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15 Feb 2024

Classic car insurance explained

Find out how classic car insurance works, where you can buy it and how to get cheaper cover

Dean SobersSenior researcher & writer

In this article

What is classic car insurance?

Classic car insurance is designed to protect classic motors from unforeseen mishaps.

Your car will have to qualify as 'classic' to be able to take out this type of policy.

Classic car insurance isn't suitable for a vehicle you use frequently. For that, you'll need to take out a regular car insurance policy.

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What counts as a classic car?

In order to incur no vehicle tax, HMRC requires classic cars to have been built or registered before 1 January 1983.

However, a car can be classed as 'classic' if it's more than 15 years old and has a value of at least £15,000. Insurers often use broader definitions depending on the make and model of the car.

Find out more: Best car insurance companies 2024

What's covered in a classic car insurance policy?

As with regular car insurance, there are usually three levels of cover to choose from for your classic car.

Third-party only This offers the lowest level of cover, protecting you against damage caused by you or one of your passengers, damage to other drivers and accidental damage to things such as lampposts and walls.

But it won't cover the cost of repairing damage to your car, which you'll have to pay for yourself.

Third-party, fire and theft This offers third-party cover and also the cost of repairing your car in the event of it being stolen or damaged by fire.

Comprehensive A comprehensive classic car insurance policy offers the widest range of coverage including third party, theft and fire as well as wider damage to your vehicle.

In addition to this, most classic car insurance policies will cover the following areas as standard.

Where can you buy classic car insurance?

Specialist car insurance companies

Specialist car insurance companies offer comprehensive policies, designed by experts, to protect the unique characteristics of your classic car.

Providers include companies such as Lancaster Insurance and Footman James.

Specialist car insurance brokers

Specialist classic car insurance brokers look at the particulars of your classic car and help you to find the best insurer to protect your vehicle.

Brokers for classic car insurance include Classic Line Insurance, which has worked in the industry for 30 years.

Car clubs

Car clubs are membership organisations for motorists that own a certain make or model of car.

If you own a Morris Minor, for example, you could join the Morris Minor Owners Club.

Membership of a car club usually allows you to access a number of benefits including reduced-price entry to car shows, priority spare parts for your motor and discounted car insurance.

There is a wide range of car clubs available ‒ you can find a full list of vehicle owners clubs on Gov.uk.

Mainstream car insurance providers

A small number of mainstream providers partner with specialist brokers to provide classic car insurance policies. For example, Aviva and RAC partner with specialist broker Hagerty to offer comprehensive policies for classic motors.

Due to the specialist nature of classic car insurance, very few mainstream providers offer comprehensive policies. Some may be able to give you an agreed valuation, but you'll have to get in touch with the company to agree on this.

Can I buy classic car insurance for an everyday car?

While it might be tempting to buy classic car insurance to lower your insurance premium, it isn't advisable. Classic car insurance is designed to protect older cars that aren't used every day, and the cost reflects this.

So even if your vehicle is older and could technically qualify as a classic car, you should take out a regular car insurance policy to avoid being caught out if you use it frequently as your main mode of transport.

How can I get cheap classic car insurance?

Generally speaking, insurers view owners of classic cars as less risky because they take greater care of their motors.

Classic cars are also rarely driven and are usually kept in safe and secure locations. As a result, classic car insurance policies are much cheaper than regular car insurance policies.

The following tips can help you get cheaper classic car insurance:

1) Limit your mileage

Limiting the amount you drive your car lowers the risk of you getting into an accident. So agreeing, and sticking to, an annual mileage limit could help you get a discount on your classic car insurance premium.

2) Invest in additional security

Adding more security features lowers the risk of your classic car being stolen. Installing an alarm or tracking device could reduce the cost of your policy.

Insurers will often have a list of recommended manufacturers and lock types to choose from, so be sure to check before making any changes or you might invalidate your policy.

3) Avoid car modifications

While making car modifications can add a unique touch to your classic car, most insurers will see them as an added risk.

If you do decide to make modifications to your classic motor, it's really important that you disclose them to your insurer. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy.

Find out more in our guide to modified car insurance.

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How do I make a classic car insurance claim?

If you have to make a classic car insurance claim, following these steps can help make the process as simple as possible.

1) Notify the police if your car is stolen

It's important to notify the police as soon as you find out your classic car is stolen. Once your report has been filed, you'll get a crime reference number to give to your insurer when you make a claim.

2) Submit your claim as soon as possible

You need to contact your insurer as soon as possible to avoid any delay in getting your claim processed. It may take your insurer longer to investigate more complex claims so it's best to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.

3) Send supporting evidence

Depending on what your claim involves, you may need to send in evidence such as receipts and photographs. Try to gather these as soon as possible and send them over to your insurer to get your claim processed.

Find out more in our guide to making a car insurance claim.