Back at the Mecum Las Vegas auction in January, I met a gentleman named Nick Dounias. Based out of Fresno, California, Nick is an independent insurance agent that is currently #1 in writing motorcycle policies out of all Hagerty agents in the United States.
I thought it might be fun to give you an opportunity to ask Nick your questions about insuring bikes, whether your collection is one bike or 100+.
First, a little bit about Nick from the man himself:
“I started out in the Electronics industry straight out of trade school. I then followed my passion for all things automotive and became a mechanic at a small British auto repair shop. Before too long I was promoted to manager. From there I moved to a position as a factory representative for an auto parts manufacturer. I sold engine hard parts for an imported line, and then moved on to an American manufacturer. I spent about 20 years in that capacity. I called on warehouses and machine shops mostly.
About 12 years ago I got into insurance. I started my own Farmers Insurance agency and ran that for about 7 years. From there I left in order to go independent. Insurance provided me the opportunity to be involved in the automotive industry in a new and more exciting way. As an avid collector of vintage motorcycles, and having had experience with all types of vehicles over the years, I now had the opportunity to insure those vehicles.
While I might never be able to own a Crocker motorcycle, or a Ferrari, or a ’32 Ford roadster, I have clients that do, and who are willing to take me for rides, or just let me revel in the beauty of their machines.
I have clients with hundreds of vehicles in their collections, and those with just that one special vehicle they have always dreamed of. We share the same passion…we love these mechanical marvels. Some hold childhood memories, while others are the culmination of long held dreams.
Regardless of why we collect them, we are the caretakers of these machines. I find that my having the ability to help people protect these dreams very satisfying. When they are properly protected, we are much more likely to take advantage of them and use them as they were intended. In driving or riding our mechanical dreams, we have the chance to enjoy more than just their physical beauty. We have the chance to become one with the machine, and get to feel it’s soul.”
So, do you have a question for Nick? Fire away in the comments!
Photos courtesy Nick Dounias. Feature photo by Aaron Schasse.