Thoughts on Classic and Vintage Car Insurance

To be classed as a vintage car, a vehicle must have been manufactured between the years of 1919 and 1930 and generally, vehicles built post World War II and no later than 1973 are commonly labelled as `classic cars`. The term `classic` is far less defined than `vintage` however, and so it can also be used to denote that a vehicle is over ten years old and worthy of being collectable.

Popular Classic and Vintage Cars

Within the legions of classic cars, there are a few old favourites that are perennially popular with classic car enthusiasts, possibly because they have a good spares backup and have the support of an active owners club. A lot of these cars also enjoyed a fairly lengthy production run, which helps to keep a good number preserved today.

Examples include the Ford Anglia 105E (produced between 1959 and 1967), the Triumph Herald (1959-1971), the Jaguar MK2 (debuted 1959), the MGB (launched 1962 ) and the VW Beetle (1945-1985).

Morris, Austin and Singer were the largest and most prolific vintage car manufacturers in Britain. In 1922, Singer launched a series of cars featuring a six cylinder head engine, the most popular of which were the Super Six, Light Six and Senior Six. In 1927 they introduced the Junior 850cc, which was the best selling car in its class during the vintage era.

Early Morris Oxford models are also popular with collectors as are the `sporting` versions produced under the MG badge (MG being an acronym for Morris Garages). The first sporting MG was the 14/28 Super Sports.

In the luxury vintage market were Wolesley, Rolls Royce and Bentley. They targetted the affluent middle classes with advanced models boasting superior engineering, comfort and design. Unsurprisingly, these are now highly valuable as well as highly collectable.

Insurance for classic and vintage cars

Some insurers are selective about the cars they are willing to insure and may prefer not to insure some marques or cars of a certain age. This is where specialist car insurance proves useful.

In theory, specialist insurers are able to offer cheaper premiums than their more conventional counterparts as they are well-equipped to deal with the insurance needs of this classic and vintage car owners. They are also able to take into account that vintage and classic cars are generally well cared for, garaged and driven infrequently or over limited mileage.

Many insurers will also require you to be at least 25 years of age as young drivers will pay high premiums on classic and vintage cars.

Comprehensive classic and vintage car insurance should ideally include:

- An agreed valuation, which is the amount that is guaranteed to be paid out if the car is stolen or damaged beyond repair.

- Increasing value Cover, which allows you to increase the car`s value annually.

- Limited mileage discount

You should also establish what your insurer`s policy is to repairs, particularly the replacement of parts. Many classic and vintage car owners require that replacement parts are authentic and so you should check that your insurer can accommodate this.

Specialist car insurance companies

There are a number of specialists on the market including but not limited to:

- Hagerty International Offers a range of benefits including restoration cover, agreed valuation, rally and event cover, limited mileage, salvage options and cherished plate cover.

- Lancaster Insurance

Policy benefits include up to 65% introductory discount, limited mileage discount, classic car club member discounts and guaranteed agreed valuation.

- Footman James

Includes agreed valuation, motor legal expenses and personal injury cover against road rage and car jacking.

- Adrian Flux

Includes limited mileage discounts, agreed value cover, laid up policies to protect classic projects, track and rally cover and wedding hire cover.

- Express Insurance

Offers cover for track days and long distance rallies.

- Performance Direct

Offers comprehensive, third party and third party fire and theft only schemes for every day and popular classics.

How to make a claim on classic car insurance

You should notify your car insurance company as soon as you can after the damage has occured. Most insurers have a dedicated 24 hour claims helpline for this reason. You`ll need to ask your insurer what evidence or documentation you`ll need to supply in support of your claim - but if possible supply as much as you can, including photographs and witness contact details, should they be available.

Don`t book your car in for repairs until you have consulted your insurer and have their approval to do so. The claims process may be quicker and simpler if you are willing to use your insurer`s approved repair centre rather than a garage of your choice

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