Classic car insurance

Give your classic car the cover it deserves

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Protection for your pride and joy

Cover designed for vintage vehicles, from agreed value to laid-up cover

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What is classic car insurance?

Classic car insurance, also known as vintage car insurance or collector car insurance, is a specialist policy for older cars. It’s like ordinary vehicle insurance, but with a few key differences.

For one, classic cars tend to be driven less frequently and only for leisure. Being collectors’ items, they’re also often very well-maintained.

For that reason, a classic car could be cheaper to insure than a similar-sized modern vehicle.

Black classic car driving on a country road

How old does a vehicle have to be for classic car insurance?

What makes a car ‘classic’ varies between different insurance providers. But when it comes to taxing a vehicle, HMRC says it needs to be over 15 years old with a market value of £15,000 or more.

To qualify for road tax exemption, the vehicle needs to be at least 40 years old. That’s what HMRC defines as a 'historic’ vehicle.

For insurance purposes, definitions might differ. For example, providers might consider:

  • Your car’s make and model

  • How desirable your vehicle is

  • How you use your car

  • Your typical mileage.

As there are no set rules, it’s worth checking the details and definitions before taking out a classic car insurance policy.

What does classic car insurance cover?

What classic car insurance covers depends on the type of policy you choose. There are three main types of cover:

Third-party

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    The legal minimum of cover you need to drive in the UK

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    Covers you against damage to others and their vehicles

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    Doesn't protect you or your car

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Third-party, fire and theft

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    Third-party, fire and theft insurance gives you the same level of protection as third-party

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    Also protects you financially against fire damage and theft

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    No cover for you or your own car if you're at fault for an accident

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Comprehensive

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    The highest level of cover you can get, covering everything within third party, fire and theft, plus...

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    You and your car (even if you're at fault), and other people and vehicles, for injury and damage

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    May have limits or restrictions – for example, your mileage may be capped

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What optional extras can I add to classic car insurance?

As with a standard car insurance policy, there are lots of optional extras you can add to classic car insurance.
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Breakdown cover

Breakdown cover provides roadside assistance and recovery if your car breaks down while you’re on the road.

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Motor legal protection

Motor legal protection helps cover any associated legal costs if you’re in an accident.

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European cover

European cover offers cover for you, your car and your passengers if you want to take your classic car abroad.

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Laid up cover

This can cover you for theft, fire and damage if you don’t use your classic car and declare it off the road (SORN).

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Agreed value cover

You’ll get a pre-agreed payout if your classic car is written off, rather than the market value at the time of the claim.

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Wedding car cover

If you offer your vintage vehicle and chauffeur services to couples tying the knot, you’ll need specialist hire and reward cover.

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Cover for rallies, track days and exhibitions

This is extra cover to race your vintage car at track days or show it in exhibitions and rallies. This is excluded from some classic car policies.

How much is classic car insurance?

Our data shows that people typically pay

£6641
a year for classic car insurance

But your quote will depend on a range of factors, including:

  • The make, model and agreed value of your car

  • The level of classic car cover you want

  • If you want to add any optional extras to your policy

  • How you use your classic car, and your estimated annual mileage

  • Your postcode

  • Where you keep your classic car when you're not using it

  • Your driving and claims history.

1 Based on 51% of customers who compared quotes for this type of policy in June 2026.

Is classic car insurance cheaper?

Perhaps surprisingly, classic car insurance is often cheaper than regular car insurance.

That’s because:

  • Vintage vehicles usually spend less time on the road

  • Classic car owners tend to keep their cars in pristine condition

  • Classic cars also tend to have lower power outputs, which could reduce their chances of being involved in an accident.

However, the cheapest classic car insurance may come with certain rules. For example, sticking to a limited mileage. And if you go over that cap without telling your insurance provider, you risk driving underinsured.

It’s important to be honest with your provider about how you plan on using your classic car. And remember to contact them if things change, so you don’t risk invalidating your policy.

How can I reduce the cost of my classic car insurance?

Here are a few tips to help you get a good deal on your classic car insurance:

Compare a range of classic car insurance quotes

One of the quickest and easiest ways to get a cheaper quote is by shopping around.

At Compare the Market, we compare classic car insurance quotes from some of the UK’s most trusted insurance providers in minutes.

