What makes a car a classic for insurance?
Asked by: Harley Kirlin | Last update: June 22, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (16 votes)
What classifies as a classic car for insurance?
A car is often considered classic when it's at least 10 years old and has historical interest, but classic car insurers have their own rules for accepting vehicles into their program. For instance, you may be subject to qualifiers like age, driving experience and record, and access to another vehicle.
Is a 20 year old car considered classic?
Listed below are a few different classic car types and how they are defined by the state of California: Antiques – Any vehicle 25 years or older. Classics – Cars between 20 to 24 years old. Collectibles- Models between 15 to 19 years old.
How old does a car have to be for Hagerty to insure it?
Progressive Classic Car Insurance by Hagerty can insure a car of any age but has requirements around the vehicle's usage, storage, and more.
What deems a car a classic?
A classic car is typically described as an automobile 25 years or older, although a car's age is not the only requirement it must meet before being considered a "classic." However, a standard criteria for recognizing cars as classics does not exist, since different countries use their own rules and have their own ...
Why You Want Classic Car Insurance
Is insurance cheaper on a classic car?
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.
How does a car qualify as 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 to insure a classic car as a daily driver?
If you drive your classic car every day, you'll need a standard auto insurance policy rather than classic car insurance. Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.
How many miles a year can you drive with Hagerty?
Hagerty encourages limited pleasure use with no fixed mileage limits. POLICY OPTIONS Liability and Physical Damage coverage, Comprehensive coverage and Storage and Transportation are available.
What is the difference between classic and vintage cars?
When looking for classic and vintage cars for sale, it's necessary to know their differences. Classic cars are at least 20 years old but not older than 45 years, while vintage cars are 25 years or older. Antique cars are even older, at least 45 years old.
How to register a car as classic?
- Find out your state's requirements. ...
- Gather documentation. ...
- Apply for a classic car registration. ...
- Store your proof of registration in the car. ...
- Keep your registration current.
Is a 10 year old car a classic?
When does an automobile become a classic for insurance purposes in California? At the bare minimum, the vehicle needs to be at least 25 years old. If you wish to register it as a “collector car” with the state, you will need to follow other guidelines.
Is a 1997 vehicle considered an antique?
Vintage cars are typically defined as being at least 25 years old, while antique cars are at least 45 years old. So, if you're looking for a classic car, you'll want to focus your search on vehicles that are at least 25 years old.
What are limitations to classic car insurance?
For example, a vehicle that's protected by classic car insurance typically cannot be used for everyday driving. 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.
How many miles can you do on classic car insurance?
Classic car insurance policies have a limited use provision. This only allows use of the car for travel to auto shows and auto club meetings. Typically, insurers place a maximum annual mileage restriction for antique car insurance. This varies by state but usually doesn't exceed 7,500 miles per year.
How old does a car need to be to insure with Hagerty?
If you own a collectible vehicle released in 1980 or a vehicle newer than that, we have options depending on exactly how new the vehicle in question is. Even if your “instant classic” is from this millennium (aka the year 2000 or after), we have a policy tier that can give you the coverage you need.
What is the mileage lifespan of a car?
How many miles does a car last? A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total. The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States.
Can you drive a classic car long distance?
It's easy to think that driving any vintage car over long distances will be hard, or dangerous, or the car won't make it. Just because they are old, however, doesn't mean they won't survive a long journey. After all, back in their day thousands of people used these cars to road trip every year.
Can I drive my classic car every day?
Driving a classic car on a daily-basis increases vehicle wear and tear and reduces future resale value. Ask any auto mechanic: few things are as hard on a car as consistent usage in all weather conditions, and the wear can happen in places you don't expect.
Does it matter what car you drive for insurance?
The make and model of your car can affect your car insurance rate based on how often that make is involved in insurance claims, how much it generally costs to repair or replace the vehicle, and the safety features it has.
Why is classic car insurance so cheap?
Because the policy is mileage limited, and very specfic to your vehicle, it can be a lot cheaper. Insurance companies know that if you are building a classic vehicle, you are probably going to treat it a little differently than the family Honda – and they price their policies accordingly.
Is a 20 year old vehicle a classic?
A vehicle that is between 20 and 45 years old typically qualifies as a classic car for registration purposes, while insurers often require the car to also have historical significance. The exact definition of a classic car can vary between state DMVs, insurance companies, and motor clubs.
Are 90s cars considered classic?
2024 marks a milestone for the '90s. In the tradition of cars becoming classics at the age of 25 years, we can now say that the 1990s are Classic with 1999 a comfortable 25 years in the distance.
How many years does it take for a car to become a classic?
We have listed all three and their generally agreed-upon ages below: A vintage car is one that was manufactured between 1919 and 1930. An antique car is any car manufactured in 1975 or earlier (older than 45 years old). The classic car is a vehicle manufactured in the 1990s or earlier (at least 20 years old).
Can you get full coverage on a 20 year old car?
Yes. Full coverage is available for older cars. However, if your older car has a low market value, you won't get much from the insurance company if it's totaled or stolen. This is the main reason to drop full coverage for an older car with a low resale value.