Should We Tax Antique Cars From The Streets?
I just read on Classic Car Insurance Reviews an article was posted discussing the need for a specific tax against classic and collectible vehicles. The argument was made that these cars are offensive gas hogs and add to the air pollution problem. A classic Corvette for example gets 8 miles to the gallon and burns gas without the benefit of a catalytic converter and uses an air-breathing carburetor. Needless to say it’s obvious why these cars would be the target of the environmentalists.
But I think there is little to fear from this type of vehicle. The percentage of vintage cars on the road is small. These cars are also typically owned as second or third cars and only see the road in perfect weather conditions. They are driven by collectors who can afford to have a “toy” car, which means usually mature adults. Most of these owners either maintain their cars themselves or regularly have them serviced to keep them in good condition.
Classic car insurance is typically cheaper than standard car insurance. In order to offer these lower premiums the car insurance companies put restrictions on use of these vehicles. These restrictions go a long way to minimizing the impact of these cars on the environment. For example most of these cars are limited to a maximum of 3,000 miles a year in order to qualify for the lower priced premiums.
While I understand the frenzy of paranoia that has come about because of the gas price crisis in the case of collector cars it is unnecessary. There just is not enough of a presence on the radar for these vehicles. Their footprint is tiny compared to the gas guzzling Sport Utility Vehicles and Minivans that we all drive on a daily basis.
One day the United States is going to have to face their addiction to oil head on. Conversion to alternative fuel sources and conservation are going to be the watchwords of the day. I think once we as a nation accept that our sense of panic will subside. And we can go back and drive our cars in peace.
Written by Steve Evans on June 28th, 2008 with
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