Get a quick quote for your classic car

Classic cars are commonly perceived as the transport of eccentrics and TV detectives. Most people consider them to be glamorous, expensive, and high maintenance status symbols. The reality is that many classic cars simply do not fit this stereotype. A classic car is easy to rave about but incredibly hard to define. Who is to say that a cherished Austin A40 in a supermarket car park is less of a 'Classic Car' than a Mark II Jaguar at Ascot?

There are three terms used to describe the cars of yesteryear, a classic car insurance policy can embrace all three categories.

• Veteran Cars - manufactured before 1903.
• Vintage Cars - manufactured between 1903 and 1933.
• Classics Cars - tend to be at least fifteen years old.

The confusion that surrounds the definition of a classic car can make classification difficult when it comes to organizing the right insurance policy. This is because a 'classic car's' meaning can vary depending on the insurer. Usually, the larger insurance companies will not provide 'classic car' schemes, but will provide the same level of insurance as those who drive a typical car seen on the street every day.

1. It is widely reported in the motoring press that classic car insurance is far cheaper than a modern car policy but it is important to be vigilant and well informed.
2. The condition and scarcity of a classic can vary dramatically, and an owner's perception as to the value of his beloved car can often be at odds with his insurer's valuation in the event of a claim.
3. It is vital that you take out a guaranteed agreed valuation when insuring your classic car.
4. Search for a specialist insurer, they are more likely to provide specialist assistance and provide a better rate.

NB: A genuine agreed valuation is the value guaranteed by the insurer should the car be written off or stolen. Make sure you check that your valuation is 'guaranteed', as some insurers have refused to pay out the full amount, despite the owner believing that they were fully covered.

Insurers usually make a small charge for an agreed valuation, but it can be a false economy to omit it from your policy if the pay out on your claim turns out to be hundreds, or even thousands, less than you thought.

So, if you are surprised to learn that insurers consider your beloved 1970's Datsun Cherry a classic, make sure you take care when choosing your car insurance policy!