Under the Hood with Nicholas Keith

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 featuring Nicholas Keith, Director of Business Development and Private Client, Hagerty Canada, who shares how brokers can differentiate themselves in the collector space, real-world claim wins, and why Hagerty’s expertise goes far beyond “classic cars.”

Meet Nick

• Role: Director of Business Development and Private Client
• Department: Distribution
• Location: Markham, Ontario
• Years with Hagerty: 4
• Favourite Car: 1986 Porsche 944

Under the Hood

Nicholas’ favourite vehicle is his 1986 Porsche 944, but the story behind it matters just as much as the badge.

Four years ago, when he joined Hagerty, Nicholas set out to find his first collector car. He walked into a local Porsche shop and spotted a black 944... without an engine. For him, it was the perfect entry point into the Porsche collector world: an iconic car with heritage and rising value, and a project he could make his own.

“It’s not just a car to me, it’s an investment in memories we’ll carry for a lifetime.”

Today, the real value isn’t just in the car itself. It’s in the time spent tinkering in the garage with his son and taking father-son cruises down quiet back roads with like-minded enthusiasts and car clubs.

How Nick Builds Great Broker Partnerships

Nick sees strong broker partnerships built on trust, shared growth goals, and a clear understanding of the total addressable market.

It’s about identifying where a broker’s existing relationships can be complemented by specialized programs like Hagerty that serve the unique needs of the collector car world.

With access to Hagerty, brokers gain more than coverage. They gain expertise, guidance, and tools that strengthen their client relationships.

One powerful differentiator is access to the Hagerty Valuation Tool, often underutilized, yet incredibly impactful. It helps brokers educate clients on true market value and positions them as subject matter experts, not just policy providers.

How Nick Sees Brokers Successfully Position Hagerty

Nicholas highlights two consistent ways brokers stand out in the collector space:

1. Guaranteed Value + Cherished Salvage

When a client owns a highly prized collector vehicle, standard auto coverage often falls short, especially in a total loss. By placing business with Hagerty’s Guaranteed Value coverage, brokers eliminate surprises at claim time. The vehicle is insured for its agreed-upon worth.*

Even more powerful is Cherished Salvage, which gives clients the option to retain their vehicle after a total loss. For collectors, that choice can mean everything.**

This level of control demonstrates a broker’s commitment to protecting what matters most.

2. Becoming the Collector Expert

When brokers advise clients with multiple enthusiast vehicles, leveraging Hagerty’s valuation resources and collector expertise transforms the conversation. Rather than relying on guesswork or generic pricing guides, brokers can properly assess market-informed values for each vehicle.

The result? The broker becomes more than an insurance provider, they become a trusted advisor in the collector space, strengthening credibility and long-term retention.

A Recent Win: Keeping a Prized Vehicle on the Road

Nicholas recalls a client whose collector vehicle suffered damage requiring a rare part that couldn’t be sourced locally.

For many insurers, that situation could lead to delays, compromises, or even writing the vehicle off.

Hagerty’s specialized claims team and expert parts-finder network stepped in immediately. Through collector connections, the exact component was sourced, allowing the repair to be completed properly and preserving the car’s authenticity.

Because of that expertise, the client didn’t lose their prized vehicle. It stayed on the road, where it belongs.

A Common Misconception Nick Sees: “Hagerty is only for classics”

One misconception Nicholas hears frequently is that Hagerty only insures classic cars.

In reality, Hagerty covers the full collector vehicle market, from vintage classics to modern enthusiast and specialty vehicles. If it’s a car someone treasures, preserves, and drives for passion, Hagerty is built to protect it.

Many newer vehicles can be well-suited for collector coverage, including limited-production models and vehicles gaining market interest, particularly when they are not daily driven.

Supporting Brokers from Coast to Coast

Hagerty’s Canadian team may be small, but it’s mighty with more than 90 dedicated professionals supporting brokers across the country.

They’re not just insurance professionals. They’re collector car owners and enthusiasts who share the same passion as the clients they protect.

Together, as one Hagerty team, they are united by a common mission: to save driving and protect the cars people love.

The Message Nick Wants Brokers to Remember

Nicholas leaves brokers with a clear message:

Hagerty is the collector car expert.

From specialized insurance solutions to the largest database of collector vehicle values, Hagerty brings unmatched knowledge to the space. Beyond coverage, the company supports the community through events, authentic engagement, and a passion for the hobby that shows across Canada.

Watch for next month’s “Meet the Team” spotlight, where we’ll introduce another Hagerty Canada team member supporting brokers across the country.