pinder – Owner – Conte’s Corvette Classics

Tropical Storm Barry is still developing, but we want to get ahead of the curve and chaos! This email is going out to ALL customers in Louisiana, regardless if you are in the path or not.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

For NCM Insurance customers who are in the path of this storm, our carrier has made available a relocation expense reimbursement that provides reimbursement for 50% of the temporary relocation costs when moving NCM Insurance protected collector cars to a safer location, subject to a maximum of $200 per collector car and $2,500 per policy. Customers with Claims regarding reimbursement should call (800) 543-2644 or you can submit a claim online at https://www.amig.com/customer/file-a-claim/. Please retain all invoices, receipts and incurred costs with regards to any damage.

If you are unable to relocate your vehicle(s), please take the following steps to insure the vehicle is as prepared as possible:

• Take before photos of your vehicle to show the condition before a disaster strikes.
• Store copies of the registration and insurance documentation in a safe place.
• Place your vehicle(s) on jack stands as high as possible to raise it off of the ground.

Our top priority is offering personal attention to the needs of our customers – in all situations – good and bad. Please let us know if you are affected by the storms and are in harms’ way – and please stay safe.

Here are some great websites to see how Barry develops:

Storm Pulse
Mike’s Weather Page
Weather Channel

It is hard to believe that 10 years ago was the start of the NCM Insurance Agency.  It has been an amazing ride, with MANY MANY ups, and of course, very few downs. 

Over the last 10 years we have insured THOUSANDS, yes THOUSANDS of customers with some amazing vehicles, and it has been an honor!

We are asked quite frequently how we came to be, and we hope you will follow along.

Our management team at the National Corvette Museum was approached by a larger insurance agency about feeding leads (customers) to them.  In return we would obtain a small finder’s fee.  This small seed is what started us down this path.  Wendell Strode, Museum Executive Director, felt that instead of getting a small finder’s fee it would be beneficial to start our own insurance agency.  

I was tasked with the job and embraced it as if it was my own.  Starting with completing the proper credentialing in not only Kentucky, but the other 42 states that we service.  This was not an easy task, but I was up for the challenge. 

We started off with a clean slate, policy zero.  No insurance background what-so-ever, however, because of the relationships we had with our members/donors we felt like it was a natural step for us to take. 

I will never forget day 1 that we made the announcement.  Calls didn’t stop!  I still have the yellow legal pad with the HUNDREDS of names and phone #’s.  We were not prepared, I should say I WAS NOT PREPARED!  I was the only agent that we had, I was the CSR, I was it!  I quickly put a call in to our carrier and asked for help, STAT!  American Modern sent down two to help with the phone and processing quotes/policies.  They were coming in quicker than we could handle!

Over the course of the next couple years we would continue to fine tune the process to make the journey for our customers easy and help provide the best possible experience for our customers. 

Part of the “best possible experience” was to hire a Customer Service Rep.  In April of 2012 I was able to bring Bobbie Jo Lee back into the NCM.  She had ventured away to follow her husband, Darrell, as they embarked on a new career which took them to Arizona.  A short time after they left, they found themselves back in Bowling Green, and I knew that she would be perfect for this position.    Perfect she was!  She has this inherent sense of compassion that makes people feel at ease.  Within a year she moved from a CSR to an agent, and we have never looked back! 

We plugged away for the next couple of years continuing to hone the process.  We were quickly becoming one of the top agencies for our carrier.  Calls were not slowing down, and because of this, we were servicing more and more customers.  Because of this, our customers were waiting on hold, our responses were short, and our quality was suffering.  It was time to hire and move from our small 11×14 office to a legitimate office, what I have dubbed the “NCM Insurance Agency WORLD Headquarters!” 

With the blessing of our management we were fortunate to move into the lobby of the National Corvette Museum and build an amazing storefront!  We also were able to hire Jeff Forsythe and Sharon Smith.  Jeff was freshly retired from the police department in Sheridan, Wyoming and Sharon was in banking. 

Sharon and her husband were customers from 2011, and local to Bowling Green.  I attended church with her, and both Chris and Sharon taught Sunday School to my daughter, Gracelyn.  While at a local Cars & Coffee one morning I mentioned that we were looking for a CSR and Chris’s ears perked up.  Sharon is the one that makes sure that our i’s are dotted, and t’s are crossed.  Sharon is now a licensed Agent and she keeps us compliant and consistent!  We really need this!

