What is Classic Car Insurance?
Classic Car Insurance is specialist cover for older or collectable cars. It recognises lower annual mileage, careful ownership, and the car’s collectible value. Insurers often price differently to standard car cover, because the risks and usage are not the same.
It is for owners who drive occasionally, attend shows, or store vehicles for long periods. Some insurers accept cars over 20, 25, or 30 years old. Others include newer modern classics, based on rarity or enthusiast status. The definition varies, so check the insurer’s criteria.
You must have valid insurance to drive on UK roads. If your classic is off the road and on SORN, you can choose laid-up cover for fire and theft only. That protects the value while it is stored, but you cannot drive on public roads.
Example, your 1989 BMW E30 is garaged, driven 2,000 miles a year, and kept immaculate. A classic policy can reflect the limited mileage, allow agreed value, and cover spare parts stored at home.
What the experts say…
"Classic Car Insurance should fit the way you enjoy your vehicle, not the other way round. Focus on agreed value and usage."
– Susan Difford, Co-founder of Clean Green Compare
What is covered with Classic Car Insurance?
Most policies offer third party cover as a minimum, which pays if you damage someone else’s vehicle or property. Comprehensive cover adds protection for your own classic, including accidental damage, fire, and theft. Limits and features depend on the insurer and the level you choose.
- Third party liability – Covers injury or damage you cause to others. This is the legal minimum for road use. Typical property damage limits are high, often in the millions. Example, if you accidentally roll into a parked car at a show, this pays their repair costs.
- Accidental damage – Pays to repair your classic after a bump, vandalism, or mishap. Comprehensive cover includes this. You pay the excess first, then the insurer covers the rest. Example, scuffed paint and a dented wing after a slow speed shunt are covered.
- Fire and theft – Covers loss or damage if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. Storage conditions matter. Insurers may require a locked garage overnight. Example, an engine bay electrical fire causing wiring damage would be covered minus your excess.
- Agreed value – Sets a value upfront, so you know what you will be paid if the car is written off. You provide photos, receipts, or a valuation. Example, agree £18,000 now, so there is no haggling later on market value after a total loss.
- Limited mileage terms – Pricing reflects fewer miles. You select a cap, for example 2,000 to 5,000 miles a year. Lower limits usually mean lower cost. Example, if you cap at 3,000 miles and stay under it, you benefit from the reduced price.
- Breakdown and recovery – Many classic policies include UK recovery, sometimes Europe too. Check limits and distance to home. Example, roadside repair and recovery to your home or a specialist within 10 miles may be included.
- Windscreen and glass – Covers chips and cracks. Classic glass can be harder to source. Limits and specialist networks vary. Example, a cracked windscreen could be repaired with a small glass excess, rather than a full replacement.
- Spare parts cover – Insurers often cover unattached parts stored at home or in a garage. Limits vary, for example £250 to £1,000. Example, stolen chrome trims and badges from your storage might be covered within the stated limit.
- European touring cover – Short trips to Europe may be included or easy to add. Duration varies, for example up to 30 or 90 days. Example, a summer tour in France could be covered for liability and damage, within trip limits.
Match your cover to the real risks. If you show the car often, check public parking, recovery, and European limits. If it is a long term project, laid-up cover for fire and theft may be enough.
Optional extras you can add to Classic Car Insurance (or a similar wording)
Add-ons let you tailor protection to how you use the car. They can cover gaps that standard policies do not include. Consider extras if you tour abroad, attend track days, or store valuable spares. Most add-ons cost a bit extra, so weigh the benefit against the price.
Some insurers include agreed value, others need a formal certificate. You may need photos or a club valuation. An extra premium usually applies. This helps avoid disputes if the car is written off after a major accident.
Upgrade UK recovery to include Europe, onward travel, or longer recovery distances. Extras usually cost more. This is helpful if you tour to shows or take longer trips. It reduces hassle if you break down far from home.
Fire and theft cover while the car is off the road on SORN. This is not standard on road policies. It suits restorations or winter storage. You cannot drive the car. Premiums are usually lower than road cover.
Standard policies exclude track use. You can add cover for non-competitive events. This costs extra and has strict rules. It is ideal if you book occasional taster sessions or parade laps.
Increase limits for parts stored at home or in a lock-up. Not always standard. An extra premium usually applies. Useful for owners with engines, panels, or rare trim in storage.
