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.”

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!

Physical Damage Coverage for your vehicle while at a HPDE!

Can you believe that the snow and ice are almost gone?  It is time to shake those cobwebs out of your car and get back to the race track!  If you are like most of us, you have spent your weekends during this hard winter prepping your car for the season.  Brakes have been updated, suspension tuned, new helmets and other gear ordered, and now you are ready to hit the pavement.  Are you prepared, though, if you hit the ARMCO?

These days you can’t assume your standard auto insurance covers you for HPDE events.  To double-check, read the fine print of your policy and look for “exclusion” phrases like, “on a surface used for racing,” “at a performance driving event,” or “at a racetrack facility.” The NCM Insurance Agency has teamed up with Lockton Motorsports HPDE Insurance to offer the best available on-track physical damage coverage. Because our events are structured for safety, our participants can purchase affordable Lockton Motorsports HPDE Insurance coverage for their vehicles during HPDE events. You can choose a single-event or multi-event agreed value policy that also covers your vehicle modifications. For your convenience, you can purchase your policy up until 8:00 a.m. on the day of your event. Find their fast and easy online application at locktonmotorsports.com.

You may be asking, what is covered?

• Covers damage to your car when you’re participating in a high-performance driver’s education (HPDE) event.
• Kicks in when you enter the grounds of a race course and ends when you leave the premises.
• You can include one driver in addition to yourself at no additional charge. (You must list their name during the application process.)
• Coverage extends to an official HPDE Instructor driving your car.
• Please note: This coverage does not include liability coverage.

Physical Damage Coverage for your vehicle while at a HPDE!

This coverage isn’t just available for events hosted by the National Corvette Museum or at the NCM Motorsports Park, but any approved organization at an approved track. We can also insure other vehicles besides Corvettes!

Please note:  The NCM Insurance Agency Collector Vehicle Insurance excludes include On-Track Coverage.  Please consider purchasing Lockton Motorsports HPDE Insurance if you plan on using your vehicle on-track.

The National Corvette Museum and the NCM Insurance Agency are proud to introduce a new insurance offering for our customers.  With the NCM Motorsports Park grand opening taking place over Labor Day weekend the NCM Insurance Agency has teamed up with longtime on track insurance provider, Lockton Affinity.



The NCM Insurance Agency is now able to offer On Track Physical Damage Coverage for the vehicles that you wish to use on most tracks across the country.  We protect you where you need it most – the track. As you may know, finding the coverage you need to protect your car during HPDE events can be challenging. The vast majority of auto insurers have changed their policies to exclude coverage for these types of events. We know what you’re looking for when it comes to HPDE insurance, because we’re enthusiasts too. You’ll get the coverage you need to protect yourself during HPDE events – plus, it’s fast and easy and all online.



This insurance policy provides physical damage coverage for your automobile while you are participating in a High-Performance Driver’s Education event. This physical damage coverage will begin when you enter the grounds of a race course and end when you leave the race course premises. Liability coverage is not included in this policy.



We offer a la carte, single-event policies that protect your vehicle while you are participating in an HPDE event – a great solution if you participate in five events or less per year.



For enthusiasts more active in the hobby, we offer annual HPDE insurance policy options that provide coverage at a discounted rate for multiple events in a policy year. Four different options allow you to choose a package that matches your level of activity in HPDE events.



One great advantage of this program is if you are a student taking part in an HPDE then your car is also covered while an instructor is driving your vehicle.  If you are sharing your car with a friend or relative then coverage is extended for one additional driver at no charge.  We will just need to know their name during the application process.



This program is available exclusively at: http://www.ncminsurance.com/hpde.



About NCM Insurance Agency NCM Insurance Agency one of the fastest growing collector car insurance agencies, focuses largely on providing collector car insurance for your Corvette or any other collector car. As part of the National Corvette Museum, our business is Corvettes but the NCM Insurance Agency insures any make or model that is considered a collector car. The National Corvette Museum is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) foundation, located in Bowling Green, KY.

What a great week in Kissimmee, FL!  The NCM Insurance Agency had a great time visiting many existing customers and meeting new ones at NCRS Winter Regionals and while roaming around the MECUM auction.



We have no greater joy than providing the very best collector car insurance and Corvette insurance on the market.  If you have any interest in learning about what we have to offer please feel free to give us a call at 877.678.7626.



Check out our photos, and feel free to share.



MECUM Auctions in Kissimmee, FL:



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NCRS Winter Regionals and Wonderful World of Corvettes:



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Whether you are shopping for a new Corvette or will be driving yours to the upcoming Corvette Funfest event in Effingham, Illinois – we will be ready to take care of your insurance needs Funfest. We are thrilled to be at this year’s 20^th Annual Funfest 2013 event hosted by Mid America Motorworks – September 19-22! There is always a great time planned for those attending the event and it gives us an awesome opportunity to meet current customers and new ones who are looking for collector car coverage. There will be thousands of automotive enthusiasts at the event to enjoy the festivities and we hope you will come by the NCM Insurance Booth to say hello and pick up this year’s collectible and limited edition poster – hot off the press.  The poster is specially designed by our good friend, Sabastian Poole, and is free to everyone we quote at the show! If you have been thinking of shopping for collector car insurance and just haven’t made the move, this is a fun opportunity to take a moment and talk with real car folks about protecting your prized collectible.



