special cars need special protection
get a quoteBy clicking "get a quote" you will leave Allstate.com and be directed to Hagerty website.*
What is classic car insurance?
Unlike traditional auto insurance, these policies are tailored to the unique build and value of your classic or collector vehicle. Classic car insurance can be a good fit for vehicles that are well maintained, used infrequently, or primarily driven for shows, events, or leisure. Coverage is designed to better reflect how these vehicles are stored, driven, and valued compared to everyday cars. Learn more.
What makes a car a classic or collector?
Generally, a car is considered a classic when it’s 25 - 30 years old. Yet there is no true definition of a classic car. For instance, if a newer car is valued far above its original selling price, it may qualify for classic car insurance.
This means, if you have a hotrod, resto-mod, highly customized, exotic or luxury vehicle, get a quote for classic insurance. And it doesn’t stop with cars - antique tractors, vintage military vehicles and classic motorcycles also benefit from this kind of coverage.
"Collector" is a term used to broadly categorize vehicles that are not daily drivers, maintain or appreciate in value, and are of limited production or special interest. A collector car may be prized more for its unique appeal or features worth preserving, rather than its age. In other words, a collector car isn't necessarily classified by its model year. Popular enthusiast car models include Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, and Porsche 911 — among many others.
How does classic car insurance differ from a standard auto policy?
Classic car insurance and standard auto insurance serve different purposes depending on how a vehicle is used and maintained.
| Feature | Classic Car Insurance | Standard Car Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| How the vehicle is used | Typically driven occasionally for shows, events, or leisure | Used for everyday driving and commuting |
| How value is determined | May be based on an agreed value for the vehicle | Typically based on actual cash value, which may depreciate over time |
| Mileage considerations | Often includes mileage guidelines or limits | No mileage considerations |
| Vehicle condition | Generally well maintained or restored | Can include a wide range of conditions |
| Storage expectations | Usually stored in a garage or secure location | No specific storage expectations |
| Coverage approach | Designed to help protect the vehicle’s unique features and value | Designed for daily transportation needs |
| Eligibility | Available for select vehicles that meet age, use, and condition criteria | Available for most passenger vehicles |
Agreed value
A big difference between a collector car and a regular vehicle is the insurance value of the vehicle. Most insurers of daily driver vehicles offer Actual Cash Value policies, which is what an insurance adjuster says your car is worth, usually based on used car values — not the enthusiast car market. Classic car insurance on the other hand, helps ensure you'll be compensated for the true cost to repair or replace your collector vehicle.
For example, if a fully restored 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 roadster is in an accident or stolen, a standard insurance appraiser can't easily pull estimates of comparable cars from a website and give you a fair value of the vehicle or cost for the necessary repairs.
A classic car insurer works with the vehicle's owner to assign the vehicle an "agreed value" at the time of writing the policy. That number may take into consideration current market value, condition and improvements and cost of replacement and special-order parts. This is usually a much higher valuation than a traditional auto insurer would give the car based on age and mileage alone.
Usage restrictions
The more your classic car is on the road, the greater the chance there is of it being in an expensive accident.
Be sure to ask about usage options for your coverage. Some classic car policies have strict mileage limitations and coverage for certain types of driving, while others are more flexible. So, you may not be able to use the vehicle for daily commuting.
Safe storage
Although storage requirements vary by company and location, we suggest keeping your vehicle properly stored so your ride stays in top shape.
Vehicle condition
If you're restoring a "project car," you may be able to add an endorsement to your classic car policy to help protect both the car and your tools.
Type and age of vehicle
Classic and collector cars vary. What makes a classic different than a regular vehicle is the type and age of it. A car is considered a classic when it is 25-30 years old. A collector is a vehicle that is not a daily driver, and maintains or appreciates in value.
Benefits of having classic car insurance
In addition to the protection offered by conventional car insurance, a classic car policy can help protect your car's unique needs:
- Coverage designed for classics
These policies meet the unique needs of specialty vehicle owners. - Protect your car
In the event of an accident, you should be covered for the value of your car. - Flexible claim service:
Choose where your car gets repaired. - Lower cost
Collector cars are often driven less, which means that you may pay less than you do for your regular auto policies.
Classic car insurance FAQs
Classic car insurance can help protect a wide variety of classic rides:
- Antiques and classics
- Modern classics from the 80s, 90s and 2000s
- Muscle cars, sports cars and race cars
- Classic trucks and SUVs
- Modified vehicles, hot rods and replicas
- Custom builds and vehicles under restoration
- Old military vehicles, antique tractors and retired fire trucks
An insurer specializing in classic cars works with the owner to determine the vehicle's "agreed value" when writing the policy. This value factors in the current market value, condition, enhancements, replacement cost, and the expense of special-order parts. Typically, this agreed value is significantly higher than what a conventional auto insurer would appraise based solely on the car's age and mileage.
A classics policy allows you to take your car cruising around the neighborhood or attend all the events you’d like.
However, it should not be for daily commuting. If you are looking to use the car every day, you would need to enroll in a standard car insurance policy.
Classic car insurance can help pay to replace parts like wheels and engine components, which can be difficult to find and expensive to buy out of pocket.