Classic car insurance

Classic cars hold a special place in the hearts of many drivers. However, classic cars are distinct from other types of vehicles, and to be considered a classic car, there are certain requirements they must meet. Due to the age of classic cars, many of these vehicles have been restored and may require more routine maintenance than other types of vehicles. Drivers often own spare parts or tools, and some classic car owners have automobilia to consider insuring. Because of this, you may want to consider buying a collector car insurance policy rather than a standard auto policy.

What is classic car insurance?

Classic car coverage is a specific type of car insurance policy, designed for the special needs involved in owning and driving classic cars. As a general rule, if a car’s value exceeds its original selling price and the vehicle exceeds a certain age, then it may be considered a collectible or classic.

A classic car insurance policy will typically include some of the same coverage types and provisions as regular auto insurance, but there will also be some key differences. For example, while a standard car depreciates in value with age, a classic car generally appreciates — or gains value — with age. Classic car insurance is designed to allow you to adjust coverage upward as your car increases in worth. A typical classic car insurance policy may include standard coverage types, like liability, comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, but can also come with some special perks, like agreed value coverage and coverage for car shows.

Benefits of classic car insurance

Classic car insurance may offer more financial backing for your vehicle. Unlike a regular car, classic or collectible cars have the potential to gain value rather than lose value. Some of the benefits of buying classic car insurance are:

• To receive the full, agreed-upon replacement value if your classic car is stolen or totaled
• To receive higher reimbursement for vehicle repairs if the collectible vehicle is damaged in a crash or covered peril
• To have specialized transportation for the vehicle in the event it needs to be towed
• To gain access to coverage for your restoration tools or automobilia

What is the best insurance for classic cars?

Classic cars have some coverage similarities with standard cars, but also have some unique coverage needs, such as an adjustable coverage limit to account for the car’s value potential value increase over time.

When comparing coverage from the top carriers, some worthwhile features to consider looking into include:

• Higher limits for spare parts, which can be more expensive than for a standard vehicle
• Inflation protection to cover your vehicle as it appreciates in value
• Less restrictive mileage limits (or none) if you plan on driving your vehicle more frequently
• Discounts that help you save on classic car insurance

Some of the best car insurance companies offer classic car insurance policies, while others are specialized classic car insurance providers. Here is a list of insurers to consider:

Types of Coverage

A classic car is a major purchase that needs to be properly maintained and adequately insured in the event that damage occurs to the vehicle. There are several different types of classic car insurance coverage for you to consider.

Agreed value

Classic cars are unique in that their value increases over time, whereas more contemporary vehicles tend to depreciate in value as soon as you drive them off the lot. It will be up to you and your insurance provider to agree on an adequate value for the vehicle. You may need to provide proof of what you paid for the vehicle, proof of any restorations or upgrades you’ve made to it, or proof of comparative vehicle prices to justify the amount of coverage you seek. Your policy should cover the full value and change over time to reflect the vehicle’s appreciation.

Restoration coverage

If you’re in the process of restoring a classic car, ask your insurer about restoration coverage. You’ll need to provide proof of ongoing restoration work, but your car will be covered during the restoration period and your policy may automatically adjust to account for the increase in value. A vehicle under construction policy could even provide coverage for your automotive tools and quarterly value increases. Remember, if you are restoring a classic car it must be restored using the original design and parts.

Spare parts coverage

Classic car aficionados may have a few spare parts for future upgrades. With spare parts coverage, you may be protected in case anything happens to the expensive specialty tools and parts in your possession. Some providers even offer coverage for your automotive collectibles, commonly called automobilia coverage.

Collective items coverage

Some insurers may offer this option to cover collective automobile items you have stored in your garage. This can include automotive literature like old catalogs, guides and owners manuals; hood ornaments, gas pump or station displays and vintage license plates. Model cars, toys, paintings, prints and tractor, diner and barber shop memorabilia may also be eligible for coverage under automobile collectible items.

What kind of vehicles qualify for classic car insurance?

Antique cars, hotrods, exotic and luxury cars, muscle cars and classic trucks are a few examples of the types of vehicles that may need classic car insurance. Besides the type of vehicle, there are other requirements to meet before you can get classic car insurance.

