What the Bull Market List Signals for Your Book of Business

Each year, Hagerty publishes the Bull Market List - an editorial look at enthusiast vehicles positioned to appreciate in value. On the surface, it’s a conversation about trends in the hobby.

For agents, it’s something more powerful: It’s an appetite signal.

The vehicles appearing on the Bull Market List tell us what’s becoming culturally relevant, emotionally meaningful, and financially protected in garages across the country. And that matters because the definition of “collector car” is expanding quickly.

Below are key insights from a conversation with Hagerty’s Senior VP of Media and Editorial and all-around car guru, Larry Webster. You can listen to this insightful conversation on the latest episode of The Accelerator podcast.

The Hobby Has Shifted. Has Your Radar?

For years, Hagerty has been known as the classic car insurance company, associated with pre-1980 chrome, carburetors, and weekend-only classics. That’s still part of the story, but it’s no longer the whole story.

Today’s appetite matches the market, which includes:

• 1990s and early 2000s analog performance cars
• Special performance trims of otherwise “normal” sedans
• Early Japanese imports
• Vintage SUVs and off-road vehicles
• Vehicles that don’t look rare, but are emotionally rare to their owners

Many of these cars don’t immediately trigger “collector” or "classic" in a traditional underwriting sense. But they absolutely trigger passion in the owner.

And that’s your cue.

• If it’s not a daily driver…
• If it’s stored differently…
• If it has a manual transmission…
• If the client lights up when they talk about it…

That vehicle deserves a closer look.

A simple rule of thumb? If the model year starts with a “1,” it’s probably worth asking a few more questions.

The Coverage Gap Is Where Brokers Win (or Lose)

One of the most important themes behind the Bull Market List for brokers isn’t value appreciation, it’s value clarity. Many vehicles on the list show dramatic value differences depending on condition, originality, mileage, and provenance. That range matters.

On an Actual Cash Value policy, a claim can quickly become a negotiation. Comparable vehicles can vary widely. Online listings can mislead. Emotions run high. On a Guaranteed Value™ policy from Hagerty, the value is agreed upon upfront. No depreciation arguments. No value disputes at the worst possible moment. And for enthusiast clients, the worst moment is already bad enough.

The right valuation and policy language doesn’t just protect the car. It protects the relationship.

Add nuances like Cherished Salvage®, the ability for a client to retain their vehicle after a total loss, and you begin to see how specialty coverage aligns with how enthusiasts actually think.

“Special Versions of Normal Cars” Are Opportunity

Another important signal from the Bull Market List: not all enthusiast vehicles look exotic. Some are performance variants of everyday models. Four-door sedans with racing-derived engines. Japanese imports that were once affordable commuter cars. SUVs that were once family haulers.

The emotional shift happens quietly. Then it happens quickly.

A generation ages into disposable income. Nostalgia meets financial capability. Supply tightens. Interest spikes. Suddenly, what was once “just a car” becomes a sought-after enthusiast vehicle.

Brokers who recognize that early build credibility. Brokers who miss it risk leaving valuable business improperly placed.

A key difference in mindset:

• The question isn’t just: “Is this a classic?”
• The better question is: “Is this special to you?”

Community Is the Multiplier

One of the clearest opportunities for brokers isn’t hidden in data, it’s visible every Saturday morning.

Cars & Coffee events continue to grow nationwide. Informal, low-pressure, highly passionate gatherings. Owners show up to connect and talk cars. For brokers, that environment is relationship equity.

The enthusiast audience is loyal. They are community-oriented. They talk. They share referrals. And they often own more than one vehicle - and more than one insurable asset.

You don't need to be a car expert to attend. Just show up and bring a curious mind. We've got your basics covered.

Use the List as a Tool, Not Trivia

The Bull Market List is not an investing strategy. It’s about identifying momentum. It’s about spotting vehicles that may be under-protected on standard auto policies. It’s about recognizing when appreciation, repair complexity, and emotional value intersect.

Most importantly, it’s about serving clients the way they want to be served - by someone who understands what the vehicle means to them.

The car hobby is expanding. The definition of “collector” is evolving. And the opportunity for brokers who stay ahead of that curve is significant. We're your partner to help fast-track success.

To hear a deeper conversation on these themes - including how Hagerty’s appetite continues to evolve alongside the hobby - listen to the latest episode of The Accelerator featuring Hagerty’s SVP of Media, Larry Webster (Apple | Spotify).