6+ years writing about insurance, travel, and personal finances
Contributor to brands like Credible
In addition to insurance, Nick specializes in writing about business, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and travel. He’s been featured in myriad web publications, including Fox Business.
Featured in
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated November 21, 2024
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
If you plan on driving your classic car, you’ll need to insure it. Classic car insurance is similar to traditional auto insurance in that it provides standard coverages, such as liability, collision, and comprehensive. But classic car insurance has its own set of eligibility requirements and specialty coverage options.
You may already be familiar with some of the companies that offer classic car insurance, such as State Farm, Farmers, and Nationwide. But some smaller niche companies may be a better fit. Insurers like Hagerty and American Collectible specialize in insuring only classic, antique, and collectible vehicles.
You must have classic car insurance if you plan on driving your vehicle.
Some classic car insurers only offer collectible automobile insurance and won’t cover your primary vehicles.
You can find ways to save on classic car insurance by bundling policies, shopping around, and choosing the minimum required coverage.
What is classic car insurance?
You may envision a ’65 Shelby Cobra or a ’52 Volkswagen Beetle when you hear the term “classic car,” but would you consider a ’92 Honda Civic in the same category? Probably not. But the term “classic car” has a different meaning to insurance companies. Each may classify a car’s age into a “classic,” “antique,” or “collectible” category.
Generally, many insurers will consider a car a “classic” if it’s anywhere from 10 to over 25 years old. The exact cutoff will depend on the insurer. These companies may also require that the car isn’t a primary vehicle — that is, one that you use every day for things like shopping, going to work, or picking up your kids from school.
Both standard and classic car insurance policies offer coverage options ranging from the minimum liability coverage required by state law to reimbursement for covered parts replacement. But each insurer’s eligibility criteria can differ.
For example, a classic car insurer may impose a maximum driving limit of 3,000 miles per year, require that you store the car in a covered space, and only insure drivers with clean driving records.
In some cases, you might be able to purchase a standard car insurance policy for a classic car if it’s your primary vehicle. But since many classic car owners use these vehicles solely for car shows, parades, and pleasure driving, a classic car insurance policy may be better suited for your needs.
What are the best classic car insurance companies?
If you’re looking for classic car insurance, consider one of the companies below.
Hagerty
Hagerty is a national provider of specialty insurance, offering insurance for classic vehicles in all 50 states. It also offers motorsport, business, and classic boat insurance. Its classic vehicle products include coverage for cars older than 1980, modified vehicles, tractors, scooters, and more.
To qualify for coverage, you must only use the car for pleasure driving or events, you must park it off the street, and you must not have had a serious driving infraction in the last three years.
Drivers also have the option to get paid by Hagerty to repair any covered damages themselves. However, unlike some larger insurers, not all of Hagerty’s classic vehicle coverage options are available in every state.[1]
American Modern
American Modern is a specialty insurance company offering collector car insurance, among other property and vehicle insurance products. Its coverage options include muscle cars, classic cars, race cars, Cobra replicas, fire engines, and more.[2]
When insuring your car with American Modern Insurance, you and the agent agree on its value and insure it for that amount. This agreed value prevents you from losing money if the market value of the vehicle decreases after you activate your policy.
State Farm
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $119/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Charles
November 19, 2024
New Car Price
Ronald
November 19, 2024
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
David
November 19, 2024
Too expensive
State Farm offers car insurance for antique automobiles over 24 years of age and classic cars between 10 and 24 years of age. You must drive your vehicle on a limited basis and use it only for recreational driving, shows, parades, or similar events. State Farm also requires you to take steps to restore, maintain, or preserve your car.
Along with offering everything from liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to medical payments, uninsured motorist coverage, and emergency road service, State Farm offers up to $500 of coverage for the vehicle’s spare parts. The insurer provides coverage in all states except Rhode Island and Massachusetts, but North Carolina classic car owners don’t qualify for agreed-upon value coverage.[3]
High rates of customer satisfaction
Rideshare insurance available
Savings for bundling auto with home, renters, condo, or life insurance
No gap insurance offering
May not be the cheapest choice for drivers with violations
Accident forgiveness limited to longtime customers with clean driving records
Farmers
User Reviews | 3.9 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $110/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $241/mo |
Drivers appreciate the initial affordability but dislike the frequent and significant price increases and poor customer service.
Drivers appreciate the initial affordability but dislike the frequent and significant price increases and poor customer service.
Gregory
November 12, 2024
Extremely Poor
Stanford
November 12, 2024
Fair
James
November 11, 2024
Not a Fan of Farmers Insurance
Farmers offers insurance products for collectible vehicles. Coverage options include coverage for damages from a total loss or when you parked it at an event and special coverages when taking the vehicle outside its coverage area, such as out of the country for a car show.
