Future classic cars: the classic car insurance criteria explained

Think you’ve got a classic car sitting in your garage? We’re breaking down what counts as a classic and what to expect when you’re getting insured. 

What makes a car classic for insurance?

If we’re going off the HMRC definition, a historic or ‘classic’ car is any vehicle that was built or first registered over 40 years ago. 

Cars sitting within this bracket are exempt from vehicle tax and MOT checks. So, if your motor dates back further than January 1986, you’re in luck. As of 2026, you can turn your MOT reminders off and apply for a tax exemption. 

But, here’s the snag. Insurers don’t always go off the same definition. And, depending on your provider and the type of vehicle you own, a car that’s been built just 15 years ago could be deemed as a classic.

There's no universal system for assessing classic cars. But, here’s what insurers tend to take into consideration: 

• Age: It varies, but in most cases cars need to be 15 to 25 years or older.
  
  
• Rarity: This could be limited edition cars, or vehicles with low production runs.
  
  
• Desirability: Think cult classics and cars that are in high demand among collectors.
  
  
• Historical significance: Cars that represent a milestone in design or engineering.
  
  
• Usage: Typically, classic cars only rack up between 1,000 and 5,000 miles a year. 

These factors don't just decide whether your car counts as a classic, they also feed into how your car insurance is calculated, alongside more familiar factors like your driving history and where you live.

When does a modern car become a classic?

There’s no clear rule on when a modern car becomes a classic. What year a car was built or registered plays a big part, but age alone isn’t always enough. 

For example, a 20-year-old Vauxhall Vectra probably won’t make the cut. But, a 20-year-old Porsche Cayman GT4? That’s a classic right there. 

There are other factors that tend to push a car towards classic status, too. These include: 

• If a car was the last generation before electrification. 
• If the specific model had low production numbers.
• If the car has a following among motor enthusiasts. 
• If there’s significant motorsport heritage value attached to the car. 

With more vehicles going electric in recent years, more cars are being considered classic. In particular, cars with a manual gearbox are becoming more popular with collectors, too. 

What cars could become classics in the future?

Going off some of the factors we've already looked at, here are some of the top future classic cars in the UK for 2025 and beyond - the ones we think are worth keeping an eye on:

• Mazda MX-5 ND (2015-present): A fully analogue, rear-wheel drive with a strong cult following.
  
  
• Ford Focus ST Mk8 (2018-2023): One of Ford’s last high-performance manual hatchbacks before the switch to electric.
  
  
• Audi TT quattro Sport (2005-2006): A rare, limited-edition model with less than 2,000 units in circulation.
  
  
• Porsche Cayman GT4 RS (2021-present): One of Porsche's last naturally aspirated sports cars. Later models are moving towards turbocharged and hybrid power.

• Tesla Roadster (2008-2012): Marks a turning point in electric vehicle design and manufacturing.
  
  
• Honda Civic Type R FK8 (2017-2021): Earned collectible status thanks to its aerodynamics and track performance.
  
  
• Land Rover Defender (2020-present): A reinvention of an existing, culturally-significant classic.
  
  
• Mini John Cooper Works GP (2020): Notable for its limited production and heavily 3D printed interior.
  
  
• BMW M2 (F87) (2020): Represents the end of the analogue driving era before digital driving aids became the norm.

• Audi R8 V10 Manual (2007–2015): The manual is the one to have. Audi never made another manual R8 V10, so they're getting harder to find.

• Honda S2000 (1999–2009): The S2000 is already a modern classic. Some specialist insurers even offer classic car policies for it.

• Alpine A110 (2018–present): Light, rare and still turning heads. It hasn't lost value like many sports cars, which could make it one to watch.

• Lotus Elise S1 (1996–2001): Auto Express has flagged this as one to snap up before they're gone, given Lotus's ongoing shift toward electric models.

Classic car insurance - what’s different?

Classic car insurance works differently to standard cover. The main thing is that your classic car is protected for a specific sum, or an agreed value, rather than its market value. 

Most classic car insurance policies also have mileage limits. While this wouldn’t be ideal for your everyday vehicles, it’s well suited for classics that only get driven every now and then. 

Essentially, these specialist policies make sure you’re not paying for more than you need and that you don’t lose out on your investment if something goes awry. 

Let's take a closer look. 

What is agreed value cover? 

Classic car insurance usually uses an agreed value instead of a market value. You and your insurer agree what your car's worth when the policy starts. If it's written off, you're less likely to lose out if its value has gone up.

Read our full guide to agreed value cover to find out how it works and what your insurer might ask for.

What our motor insurance expert says

"Agreed value is the most important part of classic car insurance. If your car's written off while values are rising, it helps make sure you're not left out of pocket. Review it every year rather than setting it once and forgetting about it."

 

Matt Crole Rees Motor General Manager & Motor Insurance Expert

Can car club membership reduce my insurance? 

It depends. According to Heritage Insurance's 2026 Classic Car Report, 69% of classic car owners are already members of at least one car club. If you’re part of a recognised classic car club, some insurers might offer a discount. Usually this is between 5 to 15% off the price of your policy. 

That’s because drivers who belong to these clubs tend to look after their cars and drive both carefully and sparingly. In insurance terms, that means the risk of a claim being made is lower. 

However, not all motor clubs are accepted by insurers. And, if you’re part of a more informal group or online community, it’s unlikely you’ll get a discounted premium. 

Does my classic car insurance cover shows and events? 

Cover for non-competitive events is included in lots of classic car insurance policies. This includes things like classic car shows, concours events, club meets, and casual road runs. 

However, you likely won’t be covered for any competitive or speed-based activities. So, if you’re planning to get involved with any timed rallies, race circuits, or track days, you’ll need a separate specialist policy. 

In any case, it’s important not to assume your policy covers an event you’re going to. Always read your policy documents and, if you’re still unsure, contact your provider to check the specifics.

Will classic cars be banned in 2030?

No, classic cars won’t be banned in 2030. But, there is an ongoing government plan to ban the sale of new petrol or diesel cars by 2030. However, some hybrid vehicles will be exempt until 2035. 

Although the ban doesn’t directly apply to classic cars, there might be some challenges for classic car owners. 

Why does it pose a challenge? Road tax and fuel prices could rise as a result of a potential ban. And, it might become increasingly difficult to source replacement parts too. 

On the flip side, some analysts expect classic cars to soar in value as petrol vehicles become more scarce. It’s just the maintenance that might make a dent in your pocket. 

So, in short, while classic cars aren't being outright ‘banned’, hobbyists might be deterred from keeping them due to the rising costs of maintaining a petrol or diesel car.

 

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