Laid up cover
Keeps your car protected against any damage or accidents happen while it’s being restored. This is sometimes included as standard, but other policies will require you to add it on.
Classic car insurance
Compare car insurance for your classic car
What is classic car insurance?
Classic car insurance, also known as heritage car insurance or vintage car insurance, is designed for older cars that are primarily used for leisure purposes.
Classic car insurance often works out cheaper than standard car insurance.
Insurance companies reckon that if you have a classic car you’re likely to drive it fewer miles than you would your everyday vehicle, and that you'll look after it better.
What does classic car insurance cover?
This is what is typically covered in a fully comprehensive classic car insurance policy.
Different insurers have different inclusions and exclusions. Always read your policy documents carefully.
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What's covered
Damage to your classic car - from accidents, theft, fire or vandalism
Third-party damage caused by your vehicle
Motor legal protection, which pays out for legal costs you may face related to a claim
Serious or fatal injuries - compensation if you’re seriously or fatally injured in a road accident
Agreed value cover - your insurer will pay out a pre-agreed sum if your classic car is written off or stolen rather than the market value
Spare parts cover - if you already own parts for your classic car and they are stored securely
Restoration cover - in addition to an agreed valuation, your insurer may cover the cost of restoration work if you have an accident
Laid-up cover - if your vehicle is off the road for a period of time, perhaps because it is being restored, you will be covered for fire and theft
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What's not covered
Non-named drivers - Anyone who was not named on your policy
Standard wear and tear to your car such as damage due to rust
Drugs and alcohol - Accidents if you're under the influence (this can include prescription drugs)
Driving without a valid licence - if you’re driving after your licence has been revoked (cancelled)
A no-claims bonus - but you may get other discounts. For example, by being a member of a classic car club
What add-ons can I get with classic car insurance?
Add-ons will cover you for scenarios and costs that are not typically included in car insurance policies.
They can provide extra peace of mind, but come with an extra cost.
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Vintage show display cover
Protects your car against damage at a classic motor event or show and provides you with public liability cover to protect you should a member of the public become injured while interacting with your car.
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Track day racing
If you enter your classic car into a race or track parade, this covers you for any accidents or damage caused during the event.
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Wedding car usage
Classic car policies will typically offer the option of extending your cover so your vehicle can be used at formal events such as wedding and proms.
What's the difference between classic car insurance and regular car insurance?
Classic car insurance offers features that you won’t get with standard car insurance:
agreed value cover - an agreement between you and your insurer on the car’s value should the car be written off or stolen
spare parts cover
restoration protection - to cover the cost of restoring your classic car following an accident
How do I compare car insurance with MoneySuperMarket?
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Provide us with a few details
We'll need information about you and your car. We aim to make this as quick and easy as possible.
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We’ll search for deals
Based on your criteria, we'll search the market to offer you the best deals at competitive prices.
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Choose your deal
Simply click through to your chosen provider when you're ready. Get covered the same day.
Why is classic car insurance cheaper than standard policies?
Lower annual mileage
A classic car is usually a second car which is driven less frequently or has a mileage restriction in place by the insurer, which means that there is less risk of an accident
Careful ownership
Classic car owners tend to look after their cherished vehicles and you may benefit from a discount if you’re a member of a classic car club
Note Although premiums are often lower for classic car insurance your insurer will usually put restrictions in place such as mileage caps, storage requirements or limits on daily use.
💡 Top tip Check that the annual mileage cap is high enough to cover how often you drive your car and insure the vehicle for an ‘agreed valuation’ rather than its market value: this protects your car’s real worth.
What affects the price of insuring your classic car?