NCM Insurance Agent, Adam Boca, will be hosting two seminars called “Properly Insuring Your Corvette, Collector vs. Daily Use Insurance”.  These seminars will be on Friday at 3pm and Saturday at 2pm in location #2.   Funfest is well known for bringing together car folks from all arenas of the Corvette world to take place in seminars, displays and activities. In addition to presentations from many friends of the National Corvette Museum – the event wraps up with a Funfest signature concert by members Bachman & Turner.



While at the event, we can instantly write your insurance policy on the spot and answer any questions you have. Whether you currently own or are planning to purchase a collector car – we can insure just about every make and model!



We pride ourselves on expert coverage, knowledge and customer service – with premiums that will surprise you.  Our office is located within the National Corvette Museum and you will always find an agent and staff member ready to assist you.



Flexible usage, 9 to 5 endorsement, mileage options that allow you to enjoy your collector car, friendly one on one service, and most importantly…agreed values and protection that never changes – plus premium costs that will astound you! Quotes are fast and easy with no obligation so you have nothing to lose by seeing how our agency’s service can help you.



Come by our booth at Corvette Funfest 2013 or give us a call anytime at: 877-678-7626. You can also get a quote online at: www.ncminsurance.com or via our iphone/ipad app designed for customers on the go – www.ncminsurance.com/mobile-app



Check out more information on Corvette Funfest at www.corvettefunfest.com.



See you in Effingham, Illinois – Have a safe trip!

NCM Insurance customers John and Sandra live in the beautiful quaint town in Tennessee and have made several visits to the Museum over the past few years. Originally from Georgia, they moved to Tennessee after John graduated from college in the advertising business. Although he enjoyed the career opportunities this path opened up for him, he was led to work in the real estate business for the South Eastern part of the U.S. Sandra worked for the Social Security Administration – now they are both retired and enjoy life. They have owned two Corvettes in their lives – one of them for over 43 years until recently. They were here in June for the 60^th Anniversary of Corvette festivities held at the Museum – and that is where the real story of these two Corvette enthusiasts begins.  The Bryants are a real life testament to “picking your-self up and moving forward.”

When they set out for Bowling Green, Kentucky to enjoy the event festivities they could hardly contain their excitement because their 1961 was to be showcased as part of the Evolution Display. Although their car never made the display, this story does have a happy ending. After leaving the Museum early into the event to head back to their hotel, they were hit on I-65 in their 1961 Corvette – yes, the one they had owned for 43 years. The accident totaled their car, broke Sandra’s back and caused other medical injuries to both of them. A friend of the NCM Insurance Agency saw the accident and immediately contacted our Insurance Agent, Adam Boca – concerned that they might be customers we insure. Adam immediately left the event to see to their needs, knowing they were not insured by us but were enthusiasts who were here for the event. The staff and volunteers were all concerned and Adam went to check in on behalf of the entire staff.



When Adam arrived on the scene, John and Sandra were definitely in need of help. “It was like he was sent as a safety net to help us,” Sandra told us. “We weren’t even customers of the NCM Insurance Agency – and he wasn’t our agent. He just was there out of the blue to help.” She shared that there is no doubt in her mind that Adam was sent there as a helper and it is the main and specific reason they then chose the NCM Insurance Agency to protect their new purchase – another 1961 Corvette. “If he would do this for a stranger, we knew that taking out insurance with the NCM Insurance Agency was the right choice for our new purchase. We refer everyone we know to Adam and the Museum for coverage now.” John shared with us. “This is customer service over and above and we weren’t even customers – only enthusiasts who came to visit,” he continued to tell us. “This speaks so much about the type of service that the agency and the Museum offers and how they will be there when you need them.”



John and Sandra were insured with a large standard auto company on a stated value policy. It took several months for the claim to be settled, and for payout to be determined. With an agreed value policy there is no depreciation, or fear of not knowing what you will be receiving if you ever total your prized possession.



This story is one that is hard to imagine happening, but it is reality. At any moment we could all be involved in an accident to and from a show or club event. But it is the care and involvement of those around us that can change a bad situation and help make it better. Sandra told us that what happen to them was horrific, but having someone who truly cared about them made the difference in switching to the NCM Insurance Agency on their new collector car purchase. “We will forever be grateful for the care and attention Adam and the Museum gave us, and mostly appreciative for the new friendship we have.”



“We talk about customer service and one on one attention as one of the NCM Insurance Agency’s most important assets, and this story helps us remember that.” Adam shares. “We are thankful the Bryant’s are recovering well and have chosen us to protect their collectible Corvette. But, the important factor in their story is to remember to do the right thing by others – always. That is our motto and we stand by it.”