How does classic car insurance work?

Driving

5 min read

Classic car insurance is a type of insurance tailored for older cars that are typically used for leisure purposes. Although there are some similarities between classic and regular car insurance, there are crucial differences such as price and mileage limitations.  

At AbbeyAutoline, we share the enthusiasm for vintage vehicles, and perhaps more importantly, getting them on the road or stored safely. In this guide, we cover the basics of classic car insurance and commonly asked questions to help you get your vehicle the right level of cover at the right price. 

What is classic car insurance?

Unlike normal car insurance, there are certain factors in place that determine whether or not you can get a classic policy. As such, it’s important to take a few things into consideration before applying for classic car insurance, these include:

• The driver’s age: policyholders must be over 25 years old, with some policies requiring the driver to be over 30;
• For residents in the Republic of Ireland, the vehicle must be over 25 years old, although consideration is given on a bespoke basis;
• For residents in Northern Ireland, the vehicle must be over 20 years old, but again, consideration is given on a bespoke basis. 

What does classic car insurance cover?

At AbbeyAutoline, we provide different levels and types of insurance so that you can insure your vehicle with the best option to suit your needs. As with regular car insurance, fully comprehensive cover is our highest level of cover and is a popular choice for the peace of mind that it allows. We provide fully comprehensive cover for all types of classic vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, commercial, military, and agricultural vehicles. 

If you’re looking to insure multiple vehicles, we also provide multi-vehicle policies, which include each vehicle having a set mileage bracket which your premium will be based on. 

What mileage can be covered under classic car insurance?

In addition to the above factors that affect classic car insurance, it is also important to note that there are mileage limitations when it comes to getting your vehicle insured under a classic policy. The standard limit is 5000 miles and you are able to increase your mileage throughout the year with an additional premium and within the 5000 mile limit.

Do I need classic car insurance if my car is in storage?

For classic vehicles being held in storage, ‘laid up’ cover is a popular option to keep the car protected while not in use. This type of policy covers the car against fire, theft, or accidental damage while it is being held at the declared garage address. The convenience of this type of cover comes from the fact that you only pay for the level of cover you need while the car is in storage, rather than the level of cover needed when out on the road.  

Why is classic car insurance typically cheaper?

A common question surrounding classic car insurance is “why is it cheaper than standard policies?” This is mainly due to the fact that insurers view classic cars as less likely to be involved in a claim. Classic car insurance also involves stricter factors that reduce the chances of your car being involved in an accident. 

Owning a classic car is something to take pride in, and at AbbeyAutoline, we understand that this means wanting to have the best cover in place to protect it. To find the right cover to suit your needs, get in contact with our experts today on 08000 66 55 44.