Claire Smith Last Updated On: February 9, 2024

Find the Best Classic Auto Insurance at the Best Price

Whether your classic car is road-ready or you’re working on restoring it to its original glory (or as close to it as possible) the classic car insurance you choose matters.

Your classic car is more than a hobby: it’s an investment in a dream of yours, perhaps a life-long ambition, and you need to protect that. Whether you’re looking into buying a classic car or you’ve already taken the leap, finding the right classic car insurance for your ride should be a top priority. 

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What Is Classic Car Insurance?

Classic cars are rare and valuable collectible vehicles with a value that has exceeded the original selling price. These cars are typically at least 25 to 30 years old or are considered rare and exotic. 

Understandably, insurance for classic cars isn’t quite the same as regular car insurance. The insurance for a classic car needs to reflect its value, uniqueness, and age. Owning and driving a classic car certainly isn’t always simple, and classic car insurance isn’t either. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be overly complicated or expensive.

We’ll dive into exactly what classic car insurance entails, how to get it, what to look for, and why you need it so that you can get back to what matters most: enjoying the ride.

Why Do You Need Insurance For A Classic Car?

As we mentioned, classic cars are unique and rare, and the insurance you choose needs to be singular in terms of its scope of coverage too. You wouldn’t put subpar accessories on your classic car, so you shouldn’t opt for subpar protection either.

A typical insurance policy factors in the age, mileage, and depreciation of a car when creating an insurance policy. Based on those factors, most classic cars wouldn’t receive any coverage.

But classic car insurance is different. 

Classic car insurance factors in the rarity of the vehicle, including any customization and restoration, so that the insurance policy accurately reflects what the vehicle is truly worth. Choosing traditional car insurance for a collectible vehicle could put you at risk of losing the time and money you’ve put into this four-wheel investment.

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Qualifying For Collectors Car Insurance

Qualifying for classic car auto insurance can be a little more complicated than traditional auto insurance—but it’s not impossible. Keep reading.  

Defining what makes a classic car ‘classic’ and what influences its value isn’t always crystal clear. The factors insurance providers take into consideration include:

  • Vehicle’s age. A classic car can be 25 years old or even 50 years old. Different states have different classifications for the age of a classic car, but they’re generally at least 25 years old. 
  • Driver: Owning a classic car is a responsibility. There’s more upkeep than with a newer car, for one. This level of commitment is why insurance providers want to make sure that you can handle caring for your car so it’s road-safe.
    Carriers will check your driving record, your age, and your use of another vehicle. You typically need to be at least 25 years old (just like your classic car!) to get classic car insurance, because young drivers aren’t seen as reliable or responsible enough for a classic car.
    You also usually need to have a different, primary vehicle, to show that your classic car isn’t your main means of transportation (there is sometimes a mileage limit on your classic car auto insurance). 
  • Condition of the vehicle. Insurance providers need to see that you care for your classic car. Without regular care and maintenance, your classic car will quickly depreciate and your insurance policy could be at risk. It could also be a driving risk. 
  • Vehicle storage. A locked storage facility is vastly different from an open-air storage lot when it comes to protecting your classic car. Insurance providers ideally want to see that you store your classic car in a locked, enclosed, and private storage space.

Getting an Antique Car Insurance Quote

Once you’ve determined you qualify for classic car auto insurance, it’s time to get quotes to make sure you’re getting the right policy for your prized vehicle.

You’ll want to have the following information handy and up to date when reaching out for vintage car insurance quotes:

  • Make
  • Model
  • Year
  • Mileage
  • Customizations, modifications, and restorations completed on the vehicle
  • Storage information
  • Driving record

Having this information ready will speed up the process and get you an accurate quote faster.

Aim for at least three different quotes to ensure you have the best possible coverage for your classic car. Coverage and requirements vary from provider to provider, so make sure you know the details of each quote and policy so that you can do a true comparison between them.

We can help. Get your free comparison quote here. We source our quotes from the top, niche providers of classic car insurance so you can rest assured you’re getting the best coverage at the best price.

 

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What To Look For In Classic Auto Insurance?

You want to make sure the policy is right for you and your beloved vehicle. While most classic car insurance quotes will cover what you need, it definitely helps to find out about these extra items:
  • Restoration Coverage: Restoring a classic car can be risky and tricky. To do restorations on an insured classic car, you typically need restoration coverage, which is on top of your regular coverage for driving and storing the vehicle. Keep in mind that restorations can increase the value of your classic car, which can switch your insurance policy.
  • Agreed Value: You should establish an agreed value with your insurance policy so that you know how much you’ll be compensated should anything happen to your valuable car. Traditional insurance pays out the actual value of the car at the time it’s damaged or totaled. This is almost always less than what you paid for the car because it starts depreciating the second you drive it out of the lot. This setup doesn’t work for classic cars though, because their value continues to increase over time. An agreed value protects you and guarantees you the amount that was agreed to, should anything happen.
  • Spare Parts Coverage: Just like classic cars, the spare parts can also be worth a small fortune. Damage to a spare part can affect the overall value of the classic car, especially because they can be so hard to source. Insuring the spare parts can help protect the value of your investment over time.
  • Coverage for Shows: If you’re going to be showing your classic car and taking it to auto events, you may need additional coverage. Make sure your policy covers you for what you plan on doing with your ride.

What Do You Need To Get Best Insurance For Classic Cars?

Policies for classic cars can vary between providers, so it’s crucial to know exactly what you’re getting when you’re finding quotes. When you’re insuring something as precious as an antique vehicle or collector’s car, you simply can’t afford to be lax on the insurance.

Classic car insurance is typically less expensive than regular auto insurance because you’re generally driving it less and there’s less risk for the insurance provider. You’re likely maintaining it more than a normal vehicle too, which helps keep claims down.

Opting for classic car insurance, if you qualify, is better for you and your prized possession in every way. It’s less expensive, it covers the true worth of the vehicle, and it can cover everything you need for your classic car care, like restoration, spare parts, auto shows, and towing.

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FAQ

Classic cars need special coverage due to their value and age. There are also more requirements to qualify for classic car insurance.

What’s more, payouts are very different between the two types of auto insurance: while traditional car insurance is paid on the current, actual value of the car (usually less than you paid for it), classic car insurance is paid on the agreed value (which you and the insurance provider agreed on initially).

Cars that are at least 25 years old can be considered classic cars. They range from antique vehicles to muscle cars, exotic vehicles, modified vehicles, and more.

Yes, your driving history can prevent you from getting classic car insurance if you have a high number of infractions, including speeding tickets. Serious offenses like DUIs will especially impact your ability to qualify for classic car insurance.
 

Typically, your classic car can’t be your everyday vehicle and you definitely shouldn’t be using it to run errands or commute to work. Insurance providers often place mileage limits on your insurance coverage to prevent you from using your classic car as your main ride.


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