Farmers’ optional spare parts coverage limits cost-free spare parts replacement to $750, which is higher than State Farm. You also have the option to add a “no attendance” clause to your policy, which will cover damage to your car even when you’re not with it.[4]
Many auto insurance discounts
Robust roadside assistance program
Offers customized equipment coverage add-on
Lower customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
Tends to have higher premiums than some competitorsNot available in every state
American Collectors
American Collectors offers classic vehicle insurance to owners with at least five years of licensed driving experience, a clean driving record, and a classic vehicle in good condition. It also requires drivers to store the vehicle in an enclosed space and not use it for racing or daily driving.
It also offers coverage for other vehicle types, such as classic trucks, exotic cars, and antique motorcycles, though coverage eligibility requirements vary. For instance, American Collectors requires at least 10 years of driving experience for classic truck insurance, while Hagerty has fewer requirement differences between classic truck and classic car insurance.[5]
Unlike some classic car insurers, American Collectors offers coverage options allowing classic vehicle owners to drive up to 7,500 miles per year. It also insures other collectibles that aren’t automobiles, such as vintage books, wine collections, and sports memorabilia.[5]
Methodology
Data scientists at Insurify analyzed more than 40 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partner providers across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates. With these insights, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how companies price their car insurance premiums.
How does classic car insurance work?
Classic car insurance eligibility requirements vary from insurer to insurer. One may cap your annual mileage between 2,000 and 3,000, while another might offer coverage for up to 7,000 miles per year. Generally, however, many classic car insurance companies have similar requirements, such as:
The car must be a “pleasure” car and not a “primary” vehicle — one that you use on a daily basis for work, school, family needs, or running errands.
You must store your car in a covered space, like a garage or carport.
You must have had your license for a minimum period of time.
You may need a clean driving record or minimal infractions within a set number of years.
You may also need to prove that you have a primary vehicle in addition to your classic car.
You must have restored, maintained, or preserved your car or be in the process of doing so.
How do you pick coverage limits for classic car insurance?
Most classic car insurance policies include similar coverages as standard car insurance policies, such as bodily injury and property damage coverage. But they’ll also include some additional coverages, such as specialty towing, spare parts, repair, and restoration coverage.
One of the unique elements of classic car insurance is agreed-upon value. Classic cars often have very different values, depending on their features, age, and condition. Newer cars aren’t as specialized, so insurers can assess them using a “book value,” which is more of a general value that applies to almost every vehicle of a given model.
The agreed-upon value is the vehicle value that you and your insurer agree on prior to the start of the policy. It doesn’t depreciate over time as an everyday vehicle’s value does, so your car will stay insured for the agreed-upon value throughout the policy. In some cases, your car may even increase in value, and you may need to adjust your policy.[6]
When choosing coverage levels, consider how often you’ll drive your classic car and in what context. For instance, if you enjoy impromptu cruising you may want more coverage options to protect against accidents. If you only take your vehicle to classic car shows a few times per year, you may only want the minimum liability coverage to save money. But keep in mind, liability-only coverage won't protect your classic car against theft, vandalism, fire, or weather hazards.
Cheapest recent rates
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $34/mo for liability only and $41/mo for full coverage.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024
What does a classic car insurance policy cover?
Because most states require a minimum level of liability insurance for any car operated on a roadway, most classic car insurance policies cover bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Some states may also require personal injury protection insurance and uninsured motorist coverage.[7]
Classic car insurance companies typically offer policies that address similar coverage needs. Farmers, American Collectors, and State Farm all offer spare/replacement parts coverage, and others offer even more extensive coverage options. For instance, State Farm can provide optional collision, comprehensive, and no-fault coverage for classic cars.[3]
How old does a car have to be to qualify for classic car insurance?
Insurance companies don’t all agree on the age requirement to define a classic car. Insurers have different age requirements for insuring a classic car and break down these age ranges into distinct categories. For instance:
Hagerty doesn’t have a minimum age requirement but has other requirements regarding usage and storage, depending on the vehicle model.[1]
State Farm considers vehicles between 10 and 24 years old to be classic cars and those older than 24 years to be antique cars.[3]
American Collectors doesn’t have a minimum age requirement but has other requirements related to the car’s make, model, usage, modifications, and collectibility.[5]
Is classic car insurance required?
Classic car insurance is required if you plan on driving your vehicle. Driving includes Sunday drives, taking it to a car show, and even using it once a year during a town parade.
All states require every motor vehicle operated on a roadway to have a minimum amount of insurance. This mandatory insurance guarantees that you’re financially responsible for certain damages you cause while driving your vehicle.[7]
Driving a classic vehicle without the minimum state-required car insurance results in the same penalties and fees as doing so in a regular car. Of course, just like traditional car insurance, you can purchase additional optional coverage for your classic car to give it the level of protection you desire.
How much does classic car insurance cost?