Pays for replacement keys, locks, and coding after loss or theft. Often not standard. It is handy for classics with hard-to-source keys. Limits apply, for example up to £1,500 per claim.
Helps with uninsured loss recovery after a non-fault accident. Not always included. An extra premium may apply. It can fund legal help to recover costs like excess or loss of earnings.
Not common on classic policies. You can sometimes add it for an extra cost. Useful if you need transport while yours is repaired. Check car type and availability rules.
Reimburses your excess after a claim, subject to rules. This is an extra cost. It can soften the blow if you choose a higher voluntary excess to reduce your price.
Increases payments for serious injury to you or a passenger. Often optional. Consider it if you want higher limits than the standard benefit.
Choose extras that fit your usage. Skip add-ons that do not match how you drive, store, or show your classic.
What is not usually covered?
Policies have limits and exclusions. Classic cover is built around occasional use and careful storage. Using the car like a daily driver can void terms. Always read the policy document and endorsement, which is a change to your policy.
- Undeclared daily use – Commuting or business use is usually excluded unless declared. Classic policies expect occasional leisure driving. If you start daily commuting without changing your usage, a claim may be refused. Update your policy before your driving pattern changes.
- Wear and tear or breakdown – Mechanical failure, rust, and gradual deterioration are not covered. Insurance covers sudden, unexpected events. Use a warranty or pay for maintenance. Example, a seized water pump or corrosion is not an insurable loss.
- Unapproved track use – Track days and competitive events are excluded unless you buy a specific add-on. Even parade laps may need prior approval. If you take your classic on a circuit without cover, damage will not be paid.
- Unattended or insecure storage – Theft claims can be declined if security conditions are not met. Many insurers require a locked garage overnight. If you leave the car unattended with keys inside, theft cover may not apply.
- Unlisted modifications – Major mods not declared can invalidate cover. Tell the insurer about engine swaps, suspension changes, or brake upgrades. Period-correct upgrades may be fine, but you must disclose them.
- Incorrect valuation – If you do not have agreed value, the insurer pays market value. This can be lower than you expect. Overinsuring will not guarantee a higher payout. Keep valuations current to reflect the market.
- Unauthorised drivers – Only named drivers, or those allowed by the policy, can drive. Lending the car to a friend who is not covered could void a claim. Check age limits as some policies exclude very young drivers.
- Commercial activity – Using the car for hire, reward, or trade is excluded. Motor trade cover is needed for buying, selling, or restoration work for customers. Get the right policy type before you start.
Who needs Classic Car Insurance?
Anyone with a vehicle considered classic or collectable should consider this cover. It suits low mileage use, careful storage, and enthusiast ownership. It matters when the car’s value is not just market price. Agreed value can protect restoration spend. It also helps if you carry rare spares or attend shows. Some policies include European trips for touring.
- Weekend cruiser – You drive short distances on sunny days and keep the car garaged. A classic policy reflects low mileage and careful use. It can include breakdown and agreed value. This helps protect the time and money you have invested.
- Show and rally attendee – You take the car to events and static displays. You need cover while parked at shows and driving to and from venues. Look for liability, recovery, and glass cover. European options help if you tour abroad for rallies.
- Ongoing restoration – Your project is off the road for months. Laid-up cover protects against fire and theft in storage. Spare parts cover adds protection for valuable components. This keeps the project safe until it is ready to drive.
- Collector with multiple classics – You manage several vehicles with different values and mileages. Multi-vehicle classic policies can simplify admin. They may reduce overall cost. Agreed values on each car avoid valuation surprises.
- Owner of a modern classic – Your car is newer but rare or enthusiast owned. Some insurers accept modern classics based on model and condition. You still benefit from limited mileage pricing and garage storage terms.
- Young enthusiast – You are a younger driver with a genuine classic. Specialist insurers may cover you with restrictions. Proof of club membership, training, or limits on mileage can help. Agreed value still matters on older cars.
- Imported or rare model owner – Parts can be expensive and hard to source. A specialist policy considers that. Check repair networks and parts cover. Agreed value can reflect rarity better than standard car insurance.
- Trade or workshop use – If you restore or sell classics for customers, you likely need motor trade insurance. It covers multiple vehicles and road risks. Classic policies are not designed for commercial activity.
This cover protects the way you enjoy and preserve your car. It is about matching protection to usage, storage, and value.
