Do old cars require insurance?

Asked by: Nick Berge  |  Last update: March 14, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (75 votes)

Do I need insurance on my classic car? In short, yes. Auto insurance is mandated in all states except New Hampshire (New Hampshire still requires financial responsibility), so you'll need a minimum of liability coverage if you plan on taking your classic or collector car on the road.

Do I need to insure my old car?

Even without comprehensive or collision coverage, you'll need to pay for other coverages on your older car, such as liability, that are required by state law. Additionally, your insurance premium depends on a number of factors, including the type of car you drive, your driving record, where the car is kept and more.

Do I need full coverage on a 10 year old car?

It's usually worth dropping full coverage on an older car if its value is less than a few thousand dollars, as long as there's no loan on it. The more your car depreciates, the less you'll get from the insurance company after an accident or theft.

Does an unused car need insurance?

Legally, you don't need insurance coverage for a car that's not being driven and is in storage.

Do you need insurance to get a used car?

You do not need insurance to purchase any vehicle, new or used. However, in nearly every US state, you must have at least the state's mandated minimum insurance coverage before you drive on any public roadway (including alleys). The mandatory insurance levels vary from one state to the next.

Why You Want Classic Car Insurance

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How much is insurance for a used car?

The nationwide average annual car insurance policy for full coverage on a used car costs $1,867 yearly or $156 a month. Used car insurance rates depend on several factors, such as the make and model, where you live and your credit score.

Are used cars expensive to insure?

Insurance is usually cheaper for used vehicles because it doesn't cost as much to repair and replace them as new cars. However, factors other than your vehicle's age, such as your car's make, model and safety technology, can impact your premium, so used car rates aren't always less expensive.

Do you need insurance if your car doesn't run?

Most states require every registered car to have insurance, so the answer is yes. You need car insurance on a car that doesn't run. This means that you'll either need to find cheap coverage or consider canceling your registration for a car that doesn't run.

Is it bad to leave a car unused?

When a car sits unused, pests may infest it, causing damage by chewing wires. Sunlight can also fade and crack the dashboard and upholstery, while moisture can lead to mold, mildew and unpleasant odors, especially when the car is parked outdoors.

How long can you go without car insurance?

It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.

How much is insurance on an older car?

According to ValuePenguin, if your vehicle is 10 years old or older, you may be paying too much for insurance if you have comprehensive or collision coverage. The average cost of comprehensive coverage is $134 per year, and the average cost of collision insurance is $290 per year.

Why is my insurance so high for an old car?

Although they may have a lower value, older cars may also have expensive parts that could make repairs expensive. The older a car gets, the harder it may be to source these parts for repair, which can also drive up the cost of car insurance for older cars.

At what age can you no longer be on your parents car insurance?

But how long can you stay on your parent's policy? Unlike health insurance, which can have an age limit of 26, you can stay on your parent's car insurance policy indefinitely if you live in the same house. Now, if you move out, you'll probably need your own.

Do classic cars need insurance?

Do I need insurance on my classic car? In short, yes. Auto insurance is mandated in all states except New Hampshire (New Hampshire still requires financial responsibility), so you'll need a minimum of liability coverage if you plan on taking your classic or collector car on the road.

At what age is car insurance the cheapest?

Experienced drivers are less likely to have accident claims, which means they cost less to insure. At Progressive, the average premium per driver tends to decrease significantly from 19-34 and then stabilize or decrease slightly from 34-75. At age 75, the average premium begins trending upward.

When should you drop full coverage on a car?

You should think about dropping your full coverage insurance policy if:
  1. You drive a high-mileage car. ...
  2. You struggle to fit the cost of auto insurance in your budget. ...
  3. Your car is worth less than the cost of your full-coverage policy. ...
  4. You have relatively high risk tolerance. ...
  5. You rarely drive.

How long can gas sit in a car?

How Long Does It Take for Gas to Go Bad? The length of time fuel will remain useable in your gas tank is dependent on the fuel type. Regular gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, premium or high-octane fuel should last close to nine months, while diesel can last up to a year before it begins to degrade.

Is it bad for a car to sit and not be driven?

Generally speaking, if a car sits without being driven for more than two weeks, technical difficulties may begin to surface. If you leave your car unattended for six months, you can inflict severe (and potentially irreparable) damage to your vehicle's engine.

Is it worth keeping an old car?

People are often surprised by how much it costs to keep an older vehicle running, but it is almost always cheaper to repair your car than buy a new one.

Does an unregistered car need insurance?

Most U.S. States REQUIRE all vehicles also be insured, again, BY LAW. Either way, you CANNOT LEGALLY DRIVE EITHER AN UNREGISTERED, AND/OR UNINSURED VEHICLE. IT'S THE LAW.

Do you still have to pay insurance if you don't have a car?

If you don't own a car, you aren't legally required to have an auto insurance policy. If you don't own but drive a borrowed car occasionally, purchasing insurance may not be necessary if the car's owner has adequate coverage. However, buying a policy might make sense if you regularly drive despite not having a vehicle.

Do I need insurance to drive my parents' car?

Do I need insurance to drive my parents' car? If your parents' have insurance, then you don't necessarily need your own insurance policy to drive their car. If you don't live with them and just borrow it occasionally then you don't need to be listed as a driver on their policy either.

What car brand is the cheapest to insure?

Which vehicles are cheapest to insure? The Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Outback are the cheapest cars to insure. All three have full coverage rates under $250 per month, on average.

Why is my old car so expensive to insure?

Older cars also have fewer anti-theft features making them more likely to be stolen. They also have fewer advanced safety features making the likelihood of accidents and injuries more likely. Therefore, you'll need increased insurance coverage to account for those risks.