Introduction
McKeel Hagerty is a name that has become synonymous with the classic car community. As the CEO of Hagerty Insurance, he has built an empire that not only provides insurance but also supports and preserves classic cars. McKeel’s passion for cars has driven him to accomplish great things, and his success story is nothing short of inspiring. In this blog post, we will dive into the rise and success of McKeel Hagerty and highlight some of his achievements.
Early Life and Passion for Cars
McKeel Hagerty was born in Traverse City, Michigan, in 1960. He grew up surrounded by automobiles, and his love for cars was evident from a young age. One of his earliest memories is going to a car dealership with his father and being awestruck by the cars on display. As a teenager, McKeel bought his first car, a 1957 Ford Fairlane, and started attending classic car shows. This passion for cars became a driving force in his life and ultimately led him to where he is today.
The Founding of Hagerty Insurance
In 1983, McKeel Hagerty and his wife, Suzanne, founded Hagerty Insurance. At that time, they were young and had little experience in the insurance industry. However, they saw an opportunity to provide a unique type of insurance coverage for classic cars. This was a niche market that was often underserved, and the Hagertys were determined to fill that gap. Today, Hagerty Insurance is the largest insurer of classic cars in the world, providing coverage for over 1.4 million vehicles.
Supporting and Preserving Classic Cars
McKeel Hagerty’s passion for cars extends beyond just insurance. He is a staunch supporter of preserving classic cars and the culture that surrounds them. In 1991, he founded the Hagerty Education Program to support young people interested in automotive restoration and preservation. This program has since expanded to include internships, scholarships, and other educational opportunities for students. Additionally, McKeel has a vast collection of classic cars and has used his resources to restore and preserve many historic vehicles.
Recognition and Awards
McKeel Hagerty’s contributions to the classic car community have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including being inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2019. McKeel was also named as one of the “50 Most Influential People in the Automotive Industry” by Automotive News in 2015.
The Future of Hagerty Insurance
Despite the success that Hagerty Insurance has already achieved, McKeel Hagerty is focused on the future. In recent years, the company has expanded into a variety of other areas, including magazine publishing, events, and even a television show. They have also launched a new program called “DriveShare,” which allows classic car owners to rent out their vehicles to others. McKeel’s vision for the future of Hagerty Insurance is all about connecting people with classic cars and preserving this important piece of history for future generations.
FAQs
Q: What is McKeel Hagerty’s net worth?
A: While there is no public estimate of McKeel Hagerty’s net worth, he is considered to be a billionaire.
Q: How did McKeel Hagerty get into the insurance industry?
A: McKeel Hagerty and his wife, Suzanne, founded Hagerty Insurance in 1983. At the time, they had little experience in the insurance industry but saw an opportunity to provide a unique type of insurance coverage for classic cars.
Q: What is the Hagerty Education Program?
A: The Hagerty Education Program is a program that provides educational opportunities for young people interested in automotive restoration and preservation. It includes internships, scholarships, and other programs.
Q: What is DriveShare?
A: DriveShare is a program launched by Hagerty Insurance that allows classic car owners to rent out their vehicles to others.
Q: How many vehicles does Hagerty Insurance provide coverage for?
A: Hagerty Insurance provides coverage for over 1.4 million vehicles.
Q: What was McKeel Hagerty’s first car?
A: McKeel Hagerty’s first car was a 1957 Ford Fairlane.
Q: What awards has McKeel Hagerty received?
A: McKeel Hagerty has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including being inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2019.
Conclusion
McKeel Hagerty is a man on a mission. He has built an incredible company that not only provides insurance but also supports and preserves classic cars. McKeel’s passion for cars has driven him to achieve great things, and his contributions to the classic car community continue to be felt to this day. As we look to the future, we can only imagine what amazing things McKeel will accomplish next. If you are a classic car enthusiast, be sure to check out Hagerty Insurance and all the amazing programs they have to offer.