Can I drive my classic car everyday?

Asked by: Dr. Blaze Hauck IV  |  Last update: June 27, 2023
Score: 5/5 (42 votes)

Yes, you can can daily drive a classic car. There is nothing stopping you (provided the classic car in question is compliant with current road rules and regulations, and you are able to have it insured to drive on the road etc).

How often should I drive my classic car?

In fact, one of the best things you can do for your car is drive it regularly– once per month is the recommended minimum. One of the biggest issues with old cars is that they're not used regularly. If you leave your car in the garage for too long, its seals and rubber components can dry out and cause leaks.

Can you daily drive a classic muscle car?

If you can do the work yourself and if you have the tools, equipment and time then its perfectly possible to daily drive a classic muscle car. if you start with a solid slate that doesn't need much or anything in order to drive them.

How do I insure a classic car as a daily driver?

Classic car insurance is designed for secondary vehicles; it's not meant to cover a car you drive for everyday use. If your classic or collector car is your primary ride, you'll need to cover it with a standard auto insurance policy.

How many miles a year can you drive a classic car?

If you are not planning on driving your classic car often (mainly for shows or parades), the mileage restrictions may not be an issue. But if you plan on driving your car more than 3,000 or 5,000 miles a year, you may run into a few problems with most classic car insurers.

Can you daily drive a classic and why?

16 related questions found

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.

Do miles matter on classic cars?

Hagerty estimates that for vehicles so special that they've been collectible since their first drive—something like a 2005 Ford GT—examples with from 100 to 1,000 miles are worth 67% more on average than similar examples with more mileage. They're worth a whopping 88% more if the dial reads below 100 miles.

Is insurance higher on a classic car?

The Cost of Classic Car Insurance:

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.

What are limitations to classic car insurance?

A classic car insurance policy may include mileage limitations, and some insurers require proof that the car is stored properly and that you have another vehicle for routine driving. Some insurers allow you to drive the vehicle to car shows and auto club events.

Why is Hagerty insurance so cheap?

Its premiums are lower than most standard auto insurance policies because most collector cars are rarely out on the road. Hagerty offers guaranteed replacement value, low annual premiums, and flexible usage.

Can you drive a classic car in the winter?

Unlike modern cars, classic cars need to be warmed up before you drive at highway speeds. And in the winter, it takes longer. A good rule of thumb is to avoid highway speeds in your classic car until the heater is blowing hot air.

Are classic cars safe to drive?

"Classic cars are not safe for any occupant in an accident if not equipped with original seat belts, air bags and other safety equipment. Same is true for the crashworthiness of the vehicle structure in older cars not being as safe." Campbell adds.

Is it smart to buy a classic car?

Buying a classic car might be one of the most exciting auto purchases you'll ever make. So it pays to do to your homework. Antique and vintage cars can be costly to purchase, restore and maintain. Classic car insurance works differently as well, as the cars generally appreciate rather than depreciate in value.

How long should I let my classic car run in the winter?

Experts recommend that you bring it up to normal operating temperature and then allow it to run for at least 20 minutes to help burn off any debris that may have accumulated during the weeks or months of storage.

How do I keep my classic car in good condition?

5 Tips for Maintaining Your Classic Car's Value
  1. Do keep it clean. Don't let dirt or dust build up on your car, keep it clean all year round – even when you have it parked. ...
  2. Don't make modifications. ...
  3. Do keep it as original as possible. ...
  4. Don't skimp on regular maintenance. ...
  5. Do make sure it is stored properly.

Is a 20 year old car a classic?

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.

How does insurance value a classic car?

If you have a commonly available car, your insurer will determine its value based on comparable models and the cost to repair it. In this way, a classic car is insured more like a piece of art than a normal motor vehicle because its worth is based on whatever buyers are willing to pay.

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.

What year is considered a classic car?

According to Hagerty, cars from 1900 to 1979 are considered either Antique or Classic. If the car is manufactured in 1980 or later, it is considered a collector car. The Classic Car Club of America is even stricter in their description of classics. They only consider cars between the years 1915 and 1948 to be classic.

What age does a vehicle become a classic?

In short, any car that's aged 40 years or older is considered to be a classic car, or in official terms, a 'historic vehicle'.

What year is classic car 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.

How many miles should a collector car have?

Not all insurance companies have a mileage limit, but most collector cars should be driven less than 5,000 annual miles to maintain their value.

How many miles can you put on a collector car?

Safeco allows for 10,000 miles per year. Hagerty boasts unlimited mileage as long as the insured has another car for daily driving.