Under the Hood with Todd Hutcheson

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 starting with Todd Hutcheson, Vice President of 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 Todd

• Role: Vice President, Hagerty Canada
• Location: Ghost Lake, Alberta (45 minutes to downtown Calgary and 45 minutes to Banff)
• Years with Hagerty: 8
• Favorite Car: 1984 VW Vanagon Westfalia (“Franklin”)

Under the Hood

When asked about his favourite car, Todd doesn’t name a dream garage supercar or a rare classic. He picks the one he knows best: the car already in his garage.

It’s a bright green 1984 VW Vanagon Westfalia, affectionately nicknamed Franklin, a nod to the kids’ book turtle that feels especially fitting given the colour and, as Todd puts it, the speed (or lack thereof).

For Todd, Franklin represents what collector vehicles are really about: connection, experience, and the lifestyle around the drive. It’s the vehicle that signals a road trip with his spouse, two pups, a mountain view on the horizon, and plans involving hiking boots or a paddleboard.

How Todd Builds Great Broker Partnerships

Todd sees the best broker partnerships as those that are built with intention, especially in a world where insurance can become increasingly commoditized.

He notes that some of the most successful broker partners are proactively diversifying into specialty products that create meaningful differentiation. In that model, collector vehicle insurance becomes more than a one-off policy. It becomes a growth pillar supporting a sustainable and profitable portfolio.

Collector vehicle owners often have needs standard auto products simply can’t meet, particularly around accurate valuation and coverage designed for vehicles that are cherished, not simply driven.

When brokers position Hagerty’s tailored coverages and specialized products, Todd says they move beyond price-driven competition and become trusted advisors, leading to stronger retention, deeper relationships, and a book built on value rather than transactions.

How Todd Sees Brokers Successfully Position Hagerty

One consistent pattern Todd sees among successful partners: they proactively review their existing personal lines portfolios to identify vehicles that may be better served by a customized collector vehicle solution.

Once identified, Hagerty’s valuation resources help establish accurate, market-informed values, enabling brokers to confidently educate clients on proper coverage. That process doesn’t just create a better customer experience, it also reduces risk.

This approach helps brokers:

• Reduce the chance of underinsurance
• Offer a more suitable year-round solution
• Provide confidence through Guaranteed Value
• Cut down on seasonal coverage conversations in spring and fall

It’s a practical example of how collector vehicle insurance can be positioned not as an add-on, but as a smarter and more complete solution for the right client.

A Common Misconception Todd Sees: “It Has to Be Old to Be a Collector”

Todd highlights one misconception he sees frequently in the market: that a vehicle must reach a certain age before it qualifies as a collector vehicle.

In reality, eligibility is far more driven by how the vehicle is:

• used
• cared for
• valued

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 Canadian Brokers (From a Canadian Team)

Todd reinforces that Hagerty's broker support is built on local expertise and continuous improvement.

He points to ongoing efforts that directly support brokers in Canada, including:

• system enhancements that enable more autonomous underwriting
• new partnerships designed to simplify day-to-day broker workflows
• an unwavering commitment to service standards that support brokers, their clients, and their prized collector vehicles

The Message Todd Wants Brokers to Remember

At its core, Todd’s message is simple: brokers are backed by localized team members who understand the work, the market, and the lifestyle.

Hagerty Canada is made up of nearly 100 collector vehicle enthusiasts who take pride in building trusted relationships with broker partners across Canada.

And to make that support even more personal, Hagerty Canada will be highlighting a team member each month, so brokers can put a face (and maybe a car) to the name.

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