Under the Hood with David Murphy

Brokers are backed by a local team that understands the market and passion behind every collector vehicle.

Let’s take a look under the hood and spotlight the people behind Hagerty Canada who support our broker partners every day from coast to coast. From underwriting and claims to sales and service, these are the experts who live and work in Canada, bringing local knowledge, practical insight, and a true partnership mindset to every broker interaction.

This month, we’re connecting with David Murphy, Event Coordinator for Hagerty Canada, who shares what meaningful broker partnership looks like, how brokers successfully position collector vehicle coverage, and what he wants brokers to remember about working with Hagerty.

Meet David

• Role: Event Coordinator
• Department: Events Canada
• Location: Orangeville, Ontario
• Years with Hagerty: 3 months
• Favourite Car: Bill Mitchell personal luxury coupes, including the 1963 Buick Riviera, 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado, and 1967 Cadillac Eldorado

Under the Hood

When asked about his favourite car, David jokes that it is the worst question known to a car enthusiast. Still, his appreciation for these iconic coupes reflects what many Hagerty clients value: design, history, and emotional connection, not just transportation.

Why this matters for brokers: Collector vehicles are driven by passion, not practicality. When brokers lead with that understanding, conversations naturally shift away from price and toward value, which supports stronger retention and deeper client relationships.

Building Strong Broker Partnerships

For David, strong broker partnerships come from shared experiences. He emphasizes the importance of getting out to classic car shows and events together and working side by side to engage clients and fellow enthusiasts.

These environments create a different kind of interaction. Instead of transactional conversations, brokers can connect with clients in a setting where enthusiasm leads.

What this means for brokers:

• Conversations feel more natural and less sales driven
• Clients are more open to sharing details about their vehicles
• Brokers can position themselves as part of the enthusiast community

This is where brokers can truly differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

Bringing the Hagerty Brand to Life

David’s role focuses on creating engaging experiences across Canada that bring the Hagerty brand to life. For him, it is about promoting Hagerty while connecting with clients and fellow enthusiasts in a way that feels authentic, all while enjoying the same passion for cars.

That authenticity matters.

For brokers, that translates into:

• Increased client trust through real world engagement
• More confidence when recommending Hagerty
• Stronger loyalty built through shared experiences

When clients experience the brand firsthand, conversations about coverage become easier and more meaningful.

Growing the Next Generation of Collectors

David often sees the misconception that collector car events are geared only toward an older demographic. In reality, Hagerty is actively working to bring the next generation into the hobby.

This includes supporting youth initiatives and recognizing the growing popularity of vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s.

Why this matters for brokers:

• A shifting demographic creates new growth opportunities
• Younger collectors often represent long term client value
• More vehicles and evolving tastes expand what qualifies as a collector car

Brokers who recognize this shift can better position Hagerty and identify new opportunities within their existing book.

Supporting Canadian Clients

David and the events team are focused on engaging with clients across Canada in ways that feel genuine. As enthusiasts themselves, they are not just promoting the brand, they are actively participating in the community and helping it grow.

This local, hands on approach strengthens broker relationships and client connections.

For brokers, this means:

• Access to a team that understands the Canadian market
• Opportunities to connect with clients beyond the policy
• Support that helps build long term relationships

A Common Misconception

Some brokers assume events are only relevant to a niche or aging audience. In reality, events are one of the most effective ways to uncover opportunities within your existing book.

They help brokers:

• Identify collector vehicles clients may not have disclosed
• Start conversations that lead to additional policies
• Strengthen relationships that improve retention

What David Wants Brokers to Remember

David wants brokers to know that the Hagerty team shares the same passion as their clients and is committed to keeping the hobby strong while bringing the next generation into it.

That shared enthusiasm is what sets Hagerty apart.

For brokers, that means:

• You are partnering with people who truly understand your clients
• You can offer more than just a policy, you can offer an experience
• You have a partner focused on long term growth of the hobby and your business

The Takeaway for Brokers

Events are not just brand moments. They are growth opportunities.

When brokers engage with Hagerty through events, they:

• Build stronger emotional connections with clients
• Move conversations from price to value
• Unlock new opportunities within their existing book

That is how collector vehicle insurance becomes a long term growth strategy, not just a one time transaction.