Jeff is a car guy, passionate about talking cars to customers.  He wasn’t too sure about this insurance role, but did a great job working with our customers.  Eventually, another position opened in our security department and he moved to that.  We then hired Sam Milam.

Sam had a couple years in the insurance industry and provided some great insight into the standard auto world to our customers.  He is super cool under pressure, and nothing seems to faze him!  We are thoroughly enjoying watching him go from engaged to married to his wife, Jasmine, and he is about to be a dad to little girl.  We love seeing our team and their families grow! 

This team is amazing!  They are rock stars!  They hear your stories about your cars, they  hear why your car is important to you…They have heard the memories that you and your loved ones have shared with your car….They have helped you through the claim process….They have been yelled at, but they have also consoled you when a loved one has passed.  They are the best in the business, and I am proud to work with them. 

None of this would have been possible without you, our customer.  Regardless if you have a single vehicle policy with us or one with hundreds of cars we value your relationship the same.  We are honored and humbled to be your choice to insure your prized possession.  

I often remind customers that feel like we are just in the money-making business that the #1 reason insurance was created is to PAY COVERED CLAIMS!  We are fortunate to travel the country to many car shows throughout the year, and we hear your stories about how you were satisfied with the claims process.  We get no greater joy when we hear or read this.    

To our current, past and future customer, thank you!  The last 10 years have been amazing, and it is all because of YOU!

Hello Fellow Car Lovers,

My name is Jim Fox. My cars’ license plates are CFOXGO and CFOXRUN. When your name is Fox you have a lot of cool options! I own a 1970 Corvette (Bridgehampton Blue, BB, 4-speed, NCRS Top Flight) and a 1970 El Camino (Fathom Blue, SS 396). Yes, my favorite color is blue and I seem to be stuck in the 70’s. Love my cars. Love driving them. Love talking about them. Love sitting in the garage looking at them. Who’s with me?

I own a business called Fox & Associates Mystery Shopper Service. I get paid to send ‘mystery shoppers’ into all types of businesses to anonymously evaluate customer service. Yes, there are legitimate businesses that do that! AND, there are a lot of scams out there, but that’s another story.

Because of the type of business I’m in, I’m very attuned to customer service, even in my every day travels. If I come across someone who is providing excellent customer service, I feel compelled to let them know they are doing a good job. A lot of businesses only hear feedback when they are doing a bad job.

“A happy customer tells two or three friends. An unhappy customer tells everyone they know.” That little slogan right there is what bought me that Corvette and El Camino!  LOL

I’ve been a customer of NCM Insurance Agency for many years. And even though I only speak to them on the phone once every year or so, I feel like when I do speak to them, they know who I am and are interested in the reason I am calling. The couple of times I have had questions or needed to file a claim, they have bent over backwards and given me 110% of their effort. I even get the feeling they love my cars as much as I do!

Now this is pretty high praise and I RARELY beat the drum this loudly, but it’s all true. I HATE to give referrals and rarely do whether it’s a painter, plumber or mechanic. I feel responsible if I give a referral and something goes wrong. The highest compliment I can give any business is to give them a referral. I’m happy to say I’ve referred a lot of my car friends to NCM Insurance Agency.

Sincerely,

Jim Fox

Those of you on the Gulf Coast who are in the path of this Hurricane have most likely been through a similar experience before so hopefully you have put your emergency plan into action. That plan should also include what to do about your Corvettes or other collector vehicles. To that end, the NCM Insurance Agency offers relocation reimbursement that provides 50% of the relocation costs, up to $200 per collector car.

Last year during Hurricane Irma, many customers moved their collector cars to a multi-story concrete public parking facility that would protect the cars from wind damage and the risk of being caught in a flood. If you can get into a garage and park several floors up in the interior, you should move your cars today or first thing in the morning at the very latest.

For NCM Insurance customers who are in the path of this storm, our carrier has made available a relocation expense reimbursement that provides reimbursement for 50% of the temporary relocation costs when moving NCM Insurance protected collector cars to a safer location, subject to a maximum of $200 per collector car and $2,500 per policy. Claims regarding reimbursement should call (800) 543-2644 or can submit their claim online at https://www.amig.com/customer/file-a-claim/. Please retain all invoices, receipts and incurred costs with regards to any damage.

