Classic car insurance
Compare classic car insurance quotes with our partners, it's Classic Car Insurance Services and Lancaster Insurance Services[1]
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Lancaster Insurance Services has proudly arranged classic car insurance for more than 30 years. Specialising in arranging cover for your cherished vehicle, our tailored and comprehensive policies are designed to protect your investment. We have access to some of the most competitive classic car, vintage car and classic vehicle insurance schemes in the UK and work with carefully selected underwriters to enable us to offer both comprehensive and bespoke insurance solutions, with our customers in mind.
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it’s Classic Car Insurance Services offers competitive quotes from Grove & Dean’s specialist classic car insurance brands, so you can match the policy that's right for you and your classic car. Simply fill in the easy to use quote form and start saving today. it’s Classic Car Insurance Services addresses the specific needs of classic vehicle owners by providing them with bespoke policy features, for example; agreed values, salvage retention, spare parts cover together with discounts for car club members all available on it’s Classic Car Insurance Services' website.
When does a car become a classic?
Any car more than 15 years old and worth more than £15,000 is considered a classic - but the exact definition is entirely up to the insurer.
You probably think of a classic car as having a certain traditional look or features, but so long as you meet the insurer’s criteria, you might find that you’re able to get classic car insurance for all sorts of vehicles, just because they’re a bit older than others.
Classic car insurance is usually cheaper than standard policies because classics tend to be well maintained by caring drivers, who keep to a low mileage - insurers reward this with cheaper premiums.
How much is classic car insurance?
Classic car insurance is often cheaper than a standard policy. Insurers recognise that older vehicles have lower speeds and simpler mechanics than modern vehicles, as well as owners who look after their cars well.
That all means they can classify them as a lower risk and offer cheaper premiums.
There are other benefits to classic car insurance too - a specialist policy can give you extra cover designed specifically for your classic car.
You’ll be covered for all the usual things like fire, theft and third-party damages. But you’ll also be able to get additional cover for restoration, exhibiting your car and racing on track days.
Classic car insurance will also cover repairs which can be more expensive for vintage cars than for standard ones, as replacement parts can be harder to find.
There are ways you can lower the cost of your car insurance, like limiting your mileage, fitting a modern immobiliser and tracking device, joining an official car club and paying annually.
What to watch out for
There are a few things you can check to make sure a classic car policy's right for you.
Your car’s value
Some classic car policies will use agreed value instead of market value.
Standard car insurance policies will only pay out the current market value of your car if it's stolen or written off. That can leave classic car owners out of pocket because they've spent time and money lovingly restoring their car to be worth more than the market value.
With an agreed value policy the insurer instead sets a fair value with you at the outset of the policy - and that's what you'll receive if your car's stolen or written off.
Make sure you get an agreed valuation with your insurer before the policy starts.
It won’t use the market value of your car if it’s written off - the effort you’ve put into maintaining it will form the basis of the payout instead.
Mileage limitations
Some insurers assume you only drive your classic car occasionally and put a very low limit on your annual mileage.
You might even be asked to sign a mileage declaration stating you'll stay under an agreed mileage and provide a photograph of your odometer at the policy's outset.
If you use your classic car on the daily commute, make sure you stay within the mileage limits. If you think you might exceed the agreed mileage, tell your insurer immediately so it can increase it to make sure you're still covered.
Classic car breakdown
Vintage cars aren't always reliable, so make sure you have some form of classic car breakdown cover. It won't necessarily be part of your classic car insurance policy as standard.
Some insurers offer breakdown as a policy add on when you buy classic car insurance - carefully review the policy features and cost of the combined policy and compare it with standalone cover before making a decision.
Look for policies with roadside assistance and local recovery. Some classic cars can be excluded from classic breakdown policies because they pose a high risk to insurers, and are more expensive as a result.
Driving a classic car in Europe
If you use your classic car to drive not just on UK roads, but around Europe too, make sure your classic car insurance policy covers you for overseas driving.
Most car insurance policies with EU cover built-in will give you the lowest amount of protection required by law - third party only. If you're involved in a traffic accident, you'll have to pay for your repairs without the support of the insurer. It's an expensive oversight if you weren't aware the level of cover drops when you're outside of the UK.
Read your policy carefully and ask your classic car insurer for extra protection, if the cover is insufficient.
Laid up policies
Unless you’ve filled out a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN), you’ll need year-round cover for your car, even if you only use it in the summer, or if you just take it to an occasional rally or event.
If you don't need cover to actually drive your car out on the road, you can get a laid up policy instead. It'll cover your car against fire, theft and vandalism while it's in storage or being restored.
Laid-up policies don't usually cover you for driving anywhere, although some can include a small amount of cover for out on the road to cover you for things like travelling to car shows.
Specialist use
If you’re using your classic car for special occasions, such as transporting people to weddings, a standard car insurance policy might not cover you.
You’ll need to take out a business policy instead. You might also need extra cover for public road rallies or trials.
Check the terms and conditions of your policy to see whether you’re covered or not.
Caring for your classic car
Keeping your pride and joy in top condition reduces the chance of parts breaking or engine failure. What's more, keeping your car in good working condition for longer will help you to avoid claims, which push up the price of your premium.
There are simple steps you can take to preserve your classic car.
Clean and polish
Regularly washing your car helps to prevent dirt build up and corrosion. A wax and polish will help to protect paintwork and fend off rust, extending the life of bodywork and components. It's best to wax your car every few months to ensure it's protected.
Storing
Keeping your classic car in a garage not only protects it from thieves, but from rain and dirt too. If you don't have a garage, a waterproof cover will help.
You should also leave windows slightly open to help air circulate to prevent musty odours, leave the handbrake off and use chocks to secure the vehicle to prevent it seizing up, disconnect the battery to prevent it going flat and remove or lift up windscreen wipers to prevent damage to your windscreen.
MOT and Service
Some classic cars are exempt from MOTs, but that doesn't mean you can't take it for a check-up. A mechanic might spot something you can't see, which could prevent costly repair bills. Regular servicing will help the engine stay healthy for longer too.
Start it up
Even if you don't take your car out while it's hibernating, starting it up once a month will help keep the engine ticking over.
If the weather is nice, you might decide to take it for a spin, but avoid driving your classic when the roads have been salted, as this can speed up corrosion and rust unless washed off before you lock the car up again.
All you need to know
[1]Gocompare.com introduces you to it's Classic Car Insurance Services and Lancaster Insurance Services to provide classic car insurance quotes. it's Classic Car Insurance Services and Lancaster Insurance Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Gocompare.com's relationship with it's Classic Car Insurance Services and Lancaster Insurance Services is limited to that of a business partnership, no common ownership or control rights exist between us.