Home |
Classic cars - guide to available coverage and cost-cutting tipsWhat's a classic? |
| How to get the best deal on classic car insurance? Classic, vintage and veteran automobiles are special vehicles, often viewed as a piece of our motoring heritage and typically cared for by enthusiasts who often invest vast sums in the upkeep and storage of their vehicles. This is why, for classic car connoisseurs, comprehensive insurance is generally a must. That cover sometimes comes at a steep price, because the vehicles themselves are a big risk for insurers - old enough to have no standard protection against modern thieves, speeds and road conditions; what's more, these vehicles are often very expensive (and sometimes impossible) to replace. This means the average claim made against a classic car insurance policy is higher. Because of this, the insurance industry has produced a variety of specialist firms who deal exclusively in providing cover for these historic vehicles. |
| Though ordinary, run-of-the-mill insurers may be able to offer a competitive quote on your classic car cover, often the specialist firms have a better understanding of the needs of classic car enthusiasts. Many of these specialist firms are able to offer different kinds of cover, based on the state of the vehicle - if a car is being rebuilt, for example, the owner can elect to have 'laid-up cover', which is more similar to contents insurance than an actual vehicle policy as it has no provision for covering the car for use on the road. The options available to classic car owners are incredibly flexible, depending on the insurer. |
| Classic car owners can get discounts for belonging to recognised car clubs, obtaining an independent valuation of the vehicle, fitting an alarm/immobiliser or tracker, agreeing to low mileage limits, having their 'normal' car insured with the same company and providing an amount of maintenance/ownership history. Specialist insurers also offer perks to classic car owners, including the option to retain salvage, optional cover for rallies, track days and wedding hire, window and windscreen cover, and coverage for driving the car abroad. |
Many specialist insurers offer an online application policy, and a few do return 'instant quotes' online within minutes. More likely, you will be asked to leave an email address and the quote will be sent through to you in a few hours as specialist insurers like to have real people review applications and provide sensible quotes based on your actual needs. In addition to the wide variety of variables insurers use to work out premiums on ordinary cars, for classics, they will sometimes require a series of photographs documenting the state of the vehicle and verifying certain details. Alternatively, the insurer may request a professional valuation of the vehicle - this is normal, though rarely compulsory. |
Budget
Churchill
Direct Line
Lloyds TSB
Norwich Union
Screen Trade
The AA
