What is classed as a classic for insurance?

Asked by: Fanny Harvey  |  Last update: August 2, 2022
Score: 5/5 (28 votes)

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 classifies your car as a classic?

California describes a “classic car” as a vehicle that is at least 25 years old. This distinction is made due to the fact that cars built before 1975 are excused from the California Smog Certification Program.

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.

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.

Is insurance cheaper on a classic?

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. In contrast, regular car insurance usually costs over $1000 per year.

Classic Car Insurance: What you need to know

15 related questions found

How many miles can you drive with classic car insurance?

You typically can't drive more than 7500 miles per year. You must store your car in a secure, enclosed garage, carport, or storage facility. You'll have to show that you've taken measures to protect the vehicle from theft and weather elements.

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.

Is a 1998 car a classic?

Classic Car: Manufactured 2000 or earlier (>20 years old)

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.

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

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 19 year old car a classic?

Vintage – any vehicle built before 1930

Post vintage – any vehicle built between 1930 and 1945. Classic – a matter of opinion, often based on the car's style, production numbers or critical reception, but 'classics' can include some cars as young as five years old.

Is a 20 year old car a classic UK?

The age of classic cars can vary considerably, and there are several definitions regarding how old a car must be before it becomes a classic. HMRC defines classics as being over 15 years old with a list price of at least £15,000, but to be tax exempt, the classic must be at least 40 years old.

How old does a car have to be to be a classic UK?

How old is a classic? The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, the group behind Drive It Day held each year, recognises a classic as any vehicle over 30 years old, as does its global counterpart FIVA, the Fédération International des Véhicules Anciens.

Do classic cars need 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.

What cars are 30 pound a year road tax?

Cars with £30 road tax
  • Skoda Octavia.
  • Kia Sportage.
  • Vauxhall Corsa.
  • Mazda 6 Tourer.
  • Audi Q3.
  • Ford C-Max.
  • Audi A6.
  • Mini Convertible.

Is a 30 year old car tax exempt?

Government responded

There are no current plans to reduce the tax exemption age for classic cars from 40 to 30 years. The Government has set 40 years as being a fair cut-off date to distinguish classic cars from old cars.

How old is a car before it's a classic?

How old does a car have to be to be a classic? There's no definitive answer for what makes a car a classic. However, since 40-year-old vehicles are exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), this age is often used as a rough guide.

Is classic car insurance more expensive than regular insurance?

Overall, your classic vehicle insurance should be significantly less expensive than your traditional car insurance policy. Depending on your coverage options, you can save up to 40% insuring your collectors car with a classic car insurance policy compared to a standard auto policy.

Are older vehicles cheaper to insure?

Are older cars cheaper to insure? Yes, most older cars are cheaper to insure, especially in terms of comprehensive and collision insurance. Cars lose value as they age, so the potential insurance payouts after an accident drop as well. This is not the case with many classic or collector cars.

Are classic cars ULEZ exempt?

All vehicles that have a historic vehicle tax class will be exempt from the ULEZ. This tax class excludes any vehicle used commercially (for example, coffee vans or street food vans).

Is a 1982 car tax exempt?

This year, the crucial date to remember in terms of the rolling exemption is 1 January 1982; if your car was made any time before that date, it turned 40 and became VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) exempt from the start of the 2022 financial year, which was 1 April.

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.

Can I declare MoT exemption online?

If this is the first time applying for the historic vehicle class, you cannot claim exemption online. This must be done at your local Post Office. You can find your nearest branch here. You will be required to complete a V112 declaration form to declare MoT exemption.

Do you have to be 25 for classic insurance?

If your classic car is at least 25 years old, and you already have car insurance for a private car, you're eligible for our Classic Car Insurance.

Can under 25 get classic car insurance?

To conclude, the minimum age for classic car insurance is 21.