If you are unable to relocate your vehicle(s), please take the following steps to insure the vehicle is as prepared as possible:

• Take before photos of your vehicle to show the condition before a disaster strikes.
• Store copies of the registration and insurance documentation in a safe place.
• Place your vehicle(s) on jack stands as high as possible to raise it off of the ground.
• Our top priority is offering personal attention to the needs of our customers – in all situations – good and bad. Please let us know if you are affected by the storms and are in harms’ way – and please stay safe.

Important Contact Information:

Agency Phone #: 877.678.7626
Claim Phone #: 800.543.2644
Claim Website: Click Here
Good luck and stay safe!

Every once in a while, you get an opportunity that you have to jump at. This opportunity for me happened on Monday when I received an out of the blue phone call from someone a couple miles from me. I was a referral to potentially provide guidance on a “Barn Find.” When I spoke with the person handling the removal of property from a client’s rental home she didn’t tell me much, except that she had a unique vehicle that had to be gone in 4 days. I didn’t expect to end up owning this vehicle, but fate put it in my lap.

I hurried out of the office and made my way downtown near Western Kentucky University. The house was a rental house for fraternity brothers. I am sure the walls of that house can tell many stories! Underneath the house was a sealed-up garage, and had been padlocked many times over to prevent tenants from getting into the garage. The house was partially dilapidated, with the typical college after life. The house was being cleaned up for sale, and all contents had to come out, including the car.

When I arrived, the garage was open. A large A/C unit was blocking the rear of the car, but the distinctive Ferrari rear end and tail lights were glaring at me. My palms got sweaty, my heart was beating and I knew that this was a cool find! The iconic Ferrari 308 GTSi from 1984.

This isn’t one of those perfect Barn Finds that needs nothing, and at first glance it didn’t look too terrible. The rear end was in pretty good shape, the passenger side looked clean. Looking inside I was amazed that the seats, dash, instrument panel, etc was all there and it was nice once you get past the years of dirt, dust and grime.

As I looked at the front my heart sank!  The front bumper, lower valance, wheel vent on the front and passenger headlight was missing. Down the driver’s side showed this car was involved in a minor fender bender and just left as it was. This car once was a premier sports car and when everyone sees it they have flashbacks to Magnum PI. This is the car that many of us had posters of on our walls.

I took many pictures and let the lady know I would ask around to see if anyone wanted to buy it. I thought and thought about this car throughout the day, and knew it had to be mine. After talking with several friends who know these cars, my wife, and others I made an offer. Right at 24 hours after seeing the car I can say that I am a Ferrari owner! That is strange to say to be honest.

The car is a 2-owner car with 29,000 miles. It was purchased by the second owner in 1985 and it led a less than perfect life. Late night rides and being put away wet were part of this cars story. After just 12 years of driving, 1997, the owners decided to park it. Many college parties above it and the dust/debris took its toll. Yesterday, 21 years later, the car was given a much-needed bath. This car will take some time to repair. I am not quite sure that that will be under my care, or the next persons. Regardless, she was happy to see the sun, and I am sure she will be excited when she is fired up for the first time in a long time!

These barn finds still exist, and who knows when you may get that call…Will you jump on it?

Sharon hanging out in Lakeland, FL for the NCRS Winter Regional’s

Over the next year we will be posting more blogs and updates on a more consistent basis. We have, honestly, been a bit busy here in the office.  Since we are a small office of four agents, we want to give you a little more insight to who we are individually with our Agent Spotlight.

Our first spotlight is Sharon Smith.  I have known Sharon and her husband for several years through Church where she and Chris were teaching Sunday School.  We were fortunate to have them teach my daughter, Gracelyn.  I didn’t realize at the time that they were into the car hobby, and once I found out I was excited!  Eventually, they purchased insurance from us for their Corvette and a Datsun they once owned.  One Saturday I saw Chris at the local Cars & Coffee, I mentioned to him that we were looking for a Customer Service Rep.  It must have been the right time for them, and soon after Sharon submitted her resume.  After she interviewed for the job we knew she was the person we were looking for.

This is the 1965 Corvette when Chris and Sharon first bought it.

