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

Asked by: Mrs. Talia Veum  |  Last update: July 17, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (68 votes)

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.

How often should you drive a 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.

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.

Can I use a classic car as a daily driver?

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 many miles can you do on classic car insurance?

Although all insurance companies are different, you are likely to have to limit how much you drive your car in order to maintain the classic car coverage. An annual mileage limit of between 5,000 and 10,000 miles per year is standard for classic car insurance.

How many miles can I drive my classic a year with a policy? -Classic Auto Insurance

16 related questions found

Is a 20 year old car considered 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.

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 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.

Should I start my classic car in the winter?

Before you take your vehicle out, however, it's important to let it warm up first. 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.

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.

Does Hagerty have mileage restrictions?

Mileage of 3,500 or less is generally consistent with operating vehicles that have collectible value. Mileage up to 7,500 may be considered.

Is it worth it 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.

At what age does a car 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 happens when a car sits for 2 years?

But when a car is left to sit, they can become warped, flat and deflated. Definitely check your tires' air pressure before you resume driving. Bubbles may even appear in the tire and could cause a blowout while driving at high speeds.

Should you cover your classic car?

An extra layer of protection never hurts, and a car cover helps keep out dirt and dust regardless of where you're storing your vehicle. Look for a custom cover for your classic car made from breathable material that won't trap moisture and create condensation.

How do I keep my classic car from rusting?

5 ways to protect your classic car from rust
  1. 01 Wax it. It's the most common way of protecting your classic from rust for one good reason – it works. ...
  2. 02 Dehumidify. Just because your classic is tucked up in your garage, don't go thinking it's safe from rust. ...
  3. 03 Borrow from the moderns. ...
  4. 04 Oil it. ...
  5. 05 Rinse and dry.

Can you drive muscle cars winter?

It can be done!

I've preached it over and over, but with the right set of winter tires, you can drive most cars throughout the year. Even if that car has a monster-V8 up front and typically punishes the rear tires every time you squeeze the go-pedal (think a Dodge Charger R/T with the 5.7L Hemi V8).

Is cold bad for classic cars?

It is important to avoid especially harsh conditions, as well as dangerous ice and damaging salt on the roads. Classic cars are made to be driven, and they benefit in many ways from being brought out regularly.

Is it bad to drive an old car in the cold?

The slow warmth also allows the vehicle to burn off any condensation left behind by the cold air. If drivers do not run the engine long enough during their trips, then the sludge can build up within, and that would cause the vehicle to run less smoothly or even leave lasting damage on delicate parts.

What class is a classic car?

The Antique Automobile Club of America notes classics must be older than 25 years (with cars over 45 years old known as antiques), whereas insurance providers have a wide range of classifications.

Are older cars harder to insure?

Older cars are a higher insurance risk

If you own an older vehicle you may find it difficult to find an insurer who will cover your car. Even when you do find an insurer willing to cover your vehicle, you may find yourself faced with incredibly high premiums. This is because older cars pose a higher insurance risk.

Can a 17 year old insure a classic car?

The younger driver classic car insurance scheme for 17 - 23 year olds contains the following criteria: Owner must be a member of one of the pre-selected clubs. Car must have been manufactured in or before 1985. Owner must have use of or own a second vehicle for everyday use.

At what age does a car become tax exempt?

Tax exemption for classic cars is now rolling. This means that from 1 April each year, vehicles manufactured more than 40 years before 1 January of that year are automatically exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), otherwise known as road tax.