Just tell us a few details about you and your car, and we’ll give you a range of tailored quotes to choose from.

Increase your security

Classic cars can be attractive to thieves and may lack modern security features. Fitting an alarm or immobiliser could cut the cost of your cover.

Store your car safely

Where you park your car can have an impact on your premiums, especially if your vehicle’s off the road for a long time. Parking securely in a locked garage could help lower your classic car insurance.

Avoid modifications

Insurance companies are likely to charge more to cover modified cars. And you’ll need to disclose any additions or upgrades, no matter how simple or common.

Keep up with maintenance

Keeping your vintage vehicle in pristine condition is one of the ways you could get a cheaper quote for your classic car cover.

Join a classic car club

While not guaranteed to get you a cheaper insurance quote, classic car club members are sometimes rewarded with exclusive discounts.

What else do I need to know about classic cars?

Classic car owners can easily break the law without even realising it. Here are a few pitfalls to be aware of when driving your vintage vehicle.

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What are the classic car exemptions?

If your vintage motor is over a certain age, it may be exempt from the following standard road rules.

Needing a yearly MOT

If your classic car was built and registered more than 40 years ago, you don’t need an annual MOT.

The exception to this is if you’ve made substantial changes over the past 30 years. For example, if you’ve replaced the chassis, body, axles or engine.

If your classic car is less than 40 years old, an MOT is still required.

Requiring seat belts if they’re not already fitted

If your car doesn’t already have seat belts installed, you aren’t legally required to get them fitted. This also means you won’t be fined for not wearing one.

However, this doesn’t apply to children. Kids under three can’t ride in the vehicle if it doesn’t have seat belts. And any older children must sit in the back seat.

Paying road tax

All vehicles built or registered before 1 January 1984 are exempt from paying vehicle tax.

However, every vehicle still needs to be taxed, even if you don’t have to pay.

More on classic car insurance

Discover more about insuring classic cars with tips on ownership and vehicle care

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Policy & cover
What age does a car become a classic?
Find out how a 'classic' car is defined for insurance purposes
Cost & savings
Car tax bands explained
Find out how to stay on top of your car tax and avoid fines
Car ownership
How an immobiliser affects car insurance
We explain how an immobiliser could cut the cost of your cover
Car ownership
Affordable classic cars of the future
Discover 10 surprisingly collectible cars that could become future classics
All car insurance guides

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FAQs

Can I drive my classic car every day?

You may be able to drive your classic car every day if you can find suitable classic car insurance.

The reason classic car insurance is usually cheaper is because many policies come with annual mileage restrictions. So, this might make driving it every day unrealistic.

If you’re planning on driving your vintage car daily, make that clear when taking out insurance. It will likely affect your policy.

Is a classic car a good investment?

A classic car may be a good investment. Unlike brand-new cars that lose value in their first few years, vintage cars could hold or even go up in value over time.

As with any investment, there are no guarantees. But, either way, there are a few cost-saving perks to owning a classic car.

If your car’s more than 40 years old, it doesn’t need an MOT. And if it was manufactured before 1 January 1984, you don’t need to pay vehicle tax. You’ll need to apply for a vehicle tax exemption though.

Does my classic car need an MOT?

Whether or not your classic car needs an MOT depends on its age. If it was built more than 40 years ago and you haven’t done major body or engine work on it in the last 30 years, it doesn’t need an MOT.

That said, you might feel more at ease if you give your car a regular check-up regardless. If in doubt, check government advice.

What is ‘agreed value’?

‘Agreed value’ means you agree how much your car is worth upfront with your insurance provider, rather than relying on market value.

So, if you have an accident and your car is written off, you’ll be reimbursed the agreed valuation cost.

Does ULEZ have a classic car exemption?

Yes, ULEZ has a classic car exemption for ‘historic vehicles’. Your car is exempt from paying ULEZ charges if:

  • It was built before 1 January 1973

  • It’s over 40 years old and registered with the DVLA for a historic vehicle tax class.

If your car meets the age requirements but is registered outside the UK, it will still be exempt, but you’ll need to register your vehicle with the Mayor of London before travelling into London’s ULEZ.

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Amy Rootham
Reviewed 17 Sept 2026 by Amy Rootham Insurance expert

Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.