Insuring an armored vehicle requires special considerations. Here is what you need to know to protect your investment properly.

The Unique Challenge of Armored Vehicle Insurance

Standard auto insurance policies are designed for standard vehicles. Your armored vehicle presents unique factors:


  • Higher Value: The armoring investment significantly increases vehicle value

  • Specialized Repairs: Damage requires specialist attention

  • Limited Comparables: Adjusters may not understand armored vehicle values

  • Replacement Complexity: Finding equivalent replacement takes time

Understanding these factors helps you secure appropriate coverage.

Types of Coverage You Need

Comprehensive Coverage

This covers non-collision damage: theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters. Critical for armored vehicles because:


  • Theft of these vehicles does occur

  • Fire damage to armoring components is expensive to repair

  • Weather damage can affect seals and systems

Ensure your comprehensive coverage reflects full replacement value.

Collision Coverage

Covers damage from accidents. Special considerations:


  • Armored vehicles are heavier and may cause more damage to other vehicles

  • Repair costs are significantly higher than standard vehicles

  • Some body shops cannot work on armored vehicles

Make sure collision limits reflect actual repair costs.

Liability Coverage

Protects you from claims by others. Consider:


  • Higher weight means more potential damage in accidents

  • Injuries to others may be more severe

  • Adequate liability limits are essential

We recommend significant liability coverage for armored vehicle owners.

Gap Coverage

If your vehicle is financed, gap coverage is important:


  • Standard policies pay actual cash value at time of loss

  • This may be less than what you owe

  • Gap coverage pays the difference

  • Especially important for new armored vehicles

Valuation Methods

How your vehicle is valued affects your coverage:

Stated Value: You and the insurer agree on a value upfront. Provides certainty but may require documentation.

Agreed Value: Similar to stated value, with formal agreement. Often best for specialty vehicles.

Actual Cash Value (ACV): Market value at time of loss. Can be problematic because:


  • Adjusters may not understand armoring value

  • Comparable sales may not exist

  • Depreciation calculations vary

We recommend agreed value policies for armored vehicles.

Documentation Is Essential

Maintain thorough documentation:


  • Original purchase invoice for base vehicle

  • Detailed armoring invoice with itemized costs

  • Certification documentation

  • Photos of the completed vehicle

  • Appraisal from a qualified expert

  • Maintenance and service records

This documentation protects you if you need to make a claim.

Finding the Right Insurer

Not all insurance companies understand armored vehicles:

Specialty Insurers: Companies that focus on high-value and specialty vehicles often provide better coverage and service.

Agreed Value Specialists: Look for insurers experienced with agreed-value policies.

International Coverage: If you travel internationally, ensure your policy covers you in all regions.

Questions to Ask:


  • Do you have experience insuring armored vehicles?

  • Can we establish an agreed value?

  • How are claims on armored vehicles handled?

  • Do you have relationships with armored vehicle repair facilities?

  • What documentation do you need?

What to Expect Costwise

Armored vehicle insurance costs more than standard coverage:


  • Premiums are based on vehicle value

  • Higher value means higher premiums

  • Comprehensive coverage is particularly important

  • Liability costs may increase due to vehicle weight

Budget appropriately for insurance when planning your armored vehicle purchase.

Claims Process Considerations

If you need to file a claim:

1. Document everything: Photos, police reports, witness information
2. Contact your armoring company: We can provide technical documentation
3. Use approved repair facilities: Improper repairs compromise protection
4. Be prepared for longer timelines: Specialty repairs take time
5. Know your coverage: Understand your policy before you need it

Our Recommendations

At Protecto Glass, we recommend:


  • Agreed value coverage reflecting full armoring investment

  • Comprehensive limits equal to full vehicle value

  • High liability limits ($1M+ recommended)

  • Gap coverage if financed

  • Uninsured motorist coverage

  • Working with specialty insurers

Conclusion

Proper insurance protects your significant investment in safety. Take time to find the right coverage with an insurer who understands armored vehicles.

We are happy to provide documentation and connect you with insurance specialists who work with our clients. Contact us for assistance.