Car insurance premiums are tailored to your individual circumstances. Factors insurers take into consideration include:
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Type of car
The make and model of your car will have a large impact on the cost of your premium
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Age of car
Older cars may not have modern safety and security features, so may have a higher risk of theft and accidents
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Mileage
Classic car insurers usually demand a lower annual mileage - often ranging from just 2,000 to 5,000 miles
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Restorations
If your vehicle is off the road being restored then your premium should reflect the fact your car isn’t being driven
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Agreed value of car
The payout you'd receive if your car is written off or stolen should be agreed with your insurer in advance
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Classic car club membership
Your insurer may give you a discount as it shows you’re an enthusiast and suggests you’ll take good care of your vehicle
How can I get cheaper classic car insurance?
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Join a classic car club
Your insurer may give you a discount on your premium if you’re a member of a classic car club as it shows your insurance company that you’re an enthusiast and suggests you’ll take good care of your vehicle.
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Reduce your mileage
If you’re a low mileage driver you’ll have more classic car insurers to choose from as many impose a mileage restriction or offer a discount for low mileage.
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Improve your car’s security
Classic car insurance providers often specify that your car is kept in a secure location such as a locked garage but you could also consider fitting a tracking device, car alarm or immobiliser.
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Pay your car insurance annually, not monthly
If you can afford to, it is worth paying for your car insurance in one go rather than in monthly instalments which have interest added.
What are the classic car tax exemptions?
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Car tax
✓ Cars built before 1985
Classic cars that are at least 40 years old are exempt from paying road tax (also known as vehicle excise duty or VED).
This applies from 1 April each year for vehicles manufactured more than 40 years before 1 January of that year.
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MOTs
✓ Cars built before 1985
Classic cars that were built or first registered over 40 years ago do not have to pay MOT.
To qualify, they must be roadworthy and not have had any major changes in the last 30 years, such as replacing the chassis, body, axle or engine to change the way the vehicle works.
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Seatbelt installation
✓ Cars built before 1965
If your classic car was manufactured before 1965 and did not have seat belts when it was made, you do not need to install them.
This is because seat belts were not standard equipment on cars made before 1966. However, this means that children under three years old can’t travel in your classic car.
Our expert says…
If you own a classic car, you'll want to ensure that your vehicle gets the protection it deserves.
It can be a real privilege owning and driving a classic car, and while it's cheaper than standard car insurance, you won’t want to scrimp on basic cover. However, there are ways to save money on your policy.
Arranging a secure place to park at night can help protect your cherished motor as well as reducing the cost of cover.
Sara Newell Motor & Home Insurance Expert
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MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
What does ‘agreed value’ mean?
Agreed value is the amount your car insurer will pay you if your classic car is written off after a crash, or stolen. It is a figured agreed upon when you take out your policy.
The alternative to an agreed value policy is for insurers to pay the market value of your car. Owners of specialist vehicles may feel that the market value does not reflect the money and work they've put into their classic car.
You can negotiate with your insurer if they offer you an agreed value you think is too low, but you should do this when you take out the policy.
Do I need a specialist policy for classic cars?
Your insurer will decide if your car qualifies as a 'classic', as the definition can sometimes vary. Whether you need a specialist policy for your classic car may depend on how often you use your car, rather than its age or model.
Does classic car insurance cover daily driving?
No, classic car insurance is meant for occasional leisure use rather than daily commuting. Insurers often specify that the classic car is your second car not your primary car.
Can I use my classic car for business purposes?
You can, but it may require specialist add-ons and extra charges.
If you’re planning to use your classic car for business purposes, tell your insurer. Business purposes includes everything from driving the car to your workplace to renting it out for weddings.
If you haven’t let them know that you’re using your classic car for work, your insurance could be invalidated. That means you will not receive a payout if you make a claim.
Can I insure a classic car with modifications?
Yes, but have a modified car may increase your premiums.
Insurers regard modifications to your vehicle as leading to a greater chance of you needing to make a claim. Even cosmetic work like a high-quality re-spray to your car is considered a modification, as it may attract thieves.
You must notify your insurer of any modifications to your vehicle, or your insurance could be invalidated.
Do classic car modifications increase insurance quotes?
Generally, modifications will increase the cost of your insurance.
