What age does a car become a classic?

Is your ‘classic car’ your pride and joy? Is it a genuine classic or are you talking about that rusty old banger in the garage? You might be surprised to learn that even if it’s a dodgy tin can on wheels, it could still be a classic. Learn more about classic car status with our guide.

Written by

Julie Daniels

Motor insurance expert

Last Updated

28 AUGUST 2024

5 min read

How old does a car have to be to be a classic?

In truth, there’s not really a definitive answer. Some enthusiasts think classic cars have timeless design and technological or nostalgic value, and embrace the idea of modern classics.

But if you’re using car tax exemption as a cut-off point, then any car that’s aged 40 or older is a classic – even if it’s not very desirable.

If, however, you ask HMRC for a definition, then a classic car is anything that’s at least 15 years old and worth a minimum of £15,000. If you have a company car that’s considered a classic by HMRC, this will impact how you’re taxed.

Ask a random selection of insurance providers when does a car become a classic and they’ll probably all tell you something different.

What are the benefits of having a classic car?

Driving a classic car is an experience like no other. But, along with the aesthetics, there are financial benefits that can come with owning an antique motor:

You won’t have to tax your car if it’s over 40
You won’t need to get an MOT unless you’ve made substantial changes to your vehicle in the past 30 years
You’re exempt from paying the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge in London if your car is registered before 1 January 1973.

What’s the difference between veteran, vintage, post-vintage and classic cars?

As a general guide, here’s what the car connoisseurs say:

Veteran – anything made before WW1.
(Example: Renault Voiturette.)
Vintage – anything made before 1930.
(Example: Rolls Royce Phantom.)
Post vintage – anything made between 1930 and 1945.
(Example: 1935 Talbot 65.)
Classic – a matter of opinion, but something desirabe that isn’t made any more.
(Example: Lotus Elan.)

When does a classic car become valuable?

It takes more than age to make a car a true classic. After all, the Renault Laguna is old but you wouldn’t necessarily say it’s desirable. The main characteristics that determine the value of a classic vehicle are:

Condition: how rusty is the car? A classic vehicle that’s in excellent condition and safe to drive is highly collectible.
Rarity: how many came off the production line? And how many are still around?
Popularity: how sought-after is the car? The greater the demand, the higher the value.
Model quality: when it came onto the market, was the car model considered high-end or cheap?
Cultural significance: being recognised as a design classic, like the Mini Cooper, or being featured in films, such as James Bond’s Aston Martins, can impact the price.
Functionality: a car that you can take out for a spin is attractive to buyers, so roadworthiness is important.
Nostalgia: if someone has fond childhood memories of a particular vehicle, they may be willing to pay more for a car than its market value.
Restoration quality: has the car has been restored? The quality of the workmanship will have a bearing on its value.

Exactly how valuable your classic car is depends on how many of these conditions it meets.

Are any newer cars considered classics?

According to the HMRC definition, it’s impossible for a ‘newer car’ to be considered a classic. However, you might be surprised to learn that some much-loved models have recently earned classic status.

For example, the Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk 2 turned 40 in March 2024, which makes the earliest models now exempt from road tax. This hot hatch with exceptional build quality is already well on the way to achieving iconic status. Other cars now technically considered classics are the Saab 9000 and Alfa Romeo 90.

More recently, the Audi TT seems to have become a modern-day classic. The design icon made a big impact when it was first released in 1998 and first-generation models have remained a favourite with enthusiasts, helping to retain their value. By many people’s standards, that’s enough to make it a classic. Its distinctive looks certainly help.

Wondering which cars could become classics? Read about affordable future classic cars.

My car’s pretty old. Do I need classic car insurance?

Because there’s no hard and fast rule on classic car insurance age and whether you need specialist insurance, it depends on the insurance provider. Most mainstream providers will insure cars built from the 1970s onwards and you can compare prices for cars from this era at Compare the Market. Get a quote for classic car insurance.

