There’s a certain dynamic about owning and driving a classic musclecar. The nicer the car, the more nervous you are on the road. For many owners, there’s only so nice a car can be until it’s relegated to “trailer queen” status — never to see the open road, save for car show cruises.

That’s no way for a musclecar to spend its life! These machines were meant to be driven, and particularly if you’ve got a clean one, why hide it away when it’s meant to be seen? Instead of being paranoid, let’s talk about how you can manage an accident if one does happen.

Standard Crash Procedure

The most common accident is getting hit from behind. Check to make sure no one is hurt, contact the police, trade insurance information and then begin gathering the necessary info for a claim. Some insurers even provide handy phone apps that will walk you through the process.

Get Checked Out

Even if you think the accident was too minor to cause injuries, there are major forces at play when two vehicles collide. If you’ve sustained a head or spine injury, the symptoms may not manifest until long after the crash. Only a doctor can accurately assess your condition.

It’s also wise to get checked out because if you do have to file a claim, most insurers will require you to submit medical records within 72 hours of the crash to receive the maximum claim. While you can still get help with injuries if you submit later, in the off-chance that an injury is serious, you’ll be grateful for the extra help.

Consider Classic Insurance

Many insurers specialize in classic cars. You’ve probably seen the Haggerty ads that occupy half the commercial time during Barrett-Jackson auctions. They’re there for good reason, and can help get your classic back in shape if someone hits you.

This type of insurance covers the collectible value of your car, which conventional insurance won’t do. It will cost you a little more than your typical car insurance policy, but if you’ve really got something worth preserving, it’s a no-brainer.