Related Insurance
Get Classic Car Insurance Quotes Today
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How to get a Classic Car Insurance quote (or a similar wording)
The process is simple if you gather details first. Have your documents, photos, and mileage ready. Tell insurers how you use and store the car. Being accurate speeds things up and avoids problems later.
How much does Classic Car Insurance cost? or a similar wording
Prices vary by car, driver, and how you use and store the vehicle. Classic policies can be cheaper than standard cover, because mileage is low and owners are cautious. However, rare parts and skilled repairs can push costs up.
- Vehicle value and rarity – Higher values and rare models cost more to insure. Repairs and parts are expensive. Example, a £40,000 classic sports car will cost more than a £8,000 family saloon.
- Mileage and usage – Lower mileage usually means lower cost. Daily commuting increases price. Example, 2,000 miles of leisure driving is cheaper than 8,000 miles with commuting.
- Storage and postcode – A locked garage in a low risk area reduces price. Street parking increases it. Example, garaging in a rural postcode can be much cheaper than city street parking.
- Security and trackers – Thatcham alarms and tracking devices reduce theft risk. Insurers can discount for approved security. Example, fitting a tracker on a high value classic may cut the price.
- Driver profile – Age, licence length, claims, and convictions affect cost. Clean records are cheaper. Example, three years claim free usually beats recent fault claims.
- Agreed value level – Higher agreed values mean higher payouts and higher cost. Keep valuations realistic. Example, moving agreed value from £15,000 to £25,000 will increase the price.
- Modifications and condition – Engine swaps and performance upgrades add risk. Declared mods can raise price. Example, uprated engines often cost more than period-correct cosmetic changes.
- Repair network and parts access – Specialist repairers and rare parts increase cost. Some insurers have networks to help. Example, classic coachwork takes time, which raises average claim costs.
- Optional add-ons – Extras like enhanced breakdown or legal cover add to the price. Only choose what you need. Example, dropping a duplicate add-on can save a little each year.
There is no single price. Compare quotes, features, and limits to find the right balance for you.
Ways to save on Classic Car Insurance and variations of Ways to save on Classic Car Insurance
Small changes can make a big difference. Focus on reducing risk and only buying what you need. Keep documents and photos up to date. Compare regularly, because benefits and prices change.
Saving is about reducing risk and buying smart. Compare, tailor, and review each year.
Common Classic Car Insurance questions
What counts as a classic for Classic Car Insurance in the UK?
Insurers define classics differently. Many use age, for example over 20, 25, or 30 years. Others accept modern classics based on rarity or enthusiast status. Usage and storage also matter. Low mileage and garaging can help you qualify for historic vehicle insurance.
How does agreed value work on a vintage car policy?
Agreed value sets the payout in advance for a total loss. You provide photos, receipts, or a club valuation. The insurer agrees a figure and adds it to your policy. If the car is written off, you get that amount, minus any excess. Review it regularly to match the market.
Can I use Classic Car Insurance for commuting?
Usually no, unless you add commuting. Classic policies expect leisure use and shows only. Daily driving increases risk. If you need to commute, tell the insurer and update usage. Otherwise, a claim could be declined under your classic vehicle insurance.
Do classic policies include European cover and breakdown?
Many include basic European liability and some include breakdown. Limits vary, for example up to 30 or 90 days. You can often add enhanced European recovery. Check dates, countries, and distance to home recovery limits before travelling.
Is no claims discount used on historic vehicle insurance?
Some classic policies do not use standard no claims discount. They price based on storage, mileage, and ownership profile. Others may accept NCD if you have it. Always check how price is calculated and whether protected NCD is available as an extra.
Are modifications covered on Classic Car Insurance?
Yes, if you declare them and the insurer agrees. Period-correct upgrades are often fine. Performance changes can increase price. Undeclared modifications risk invalidating your policy. Share full details and keep receipts for parts and labour.
Does MOT or tax exemption change my insurance needs?
No. Even if your car is MOT exempt, it must be roadworthy. Insurance still applies when you drive. If the car is on SORN and off the road, choose laid-up cover to protect it from fire and theft while stored.
Can I keep my classic after a write-off with salvage retention?
Some insurers allow salvage retention. You buy back the salvage and repair or part out the car. This is not guaranteed. Ask before you buy, because terms and categories vary. It can suit restorers who want to rebuild rare models.
Get Classic Car Insurance Quotes Today
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