Classic Car Insurance: Complete Guide to Choosing the Best
Whatever type of car you use, insurers have a wide range of products to satisfy even the most demanding customers. With us you will get the right information so that you don't miss out on important details.
Compulsory Insurance: Legal Basis for Circulation
Every owner of a motor vehicle is obliged to take out a policy to cover Civil Liability for damage caused to third parties. This compulsory insurance is only the starting point. From there, there are many specific options adapted to each type of vehicle, including classic cars.
What is considered a Classic Car?
One of the first steps in hiring a classic car insurance is to determine whether your vehicle qualifies as a classic. Generally speaking, a classic car is one that is more than 25 years old since its date of manufacture and retains its original design and parts. If your car is more than 30 years old and has not been significantly modified, you may even qualify for historic vehicle status.
The main difference between a classic car and a historic car is that the latter needs a special number plate and more stringent requirements. Thanks to the new regulations passed in 2024, the process of historic registration is much more accessible and cheaper than before.
Types of Classic Car Insurance
Choosing insurance for classic cars is not the same as for an everyday car. Here are some of the most common types of insurance:
- Third basics: It covers the essentials: compulsory civil liability, damage to third parties and legal defence. It is the simplest option for those who hardly use their classic car.
- Third parties extended: It provides extra security by including roadside assistance Theft, fire and glass breakage cover. Perfect if you take your car to rallies or sporadic getaways.
- Fully comprehensive with excess: Designed for vehicles with high value or major restorations. It includes own damage and allows you to agree an insured value that does not depend on the market.
- Temporary insurance: Useful if you only use your car at specific times of the year, such as events or transfers. Insure your vehicle for a limited number of days.
Special Coverages to Consider
Some policies offer coverage that makes a difference. For example:
- Specialised roadside assistance: Some insurances include services specifically designed for older cars, such as adapted towing or transfer to specialised workshops.
- Participation in events: If you usually go to rallies or rallies, there are insurance policies that include specific coverage for this type of activity.
- Original spare parts: The most comprehensive insurances can help you find and replace original parts in the event of damage or loss.
Specific Conditions for Classic Car Insurance
These insurances are designed for vehicles with a very occasional use and with certain requirements. For example:
- Mileage is usually limited, usually to 5,000 km per year. If your car is registered as historic, the law allows you to drive it for up to 96 days a year.
- It is common to require the vehicle to be stored in a closed garage, to avoid damage from weather or vandalism.
- You will need to provide documentation such as the technical data sheet, driving licence and driving licence. It is also important that you have not had any recent accidents.
Differences between Conventional and Classic Insurance
The main difference is the approach. While normal insurance is designed for cars in everyday use, specialist classic insurance takes into account their heritage value, occasional use and particular needs. They also offer more flexibility in the way the vehicle is insured, especially if it is a restored or very old car.
Looking for Affordable Collector Car Insurance?
For cars that rarely leave the garage or are only used on special occasions, there are budget-friendly formulas. The most basic or temporary options are usually sufficient if you want to have your car covered without overspending. If you're in doubt about which one to choose, it's best if we go over it together.
At La Web de Seguros We help you to assess these options according to your real needs and the profile of your vehicle.
Legal Changes You Should Know About
From the end of 2024, there are important new features. For example, cars over 60 years old are exempt from the MOT. In addition, if your vehicle is registered as historic, you can benefit from reductions in road tax, depending on your local council. And the best thing: the procedure for registering your car as historic is now easier and much cheaper.
How to take out Classic Car Insurance?
Since this type of insurance requires very specific conditions, it is best to receive personalised advice. At La Web de Seguros We can help you find the option that best suits your car, use and driver profile. Contact us and we will guide you step by step.