Sharon has been with us since July of 2016, and has been awesome to have in the office.  She keeps us in check with making sure that we are consistent in our process, and really enjoys connecting with our customers.  Sharon transitioned from a Customer Service Rep to an Agent in June of 2017.  Sharon is a native of Bowling Green and has lived here most of her life. One thing you may find interesting is Sharon was a Professional Bowler!  She still bowls in a league and competes in a few tournaments each year. Sharon has worked in customer service for about 20 years, primarily in the medical and banking fields. She and her husband, Chris, have been car enthusiasts for many years, owning a 1965 Corvette for four years and have completed a major restoration on it, AND they just bought a 2006 Convertible Corvette.  We asked Sharon to fill us in on their adventures with their Corvettes.

“Chris and I bought our 65 Corvette in the summer of 2012 from Chris’s ex-stepfather, Jeff.  Jeff purchased the car from his sister and brother-in-law in 1982, and drove the car regularly throughout the 80’s and 90’s until he parked it.  He was planning to restore the car, but we all know that priorities get in the way.  Naturally, Jeff decided to sell the car.  Jeff and his sister had an agreement that if he were to ever sell the car, that she would get first dibs.  For some reason, she didn’t want the car, so he asked other family members if they wanted to buy it.  Chris fell in love with the car at age 12.  Although he had only driven it one time, he had so many wonderful memories of riding in it to the National Corvette Homecoming at Beech Bend, the ball field, or even just to the store.

Jeff offered to sell it to us and I told him yes even before asking Chris if he wanted it.  I knew how much he loved the car and I knew he would always regret it if we didn’t buy it.  The car had been sitting under a tree for over 10 years so it was in rough shape.  With the help of a friend that owned a body shop and his current stepfather, we got it running again!  We have repaired the body and interior so far.  We put a crate motor in it last year and really enjoy taking it for a drive on nice days, going to our local cruise-ins, and events at the museum.

Chris and Sharon’s 2006 Corvette

Corvettes have been a passion for Chris and I for many years and since coming to work at the NCM Insurance Agency, they have a special place in my heart.  We are now fortunate to be a two Corvette family!

NCM Insurance is pleased to announce the addition of our newest Team Member and Agent – Sam Milam!

Sam is excited about joining our team and says “Living in Bowling Green, you are raised on two things, hot rods and Corvettes. Everyone in Bowling Green dreams of one day owning a Corvette of their own. For me, owning a Corvette out of college was not practical, so I wanted the next best option. That option was working for the National Corvette Museum.”

Sam graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Marketing.  Shortly after graduating he accepted a job as an insurance agent at a local agency.  After learning the ropes he had the opportunity to fulfill his dream of working with us at the National Corvette Museum.

Sam will use his background to provide our customers with unparalleled service.  Sam is a licensed Property Casualty Agent and can assist with quotes, binding policies, policy changes, and many of the needs our customer have.

Sam shares, “I’m excited and looking forward to growing with this already successful and established agency”. If you call-in or see me at a show make sure to say hi and GO TOPS!”

Feel free to welcome Sam to the team when you speak to him! He is a great addition and we know you will enjoy his service.

Since 2009, NCM Insurance Agency has been protecting both historic and new collector cars while supporting the National Corvette Museum. And today, with the help of Van Meter Insurance, homes, autos, boats, businesses and more can also be covered.

Van Meter Insurance has been the insurance provider for the National Corvette Museum for over 20 years and was instrumental in getting the Museum back on its feet during the aftermath of the February 12, 2014 international news-making sinkhole.

“Most policies don’t automatically include sinkhole coverage. We had the best policy we could possibly have. The sinkhole was covered, the eight Corvettes that had fallen in were all covered,” said Wendell Strode, Executive Director at the National Corvette Museum. “Van Meter was involved in every aspect, stayed with us, and advised us every step of the way. No one worked harder to help us understand what we needed. I don’t know what else they could have done over and above what they did for the National Corvette Museum.”

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The level of customer service that the Museum experienced led to a partnership between NCM Insurance and Van Meter Insurance. With both agencies sharing common objectives in looking to protect the assets of clients while delivering superior service, it was a natural fit to begin offering insurance through Van Meter beyond the collector car policies that NCM Insurance Agency has offered for the past eight years.

“Our goal is to work with collector car enthusiasts that have an established relationship with the NCM Insurance team and give them peace of mind that the Van Meter Insurance team is here to protect all of their other cars, homes, businesses, boats and everything in between,” explained Chris Wiseman of Van Meter Insurance.

Van Meter Insurance has been protecting families and their assets since 1974 and is ranked in the Top 30 agencies across the country. Owned by Houchens Industries, the largest ESOP in the country, Van Meter will give back to the National Corvette Museum for each policy written. Learn more about the partnership, coverages and services offered at NCMChoice.com.

