frank and louise hagerty started out as personal lines insurance agents. with a personal interest in vintage boats and classic cars, they had a problem finding insurance coverage for their collectibles. in 1984, the couple started their own agency in the family basement offering agreed value policies for boats. this specialty coverage was a big hit; within a few years, half of all vintage boat owners were hagerty clients. in 1991, the company added coverage for classic cars, offering a specialty auto policy the company is led today by mckeel hagerty, son of frank and louise.