If your car is older than that, you might need to consider specialist classic car insurance.

What do I need to consider with classic car insurance?

This is a specialist and often bespoke area of car insurance, so research it properly and give your insurance provider all the information they need. Things to think about include:

Type of cover – many providers will only pay out the market value of your classic car if it’s written off. With an agreed value policy, the provider will assess your car and agree cover that reflects its true value. Getting an industry expert or classic car dealer to help provide a valuation could be useful.
Modifications – if you’ve modified or restored your car, you should let your insurance provider know. Not doing so could invalidate your policy.
Overnight parking – where are you going to keep the car? Some insurance providers might expect you to keep the car in a garage at the same postcode as your home, so check the policy details before you buy.
Annual mileage – how many miles a year do you expect to drive? If you’re only intending to use your classic car for shows or summer drives, you may be able to limit your mileage and pay less for your insurance. Just make sure you’re honest about how much you’ll be driving your classic.
How you use the car – will you use the car for track days, wedding hire or just as a hobby? This can make a difference to how much you’ll pay for a policy.
Club member benefits – you might be offered a discount on your premium for joining a classic car club.

If you’re deciding whether or not to invest in a classic car, bear in mind that parts might not come cheap or easily.

Before you buy a policy, it’s worth checking your insurance provider’s terms and conditions to make sure you’ll be entitled to authentic replacement parts.

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

We’ve already outlined a few ways you could save on the cost of insurance, but here’s how else you could get cheaper car insurance:

Improve your car’s security

Classic cars don’t benefit from the security features we have these days, like modern alarms or factory-fitted immobilisers, so it could be worth getting your car fitted with an approved security system.

It’s a good idea to speak with your insurance provider first, though, to see how any possible security improvements could be reflected in your premium.

Track it

You could also consider getting a tracking device fitted. That means if the worst happens and someone makes off in your beloved classic, you have a chance of finding it and getting it back.

Increase your voluntary excess

Choosing to pay a higher voluntary excess when you take out a classic car policy should bring down the cost of your premium.

The excess is what you’ll pay towards the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if you make a claim, so make sure you set it at a price you can afford. The voluntary excess is on top of the compulsory excess set by the insurance provider.

How can I find the right classic car quote?

That’s the easy bit – you can search for a quote right here with us. You just need to tell us about you and your vehicle and, if it’s a post-1970 classic car, we’ll do the rest.

Get a quote

Frequently asked questions

Can I insure a classic car for business?

Yes, insurance providers will happily cover a classic car used for business purposes, like wedding or funeral hire. When comparing quotes, you should specify how you use your car to make sure you get appropriate cover.

Can I insure my classic car even if it’s declared SORN?

Some insurance providers offer laid-up insurance, otherwise known as SORN insurance, for a classic car. It can cover your car while it’s declared off-road or SORN, to protect it against accidental damage, theft or vandalism.

Please note that we don’t compare standalone quotes for SORN insurance at Compare the Market.

Does my classic car need an MOT?

If your classic car was built or first registered more than 40 years ago, you won’t need to arrange a regular MOT. That’s as long as there have been no ‘substantial changes’ to the car in the past 30 years.

If you’re not sure what that includes, you can find more details on the GOV.UK website.

Even without a classic car MOT, you’ll still need to keep your car in a roadworthy condition, otherwise you could be fined if you’re caught driving it unsafely.

What are the benefits of joining a classic car club?

As well as the chance to socialise with other fans of your particular classic, you might be able to save on your car insurance by joining a classic car club. Insurance providers sometimes offer discounts because they expect club members to value their vehicles and look after them properly. You could get help with valuations too.

Is a 20-year-old car a classic in the UK?

Although HMRC considers cars older than 15 to be classics, not all insurance providers and classic car clubs would agree. They each have their own criteria for what constitutes a classic. Some have a cut-off point of 15 to 25 years, while others base their decision on a car’s make, model and rarity.