Vehicle requirements for classic car insurance

Most classic car insurers have a set of qualifications that must be met for a vehicle to be covered under a classic car policy. Each insurer has its own set of rules, but they generally share a few common factors.

• Age: Cars generally need to be at least a couple of decades old to be eligible for a classic car insurance policy, and some insurers will expect the car to be much older than that to qualify for classic car insurance. Some newer vehicles may qualify as collector cars, but these are the exception, not the rule.
• Limited use: You likely won’t be able to commute to work every day in your classic car, whether it’s a short commute or otherwise. Some insurers will place an annual mileage limit on your vehicle; others have a list of uses expressly forbidden, such as commuting to work.
• Condition: Most insurers will expect you to take good care of your vehicle for it to qualify for classic car coverage. You may need to submit photos of your car that show its condition when you apply for classic car insurance. If you have just purchased a vehicle that you intend to restore, you may need to purchase restoration coverage, which will protect your investment in your car until your work on it is completed.
• Storage: Where you store your classic car will affect how much you pay for insurance. Some providers require the vehicle to be in a locked, enclosed and private structure.

Driver requirements for classic car insurance

Owning a classic car is a big responsibility. Insurance companies generally want to know that you’re a low-risk classic car owner to insure you.

• Age and experience: Teen drivers and young adults tend to have higher crash rates than older, more experienced drivers. You may have to be at least 25 years old to insure a classic car.
• Driving record: While you may still be able to get classic car insurance with a less-than-perfect driving record, drivers with clean driving records will generally pay lower rates.
• Additional car: Since classic car insurance policies don’t cover everyday use, you may have to show proof that you own another vehicle for your daily commute.

How to get a classic car insurance quote

Once you’re ready to start shopping around and compare car insurance quotes, it may be helpful to have the following information readily available. It’s important to apply the same personal information, coverage levels and types to all insurers to get quotes that are easy to compare.

• Make, model, year and type: You should know the make and model of your classic car as well as the year it was originally built. Decide which type best describes your vehicle: classic, vintage, antique or collector.
• Miles driven per year: Think about how many miles you plan to drive your classic car each year. It should usually be a low number, generally under 5,000 miles. Many classic car insurers have mileage limits you’ll have to keep in mind.
• Modifications: Have there been any modifications made to the vehicle? Do you plan to make any yourself? These are all questions that insurers will likely want the answers to, since they can greatly affect the value of the car.
• Storage type: Decide where you will store your classic car and how you will protect it. Locks and alarm systems may help lower your insurance premium, while storing the car outdoors or anywhere with low protection will drive rates higher or disqualify you entirely from coverage.
• Driver history: Your insurance provider should be able to look up your driver history to check for accidents and infractions. If you’re not sure what your driver history looks like, contact your local DMV for a copy of your driving record before getting quotes.

If you’ve got this information ready, you can shop around online to seek quotes using online quoting tools or call and speak with an agent directly. Most insurance professionals recommend getting quotes from at least three different providers.

How much is classic car insurance?

The cost of classic car insurance varies based on a number of factors, just as it does with standard auto insurance policies. Some factors that may affect your car insurance cost, depending on your state, are the age of the vehicle, the value of the vehicle, the age of the driver, the gender of the driver, the driver’s driving record, credit tier and more.

Discounts and savings for classic car insurance

Even though classic car insurance may be less expensive than standard car insurance, it may still be helpful to look for ways to save. For example, you might bundle multiple vehicles and policies together, put security measures into place or increase your deductible, if you feel comfortable with a higher amount.

Here’s a list of ways you may be able to save on your classic car insurance:

• Keep more than one policy under the same insurer for a bundle discount
• Drive fewer miles
• Opt for a higher deductible (just be sure you can afford to pay it if you file a claim)
• Install anti-theft devices
• Show proof of car club membership
• Complete a safe driving course
• Show proof of storage and keep your vehicle stored during winter
• Shop around for lower rates or switch insurers

Keep in mind that discount availability and eligibility vary by state and insurance company. The best way to know what savings opportunities are available to you is to talk to a company representative.

Frequently asked questions