How does classic car insurance work?

Driving

5 min read

If you own a vintage or classic vehicle, you’ll know it’s not just a way to get from A to B.  

It’s your own piece of history, a passion project. It’s natural you want to make sure it’s protected, but standard car insurance might not provide the level of cover you need. 

Classic car insurance is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of classic car owners, providing protection that is more aligned to how these cars are used and valued. 

Whether you only drive your classic car at the weekends, or it’s stored away for a special occasion, understanding how classic car insurance works can help you get the right cover at the right price. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the key features of classic car insurance, who it’s for, and how we can help you protect your vehicle. 

What is classic car insurance?

To put it simply, classic car insurance is specialist car insurance designed for older or vintage cars. These cars aren’t driven as often as standard cars and are usually maintained in excellent condition. 

Classic car insurance differs from standard car cover in a couple of ways, mainly due to how classic cars are used, stored, maintained, and valued. 

It usually offers more flexible terms due to limited mileage, leisure use, and the need for agreed valuations. Some policies also include options for restoration cover or laid-up insurance if the vehicle is off the road. 

Does my car qualify for classic car insurance?

Eligibility for classic car insurance can vary between providers, but at AbbeyAutoline we consider several factors: 

• The driver’s age: To quality for a classic car insurance policy, the main driver needs to be at least 25 years old. Some providers may require drivers to be over 30. 
• The vehicle’s age: Depending on the jurisdiction, the car needs to be at least 20 years old. 
• The vehicle’s use: The car cannot be used for daily commuting – it needs to be driven occasionally, e.g. to a show or rally. 

Not every classic car fits the same mould, so our policies are tailored on a case-by-case basis. Get in touch to find out more. 

What does classic car insurance cover?

Like a standard car insurance policy, classic car insurance can include fully comprehensive cover or laid up cover 

It can also cover a wide range of vehicles, not just cars: 

• Vintage cars 
• Classic motorcycles 
• Agricultural classic vehicles 
• Military or historic vehicles 

Are there mileage restrictions?

Yes, most classic car policies include mileage limits. These are due to the reduced usage of classic vehicles and are one of the reasons premiums can be lower than a standard car policy. 

At AbbeyAutoline, our mileage options are 1500, 3000 or 5000 miles, which suits most classic car owners.  

What if my car is off the road?

If your classic car is stored away, you probably don’t need full road cover. However, it’s still important to protect your vehicle, and that’s where laid-up insurance comes in. 

Laid-up cover provides protection again fire, theft and accidental damage while your classic car is off the road. It’s usually a cost-effective way of maintaining protection without paying for full cover. 

Laid-up insurance is perfect if your car is: 

• Undergoing restoration or maintenance 
• Off the road for the winter 
• Stored away long-term 

With laid-up insurance, you only pay for the cover you need, which helps keep costs down while maintaining your car’s security. 

Why is classic car insurance usually cheaper?

It’s worth noting that not every classic car policy is automatically cheap because, as with any car insurance policy, the total cost of the premium depends on things like your driving history, the value of the car, etc. 

However, classic car insurance can be cheaper than standard policies for several reasons: 

• Lower risk: Classic cars are usually driven less often, reducing the risk of accidents or claims. 
• Better maintenance: Owners tend to invest more time and effort in maintenance, which lowers the risk of damage. 
• Limited use: With mileage caps and restrictions of everyday driving, insurers tend to be more confident that classic cars present a lower risk. 

Do I need an agreed value policy?

An agreed value policy is when you and your insurer agree upfront on how much your car is worth. If the car is a total loss, you’ll be paid this agreed amount, not just the market value at the time of the claim. 

This is particularly important for rare vehicles where standard valuation models may not reflect your car’s true worth. 

If you have any further questions about classic car insurance, feel free to contact a member of our expert team and they’ll be happy to help.