Does my car qualify for classic auto insurance? (2024)
Insuring a classic car is different from purchasing a standard vehicle policy. Usually, for your car to qualify for classic auto insurance, it must be at least 25 years old. We'll cover the classic car vehicle requirements, the type of policy you'll need, and whether an antique car is a private passenger vehicle.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jan 28, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 28, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Classic car owners must meet specific requirements to qualify for specialty coverage
- Usually, your vehicle must be at least 25 years old to be a classic car
- You can’t get classic car insurance on your primary vehicle
For your car to qualify for classic auto insurance, your vehicle must meet certain eligibility requirements. If you own a classic or collector vehicle, classic car insurance can offer special protection due to the unusual circumstances of owning a collector car.
Read on to learn about classic car insurance requirements and how old it needs to be to qualify.
Classic Car Insurance Requirements
Many people think classic cars are just cars of a certain age, but you’ll need to meet specific requirements for most classic car insurance policies.
Classic car insurance requirements vary from insurer to insurer. Typically, you’ll need to meet these qualifications to purchase classic car insurance:
- The vehicle is over 25 years old. This is typically considered the cutoff age for classic car insurance, but it may vary from insurer to insurer.
- Good condition and has low mileage. Your classic car needs to be in good condition and properly maintained, including keeping your annual mileage low. Annual mileage will affect car insurance rates, though how much will depend on the auto insurance company itself.
- Proper storage. You can earn a discount on auto insurance if your car is in storage. Most insurers prefer indoor, secure storage for collector vehicles, like a fully enclosed garage. Some companies may allow covered carports or alternative storage options.
- Clean driving record. Drivers with DUIs, excessive speeding violations, or other serious infractions may be denied classic car insurance. Learn how auto insurance companies check driving records.
- Use a different primary vehicle. Classic car insurance can’t cover your primary vehicle. You can only use your covered classic car for clubs, exhibitions, and other pleasure driving. You must have another car you use for commuting or other regular driving.
You won’t be able to get classic car insurance if your car can’t be driven safely or has sustained any significant damage. However, you still might be able to find coverage without proper storage if you shop for classic car insurance that does not require a garage.
Check with your current car insurance company to see if you can add classic car insurance coverage to your existing policy. You can also compare car insurance quotes from auto insurance companies that specialize in classic and collector car insurance.
Other Vehicles That Qualify for Classic Auto Coverage
Classic car insurance applies to regular passenger vehicles like muscle cars and sports cars, but other types of vehicles can qualify for collector insurance, too. If you’re looking for sports and muscle car insurance specifically, know that it does tend to be a bit more expensive than your standard auto policy.
Here are some other types of vehicles covered by classic car insurance:
- Newer collector vehicles, like limited editions
- Modified cars, like hot rods or street rods
- Antique farm vehicles and equipment
- Antique military vehicles
If you have an unusual vehicle you’d like to insure, check with your insurer to see what kind of coverage they can offer.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How Classic Car Insurance Works
There are many different ways insurance companies determine the value of your car. Classic car insurance works differently than a standard car insurance policy. With standard insurance, the company will pay up to the car’s actual cash value in the event of damages.
With a classic car insurance policy, you’ll agree on a value for your car upon purchase. Sometimes called the guaranteed value, it’s typically based on the appraised value of your classic car. Unlike regular cars, you don’t have to worry about your insurance changing as your car depreciates.Scott W. Johnson Licensed Insurance Agent
Your classic car insurance policy will typically cover comprehensive and collision auto insurance up to the guaranteed value of your car. You’ll also need to meet your state’s minimum liability coverage requirements.
You’ll get complete coverage for a collector car on a classic car policy than a standard one. In addition, you can add coverage for special restoration or care that your classic car needs.
Where to Buy a Classic Auto Insurance Policy
Many car insurance companies, like Geico and Progressive, offer classic or collector car insurance. You may be able to add a classic car insurance policy alongside your regular-use one with the same company.
Is Geico too good to be true🤔? Low rates🤑 and high customer ratings seem like a good thing, but you'll want to check out the review📊 at https://t.co/27f1xf1ARb. Read it all here👉: https://t.co/TDX3gZcV2Y pic.twitter.com/q20UpG70UK
— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) December 21, 2023
Other companies, like Hagerty, specialize in classic and collector car insurance. You can buy a separate policy from them while maintaining your regular policy with your standard insurer. Read our Hagerty auto insurance review to learn more.
Find Out if You Qualify for Classic Car Insurance
You need to meet specific requirements for vehicle use, storage, and age to qualify for classic car insurance. If you do, collector insurance can provide valuable coverage for your classic vehicle, guaranteeing a payout value in the event of damage.
Check with your insurer to see if they offer coverage for classic cars or get a quote from a specialty insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get classic car insurance for a restored or modified vehicle?
Yes, many classic car insurance policies cover restored or modified vehicles. However, the modifications or restorations should be disclosed to the insurance company for accurate coverage.
Can I switch my classic car insurance policy to a regular auto insurance policy?
Yes, if you no longer meet the requirements for classic car insurance or if you decide to use your classic car for everyday transportation, you can switch to a regular auto insurance policy. Contact your insurance provider to make the necessary changes.
Can I use my classic car for racing events?
Racing events are typically excluded from classic car insurance coverage. If you plan to participate in racing or other high-speed events, you may need specialized coverage.
Are there discounts available for classic car insurance?
Yes, some insurance companies offer discounts for features like anti-theft devices, multiple policies, storage precautions, and membership in recognized car clubs. Inquire with your insurer about available discounts.
What are limitations to classic car insurance?
Classic car insurance often imposes mileage restrictions to ensure the vehicle is not used excessively. The exact mileage limit varies between insurance companies.
Do I need to appraise my classic car to get insurance?
Some insurance companies may require an appraisal to determine the value of your classic car, while others may use agreed-upon values or other valuation methods. Check with your insurer to understand their specific requirements.
Is an antique car a private passenger vehicle?
Usually, classic cars can be private passenger vehicles, but it varies by state laws. For example, “limited use” restrictions exist, where antique vehicle owners can only drive a certain amount of miles annually.
How old does a car have to be to qualify for classic car insurance?
Most insurers require vehicles to be more than 25 years old to qualify for classic car insurance. However, some insurance companies or states may allow classic car insurance on cars as little as 10 years old, depending on other factors like usage or historical importance.
These are the best states for classic car owners but check with your insurance company and other classic car insurers to find out if your vehicle meets the age requirement.
What qualifies a car to be a classic?
Generally, your vehicle must be at least 25 years or older and be in good condition with low mileage to meet classic car insurance criteria.
What is the mileage limit for classic car insurance?
Classic auto insurance mileage limits vary by insurance company. However, they generally range from 2,500 to 5,000 miles annually.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.