Classic car insurance

Vintage and classic cars are more than just vehicles – they are a hobby, a passion, a treasure, which is why they often need specialised classic car insurance policies to protect them against damage and the increased risk of theft.

If your car is deemed a classic then you can often receive reductions in your policy price as:

• The insurer generally presumes you will be doing less mileage in the car (though you will need to confirm this when you apply).
• Most people who drive a classic car take care of it and maintain it to a higher standard. They may also store it in a secure location (again you will need to confirm this).

It's important to note that quotes you get from insurers through Confused.com will offer standard cover for the car at its current market value (which may be a lot less than its value as a classic), however some of the insurers we compare, do offer specialised classic car policies that cover the car for their true value as a classic (also known as agreed value cover).

If it is agreed value cover you're after, once you've got a quote, speak to your chosen insurer to see if you can add it to your policy. Adding agreed value cover to a policy could increase your premium and may incur additional charges, but can offer a level of cover tailored specifically for your car.

Depending on the insurer, you may also be offered the following additional cover options:

• Breakdown cover
• Legal protection
• Laid up cover (for when your vehicle is off the road)
• EU cover
• Limited mileage discounts

If you're under any doubt, make sure to check the small print, including the cover value of your policy before you buy.

• In the UK, there is no fixed age group that a classic car must fit into. For insurance purposes a classic car can be any car that is older than 15 years.
• These are often known as modern classics, and can be considered as a classic car despite their age, e.g. a 1989 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
• It’s up to the insurer whether they class the car as a classic, which is why it’s always good to compare a range of providers and prices.

There has been a long running debate on what qualifies a car as a classic, with many feeling that age alone is not enough. The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs has outlined new guidance from the Department of Transport stating that a vehicle will be deemed historic with a 30 year threshold.

These factors all make the job of predicting future classic cars a difficult business, but if you’re interested in potential investments, take a look at our article on 5 future classics.