What types of vehicles are covered by antique car insurance?

Classic car insurance or antique car insurance typically helps cover a vehicle that's worth more than its original selling price, such as antique or classic cars that are at least 25 to 30 years old, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). However, other types of vehicles may also qualify for antique or classic car insurance.

The III says you may be able to purchase antique or classic car insurance for the following types of vehicles:

• Hot rods
• Modified vehicles
• Exotic and luxury vehicles
• Muscle cars
• Classic trucks
• Vintage military vehicles
• Classic motorcycles
• Antique tractors

To qualify for antique or classic car insurance, generally you cannot use the vehicle for everyday purposes, and there may be mileage restrictions on your policy. You may also need to provide proof that you properly store the vehicle. For instance, your insurer may ask whether your vehicle is stored in a secure, enclosed structure (such as a private garage or storage unit) or if you plan to keep it in a carport or your driveway. Your insurer can explain any storage requirements for vehicles protected by classic car insurance.

You may also be able to add coverage to your antique or classic car insurance policy to help protect other related items. For instance, protection may be available for:

• Automotive tools and accessories
• Memorabilia like antique gas pump displays, hood ornaments and old license plates
• Vehicles under construction
• Reimbursement for hotel, food or rental car costs if your classic car breaks down during a trip

Classic car insurance typically offers liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, similar to what you'd be able to select with a standard car insurance policy. However, rather than coverage limits based on the "book value" of a certain vehicle model, coverage for classic cars is based on a value agreed upon by you and the insurer. Another difference is that regular car insurance typically takes depreciation into account when determining the current value of your vehicle, while classic car insurance does not.

If your vehicle is damaged in a covered incident, classic car insurance helps pay to replace valuable and hard-to-find spare parts. You may need repairs completed by a specialist whose work is more expensive than that of a standard auto repairer. Classic car insurance can help pay those increased costs, which would not be covered by a standard car insurance policy. And, if your covered vehicle requires special towing needs, such as transportation on a flatbed, classic car insurance may help pay for that cost, as well.