Hard to believe that another Lone Star Classic has come and gone. This is a great event and is put on by our good friends from the Lone Star Corvette Club. LSCC is the largest individual Corvette club in the country with over 1000 members.  The event is 100% volunteer driven, and they strive hard to make sure that every participant walks away with a smile.

We enjoyed meeting many of our existing customer that have Corvette Insurance through us.  We met many new friends that didn’t know the National Corvette Museum had a Collector Vehicle Insurance Agency.  Many were very pleased that we offered Agreed Value Insurance and On Track Physical Damage Insurance for HPDEs.

Each year they host a special display of cars, and this year was the Z06 display. They worked hard to get one Z06 from every year in production. The 1963 Z06 was a very hard year to obtain as only 199 total Z06s were produced, but the National Corvette Museum just happened to own one! Our car was generously donated to us by the late Leon Hurd. This car is very unique and rare as being one of the 6 cars sent to race teams to race, and part of the infamous back door program at GM. These 6 cars were produced at the assembly plant and then sent to Chevrolet engineering to be readied to race. Grady Davis of Gulf Oil was selected to purchase this car and run along-side Gulf Oil 1. Gulf Oil 1 and our car, Gulf Oil 2, ran the infamous 12 Hours of Sebring.

The event started on Friday with autocross in a parking lot at Texas Motor Speedway. While the autocross was happening, event registration and vendors were setting up inside the ballroom. Along with the NCM Insurance Agency the Museum store brings many of the shirts, hats, etc to sell to the participants. There was also a silent auction and some seminars covering a variety of topics. The day rounded down and the participants gather back at the Texas Motor Speedway infield for a parade lap of the high bank oval, a ride through the countryside sponsored by the NCM Insurance Agency, and then off to dinner at the Circle R Ranch. The ranch is a neat event venue that handled the 4 miles of Corvettes from every generation well, plus the TX style BBQ is spot on! Besides the scenery of cars the sunset was awesome!

Saturday started early for the show participants getting their cars ready to be judged. As I was getting ready in my room I could hear cars firing up and heading over before 6am. They wanted to look their best to compete for the many awards from the VIP picks, participant choice, Class awards, and the coveted Best of Show. I was asked to pick my favorite car, and I found this awesome 2014 Stingray Coupe, in Torch Red , lack wheels and great looking aero package! I told the winner that I have a love affair with red cars with black accents!

We unloaded our 1963 Z06 outside the gates and fired her up. The sound of a race prepared Z06 is something that needs to be enjoyed! (Check out this video of the Z06 coming out of the National Corvette Museum.)  We pulled in to a crowd of onlookers excited to hear this beast and see this beast run! After placing the car in its position we were off to get our booths setup to welcome the crowds! We had a great day, introducing people to the National Corvette Museum and our agency. We also enjoyed meeting many of our members and customers!

One of the neatest cars on display was the 1969 “Astrovette” that Alan Bean drove when he returned from his Apollo 12 Mission.  You can read more about this very significant Corvette over at CorvetteBlogger.

After the show is over we pack all of our stuff up and head over to the banquet. We pulled the Z06 onto the banquet floor for display, and she looked great!

The banquet started with much fanfare, with a great meal and great company. We were fortunate to be seated with our good friend, Doug Fehan of Corvette Racing. He was the guest speaker for the night. He talked about his career with General Motors and how he achieved the top seat in the racing program. He also talked about The 24 Hours of LeMans and what it takes to get there. His enthusiasm for the brand is contagious. If you aren’t a Corvette Racing fan, you will be after hearing Doug talk.

Once Doug was finished we quickly made our segway into the Live Auction which brings out great Corvette Memorabilia and the usual gag gifts. We brought several banners that hung in or around the Museum, a front fascia from the Corvette C7.R, etc. Thousands of dollars are raised for several non-profit organizations, including the National Corvette Museum.

The evening concluded with the long awaited awards ceremony. Club members cheered for their friends as they won many of the awards of the night.

The event was a fantastic time, put on by a fantastic group of volunteers. They work all year to make sure that everyone has a great time. We cannot thank the Lone Star Corvette Club enough for their hospitality and the generosity they have towards the National Corvette Museum and the NCM Insurance Agency. I would encourage anyone who can to visit this show. You won’t be disappointed!