The average cost of car insurance is $212 per month, or $2,544 per year, according to Insurify data. While a classic car owner may pay a similar premium depending on a variety of factors, like which insurer they choose and their driving history, many drivers report paying far less for classic car insurance.
For example, one classic car owner reported paying only $78 per month with Hagerty.[8] Aside from factors like make, model, and value, classic car insurance rates are often lower than standard car insurance because of the decreased risk of accidents and incidents.
Low annual mileage maximums, proof that you stored the vehicle in a safe space, and evidence that you’re not using the classic car for daily needs are just a few requirements many classic car insurers have for policyholders. If a driver only uses their classic car for annual parades, for instance, their likelihood of being in an accident is far less than a driver with a daily commute.
How to get the best classic car insurance
Classic car insurance may be different from primary car insurance when it comes to scope and eligibility requirements, but the ways you can save money on your policy are similar. Consider these tips to get the lowest premium for your classic car:
Bundle multiple policies. Larger insurers, like State Farm and Farmers, offer classic car policies as well as traditional auto, home, and life insurance plans. Bundling them can help you save overall.
Maintain a good driving history. Some classic car insurers require a driver to have a clean driving history. To increase your opportunity to find the lowest coverage available, keep a clean driving record on any vehicle you drive.
Shop around frequently. Car insurance rates vary from year to year. As an insurance agency changes its rates, discounts, and eligibility requirements, you may find more opportunities to save by switching insurers. Compare rates from multiple companies annually to see which can offer you the best coverage for your budget.
“We recommend consumers shop their insurance coverage at least annually,” says Mark Friedlander, corporate communications director at the Insurance Information Institute. “Auto insurance is the most competitive insurance market in the U.S. Insurers want to grow their market share, and prices can vary greatly between carriers.”
Classic car insurance FAQs
Whether you’ve purchased your first classic car or are looking to switch insurers, you may have questions about how to insure your classic vehicle. Here’s some additional information about classic car insurance that may help.
Who is the best for classic car insurance?
State Farm, Farmers, Progressive, and Nationwide all offer classic car insurance. State Farm and Farmers offer classic car insurance under their own names, allowing drivers to maintain all their insurance needs under a single bundled policy. Progressive and Nationwide also offer classic car insurance through Hagerty, a well-known name in classic automobile insurance.
Which companies are similar to Hagerty?
Hagerty specializes in insurance for collector vehicles, including cars, military vehicles, and vintage camper trailers. Some larger insurers, including State Farm and Farmers, also provide classic or collectible car insurance. On the other hand, insurers like American Collectors and American Modern are specialty insurers like Hagerty, specializing in classic vehicle insurance.
Are classic cars cheaper to insure?
On average, classic car policies have a lower premium rate than standard insurance policies. However, rates fluctuate based on the insurer, coverage levels, vehicle insured, and policyholder’s unique driving history.
Is Hagerty only for classic cars?
Yes. Hagerty offers car insurance only for classic and collectible cars; it doesn’t offer insurance for everyday use driving or vehicles that are considered primary cars.[1]
Related articles
- The 10 Best and Worst Car Insurance Comparison Sites
- No-Down-Payment Car Insurance
- Top 10 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
- How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance With a Low Income
- Best Cheap Full-Coverage Car Insurance
- 7 of the Best Car Insurance Companies
- Can Your Insurance Company Force You to Total Your Car?
Popular articles
- What Is Gap Insurance for Cars, and Do You Need It?
- How Much Will Insurance Pay for My Totaled Car? (Full Guide)
- What Is the Difference Between a Real ID and a Driver’s License?
- Rebuilt Title: What It Is and How It Works
- What Is a Car Insurance Deductible?
- Best Car Insurance Rates and Discounts for Teachers
- What Comprehensive Car Insurance Covers in Texas
Sources
- Hagerty. "Insurance products and coverage through Hagerty."
- American Modern. "Collector Car Insurance."
- State Farm. "Collector & classic car insurance."
- Farmers. "Classic & Collector Car Insurance."
- American Collectors. "Collector & Classic Car Insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Insuring your classic car."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Automobile Financial Responsibility Laws By State."
- Canadian Gearhead. "How Much Does Classic Car Insurance Cost And What Are The Benefits?."
Nick Dauk is a freelance writer specializing in business, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and travel. His work has been featured in Fox Business, BBC, The Edge, Business Insider, and Bisnow. Nick is a first-generation college graduate, having majored in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Central Florida. His eclectic coursework, combined with previous managerial roles in the retail and broadcast television industries, have helped him develop an interdisciplinary approach to writing.
For nearly a decade, Nick has created content for mom-and-pop businesses and global corporations. As a travel writer, his global adventures have also been featured on Inside Hook, Houston Chronicle, Culture Trip, and Matador. When he's not traveling, Nick can be found in Orlando spending time with his wife and toddler.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.