Daily Driver - Is it Realistic & What About Insurance

I'm shopping for a VS speedster (probably used), but I'd really like something I can use as a daily driver.

I live in So Cal and only live about 5 miles from work.

So...
1) Is it realistic to think a VS or some other replica will be reliable enough?
2) Most companies I've talked to will only offer weekend driver coverage-- Is there any company that will cover it as a daily driver? (and if you have an idea of cost, bonus!)

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the experience drivers helping us rookies.

Cheers,
Scott

"Musbjim" has almost 80,000km on his speedster as a daily driver.

Others here will have the definitive answers -- like MUSBJIM for example. Surely he will chime in. But I think the short answer is yes, yes, yes. I belive you can get a reliable Speedster for your short every day commute, and will be the envy of all who know you. These are basically VWs, and if you do not get all serious about maximum HP and tearing around at twice the speed limit all the time, w/ an engine maxed out for cc's, then you can be very happy. SoCal weather figures in greatly on this assessment. Many there drive their cars all the time, and insurance can be had for that, no doubt.

Since you have not quite got your fanny in one, I can't really say "Welcome to the madness!", but then again, why not? WTTM!!

Reliable yes. Insurance companies like the idea? Not so much. See if Infinity is in CA and doing classic car. They offer the commuting endorsement. Progressive might do so as well. This is important if you plan to have "Agreed Value coverage".

Here's a beauty: http://speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=20455
(It began as a post from a year ago so scroll down to the bottom)

Geico insures mine. No restrictions.

Get a glaspar top for it and you be warm and dry all year.. I thought about a second speedy that way for a while then i got the 550 fasback gullwing ich

Scott - FWIW, my '95 VS (which I've owned since '97) is a daily driver and I've logged 130,000Km/80,000 relatively trouble-free miles and still counting. Running 1845cc w/dual Kadrons & 3:88 trans.

My wife & I love road trips in our Speedy (throughout Calif, Oregon, AZ and Colorado)!

GO FOR IT!

I'd pull the carpet out. I had my top and windows on and you can stuff a golf ball through some of the holes. The worst seem to be where the windshield meets at the bottom.

Given your location and short commute, I think you would do just fine with a Speedster. As Kelly said, don't go extreme with the engine and you'll be fine as long as you don't expect too much in he way of modern creature comforts. Also as Kelly said, Welcome to the Madness!

Wow. Thanks everyone! Great information!

@Barry I will definitely look into the glaspar top. Do you know if they fit Vintage Speedsters' dimensions? Total rookie here.

Jim,

I've been watching your videos, looks so fun. And your ride is top notch. Really, really nice man. Cheers.

My car is a daily driver. But I only live 1.5 miles from the office and anywhere else I need to be isn't much further. I had a meeting north of DC and drive it down. I would not drive this car daily I had to commute in the 6 lane wide highways. Never that safe in the rain, hard enough to see with the top up when it is dry. Windows fog up something serious. I've put close to 40,000 miles on my car in
3 1/2 years. It's taken me a good two years to work out most of the kinks. Problem is I didn't know there was a problem until alongside the road usually not close to home. I drive to Atlanta and Florida in the car twice a year.

Insurance, well... It's insured as a 69 vw type 1. So basically I'm cool I a cop pulls me over, never mind trying to get my money back I should waste the car.

Paul. Sent you an email, check your Spam folder if you don't see it.

I need to stop posting using my phone. I sound Like the decklid has fallen onto my head one to many times.

The Volkszone offers INS .
(no feedback)
They offer track coverage too

http://www.volkszoneinsurance.com/

They seem to be in England. It's nice that they specialize in VWs though.

Basically a vw, reliable, cheap parts, good on gas....no reason not to use it daily, except weather, but in Southern Califorina you are "good to go" 330 days per year. You might have to shop a little in the insurance department, but someone will insure it. I ended up moving my other car with the new VS from Mercury over to State Farm for "stated value" of $25K + no driving restrictions for a good price. If you want the name of my guy, email me.

Steven, You may not be aware of it, but in a "stated value" policy, the stated value is actually used only to determine the premium level. Higher value = higher premiums. In the event of a claim, the contract lanuage allows the insurer to set an actual cash value instead of paying the stated amount as the insured party was given to believe. If your car is registered as a '61 VW, you certainly won't get $25K in event of a total.

On the other hand, an "agreed value" policy establishes the value of the car, and is accepted as the best position for owners of replicas, classics, hot rods, etc. This is the only type of coverage that guarantees owners will be paid in full in event of a total loss, as the value is not depreciated over time.

You may want to discuss the above with your insurance agent.

Scott, these cars are awesome and if you're only driving 5 to 7 miles to work then of course you could drive this everyday... and look cool too in Manhat beach too... come join us too we need to brake you in on one of our local rides here....