If you have an antique or classic car, you may need classic car insurance to help protect it. 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.
Classic car insurance can also help protect other high-value vehicles such as muscle cars, hot rods, vintage military vehicles, and exotic or luxury vehicles, the III says.
Standard car insurance may provide some coverage for a classic car, but it may not cover the full value of the vehicle. That’s because standard policies take age, mileage, and depreciation into account when determining how much a car is worth.
But if a classic car has been customized or restored, for example, it may be worth more than its depreciated value. Therefore, a regular car insurance policy may not be enough to help cover the cost of repairs after an accident.
WHAT DOES CLASSIC CAR INSURANCE COVER?
Classic car insurance typically includes coverages similar to a standard car insurance policy, such as collision, comprehensive, property damage, and bodily injury liability.
However, unlike traditional cars, which are insured based on their actual cash value (factoring in depreciation), classic car insurance covers the vehicle for an amount that’s agreed upon by the owner and the insurer. And, if the value of your classic car increases over time, you can adjust your coverage limit to reflect its value.
Classic car insurance also helps pay for specialized repairs or restoration if your classic car is damaged. These costs are often significantly higher than the cost of repairing a regular car. It can also help pay to replace classic parts like wheels and engine components, which can be difficult to find and expensive to buy out of pocket.
HOW DO YOU QUALIFY FOR CLASSIC CAR COVERAGE?
More than the age and value of a vehicle is considered when it comes to qualifying for classic car insurance. The III says you’ll likely need to meet other requirements. 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.
Some insurers allow you to drive the vehicle to car shows and auto club events. If not, you may need to purchase special coverage for those kinds of trips, the III says. Additionally, the insured vehicle typically must be securely stored in a private garage or other locked facility when not in use.
Insurers may also require you to have a clean driving record in order to purchase or renew a classic car insurance policy.
On nice days like today, we like to take our old classics out of the garage and just take a cruise. The Pfarr Insurance is located on Point Ruston where we see all types of cars from classic to supercars. We help families with their Auto Insurance all around Washington. Give us a call and let us know how we can help your family.