However, it depends on the modification as there is a wide range of changes that count - everything from an electric conversion of your classic car, which will push up your premium to fitting parking sensors, which is more likely to lower your premium.
Is it worth joining a car club?
Joining a classic car club comes with various benefits, from finding a new hobby to insurance discounts:
Insurance discounts: Classic car clubs are a great indicator to your insurer that you take good care of your vehicle and are more likely to practice safe driving.
Connections: Joining a car club means getting to meet other classic car enthusiasts. With this, you can get technical car advice and find where to buy car parts!
Valuations: Some car clubs can help you value your car or help out if you’re looking to buy or sell a classic car.
Vehicle verification: If your vehicle has been off-road for a while and has no Logbook, some car clubs can help you restore an original registration to your vehicle if it’s been removed before.
When does a car become classic?
A car becomes a classic when it is of enough historical interest to be collectible. That can mean:
For road tax purposes: 40 years old. At this age, a car is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), also known as road tax, so that’s often used as a rough guide
For HMRC purposes: at least 15 years old and worth £15,000 is the definition set by HMRC, which is relevant for capital gains tax
For insurance purposes: 15 years, 20 years, 25 years or a different threshold or criteria set by the insurer
Outside the UK, such as in the US or the European Union, there may be different definitions of a classic car.
What criteria do I need to meet to get classic car insurance?
Insurers usually have set criteria for a classic car, including:
Age - typically your classic car must be least 15 years old but some insurers may stipulate 20 or 25 years
Condition - your classic car should be well-maintained and in good condition
Secure storage - you’ll usually need to keep your classic car in locked garage
Mileage - you’ll often be expected to do low mileage and the insurer may set a mileage cap, such as 5,000 miles
Use - you’ll usually be expected to use your classic car as a second car rather than for daily driving
Is my car a veteran, vintage or post-vintage car?
Veteran: Any vehicle built before World War One (before 1914)
Vintage: Any vehicle built before 1930
Post vintage: Any vehicle built between 1930 and 1945
What about future classic cars?
More modern cars can be considered ‘future classic cars’, usually because they have:
Limited production numbers
A distinctive design
Performance pedigree
An enthusiast following
For example, earlier versions of sports car the Porsche 911, which was first launched in 1963, are already considered classic cars and the latest iterations are likely to follow suit due to the 911’s heritage and timeless design.
Some insurers already treat these kinds of vehicles differently by offering a higher agreed value or specialist policies, and if you own a future classic you might benefit from taking extra precautions to protect its value.
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Yes, you can earn SuperSaveClub rewards when you buy car insurance through MoneySuperMarket.
This includes:
Up to £15, which you can withdraw as a pre-paid Mastercard or a gift card for brands like Sainsbury's and Amazon.co.uk
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Yes, car insurance is included in our Super Save Price Promise.
If you buy through us then find the same deal for less we will:
refund the difference
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Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025 by
According to Simply Business data, 10% of customers paid this amount or less monthly for a massage therapists insurance policy. Figure based on annual policies purchased in 2024.
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
From 01.06.23 to 31.05.24 MoneySuperMarket customers received £1.59bn estimated savings based on (i) SuperSaveClub reward redemptions, and (ii) savings claims per product multiplied by the number of sales. Products included - Car, Home, Pet and Travel insurance, Broadband, Credit Cards, Loans and Mortgages.
According to Simply Business data, 10% of customers paid £5.41 or less monthly for a public liability insurance policy. Figure based on annual quotes purchased between 1st Aug - 31st Oct 2025. The price is for up to £2 million of public liability insurance and excludes the extra costs for paying monthly
According to Simply Business data, 10% of customers paid this amount or less for an annual massage therapists insurance policy. Figure based on policies purchased in 2024.
According to Simply Business data, 51% of customers paid this amount or less for an annual massage therapists insurance policy. Figure based on policies purchased in 2024.
88% of business insurance claims made by MoneySuperMarket customers were accepted in the 12 months before March 2025. Data from SimplyBusiness.
Simply Business data 2024