Are antique cars cheaper to insure?

Asked by: Paxton Bradtke MD  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (18 votes)

Classic car insurance is usually much cheaper than regular car insurance. According to Baily Insurance Agency, a classic car policy costs around $200 to $600 annually. If you own an abnormally expensive vehicle, your rates may be higher.

Is it more expensive to insure an antique car?

The downside is that vintage cars are often more expensive to insure. This is true despite the fact that classic vehicles are often driven far less than other automobiles. ... Since classic cars are often considered to be one-of-a-kind vehicles, standard car insurance policies usually do not provide enough coverage.

Does it cost less to insure a classic car?

Classic car insurance costs less than regular car insurance because a classic spends less time on the road than a vehicle used for commuting or errands. The average classic car insurance policy costs between $400 and $1,000 per year.

Why is classic car insurance so cheap?

Classic car insurance is often cheaper than standard policies, mostly because insurers see classic cars as a lower risk of being involved in a claim. Many classic car insurers recognise that older vehicles have lower speed limits and classic car owners tend to keep their car well looked after.

Can an 18 year old get classic car insurance?

What is classic car insurance for younger drivers? It means enthusiasts between 18 and 24 can get insured on a vehicle that's more than 20 years of age. So if you grew up fancying 1990s classics, then you can finally get one on a classic policy. That could be a coupe like a Volkswagen Corrado or Toyota Celica.

Why You Want Classic Car Insurance

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What is the difference between classic and vintage cars?

Defining the Difference

Here are the general rules for distinguishing between classic cars, antique cars, and vintage cars: Usually, to have the title of a classic car, the vehicle will need to be at least 20 years old. Antique cars are over 45 years old. Vintage cars are built between 1919 and 1930.

What is considered a classic car for insurance?

Classic car insurance is a special type of policy that helps protect antique or classic cars. Definitions of a classic car can vary, but the Insurance Information Institute (III) says a car is considered a classic when it's at least 25 to 30 years old.

What year is considered a classic car?

For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old. If you are going to register it (and insure it) as a classic, it should have been kept to its original design and specifications.

Is a classic car worth it?

Running a classic car has the potential to cost you a lot of money in maintenance and repairs. Even if you spend a lot of time and effort examining various cars to find a good example with solid service history, you will need to factor in money for maintenance and repairs. ... Older cars simply are not as safe as new cars.

Do classic cars go up in value?

Most cars lose value immediately after they are driven off of the dealer lot, but classic cars gain in value over time, due to rarity, performance, or special attributes. ... The right classic cars can be valued into the several millions of dollars.

Do you pay road tax on cars over 25 years old?

It pays to go vintage

As well as generally looking fantastic, classic cars that are more than 40 years old are actually exempt from vehicle tax altogether. The exemption originally applied to any vehicle over 25 years old on the basis that they would be incapable of racking up much mileage.

Is a 25 year old car considered a classic?

Car collector organizations typically define “classic car” based on age (between 1915 and 1948, for example) and special qualities. Insurance companies may define “classic car” as being 25-30 years old and of interest to collectors or historic interest.

Can you insure a classic car as a daily driver?

Typically classic car insurance policies are conditional on limited mileage and the owner having use of another car as a daily driver. If you want to insure your classic car as a daily driver, you will need to take out a regular insurance policy.

How do I save on classic car insurance?

Here's a list of ways you may be able to save on your classic car insurance:
  1. Insure more than one car.
  2. Keep more than one policy under the same insurer for a multi-policy discount.
  3. Drive fewer miles.
  4. Opt for a higher deductible.
  5. Install anti-theft devices.
  6. Show proof of car club membership.
  7. Complete a safe driving course.

What is a 40 year old car called?

A vintage car is, in the most general sense, an old automobile, and in the narrower senses of car enthusiasts and collectors, it is a car from the period of 1919 to 1930.

What is the most popular vintage car?

Top Ten Classic Cars Of All Time
  • Jaguar E-Type. As one of the most beautiful classic cars ever made, the Jaguar E-type is number 1 on our top 10 classic cars of all time. ...
  • Porsche 911. ...
  • Land Rover. ...
  • Volkswagen Beetle. ...
  • Citroen DS. ...
  • Mini. ...
  • Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. ...
  • Ford Model T.

How old does a car have to be for classic insurance?

Insurers define a classic car according to how it's used and kept – generally speaking, it needs to be a combination of most of the following: more than 15 years old, driven less than 5,000 miles a year, kept in mint condition and used as a second car.

Can old cars be reliable?

If reliability is your top priority, you probably don't want to buy a vehicle that's too old. After all, the older a car is, the less reliable it's likely to be, even if it's a well-maintained, low-mileage vehicle, such as a Toyota or a Honda. Reliability does depend on the vehicle and how many miles it's covered.

How many miles can you drive a classic car?

Most states put a cap on the amount of miles you can put on your classic car per year (which is why you can get good insurance rates). Usually the cap is around 5,000 miles or so. For most people, the 5,000 mile cap doesn't really affect them as they don't usually exceed that anyway.

What is the easiest classic car to maintain?

These Classic Cars Are Surprisingly Cheap To Maintain
  • 8 1954 Jeep CJ-5.
  • 7 1970 Plymouth Barracuda.
  • 6 Mercedes-Benz W123.
  • 5 Lexus LS400.
  • 4 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
  • 3 1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.
  • 2 E28 BMW 5-Series.
  • 1 1964 Pontiac GTO.

Is a 1999 car a classic?

California describes a “classic car” as a vehicle that is at least 25 years old. ... Antiques – Any vehicle 25 years or older. Classics – Cars between 20 – 24 years ol. Collectibles- Models between 15 -19 years old.

What are the benefits of antique plates?

Antique vehicle registration may provide certain benefits, such as a reduced or waived registration fee, exemption from vehicle inspection, and/or distinctive vehicle registration plates. However, the owner's privilege of driving the vehicle may be significantly curtailed.

Does a 40 year old vehicle need an MOT?

You do not need to get an MOT if: the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago. no 'substantial changes' have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, for example replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way the vehicle works.

Why are classic cars MOT exempt?

Why are classic cars exempt from MOT testing? The reason generally given is that owners of classic cars tend to be hobbyists, who enjoy taking care of their car mechanically. A classic car still needs to be roadworthy, so you can't simply neglect a car and drive legally.

Is a 30 year old car tax exempt?

My car is over 40 years old, is it automatically tax-free? The short answer to that question is no. As with most things, there will be some paperwork to complete. Most owners will have already done this if you're buying a classic car made before 1 January 1981 but it's not too difficult to sort yourself.