Compare Classic Car Insurance Rates [2023]

Looking to insure your unique classic car? While you may not be able to find a quality policy from every major car insurance company, many specialty insurance companies tailor their plans for classic car collectors. 

Not only can you find collector and classic car insurance for unique classic cars but it’s also often less expensive than traditional car insurance because insurance companies view classic cars as lower risks than modern vehicles — mostly as these cars are driven far less frequently.

With this guide, we’ll help you find the best insurance plans and companies for unique classic cars, so you can enjoy your favorite classic vehicle without having to worry about losing all of the hard work and investment you put into the vehicle should you be involved in an accident.

After we’ve taken a look at the insurance options available for unique classic cars, enter your ZIP code in our free online tool to compare car insurance rates and find affordable coverage in your area.

What are the best insurance plans for unique classic cars?

While you may be able to insure a unique classic car with a standard full coverage car insurance policy (through a company like Geico or Allstate), a classic car will likely only be covered for its depreciated value through an insurance plan of this sort. 

In most cases, owners of classic cars are better off with an insurance company that specializes in collector and classic car insurance. This sort of insurance will cover the value of the car as a collector’s item, meaning there’s plenty of room to negotiate when it comes to coverage limits. That said, there are often certain criteria drivers need to meet in order to qualify for insurance for a classic car.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, classic car owners may need to show their vehicles meets some or all of the following conditions in order to be eligible for collector car insurance:

• The classic or collector car may not be used for routine commuting and errands.
• The owner intends to travel with it only occasionally. 
• The owner of the classic or collector car needs to show that the vehicle is safely stored (in a private garage, storage unit, etc.).
• The owner of the classic or collector car needs to have at least a mostly clean driving record, without any serious offenses such as reckless driving, a DUI, or multiple speeding violations.
• Some insurance policies may not cover the classic or collector car when the owner brings it to car shows and/or auto club gatherings. However, specialized insurance coverage is available for these events.

What car insurance companies cover unique classic cars?

Although you may be able to insure your unique classic car with a standard car insurance policy, this isn’t your best option unless you use the vehicle for daily tasks. If your collector car has any sort of value to you as a collector’s item, you’re better off looking for coverage from an insurance company that’s specifically intended for car collectors and classic car owners.

Here are some of the top car insurance companies for unique classic cars:

• Grundy Classic Car Insurance: With no age limit on the vehicles they insure, Grundy Classic Car Insurance offers classic car owners the benefit of an agreed value policy, meaning car owners are guaranteed to receive the full payment amount agreed upon if their vehicle is damaged.
• American Collectors Insurance: This insurance company offers a variety of discounts for classic car owners who meet certain qualifications, including having multiple vehicles or secure storage for their car. American Collectors has a wide range of coverage options, so it’s easy for classic car owners to find the right policy.
• J.C. Taylor Insurance: Covering classic cars 19 years old or older for car owners over 25 with a clean driving record, J.C. Taylor offers an agreed value policy for vehicles that are kept in secure storage.
• Hagerty Classic Car Insurance: Creator of the Hagerty Collector Network and Hagerty Price Guide, this insurance company is ideal for insuring classic cars that are actively being restored.
• American Modern Insurance: Offering agreed value policies, American Modern offers a variety of discounts and coverage options, including up to $750 of pet coverage in case your pet is injured when you take them along for the ride.
• State Farm Classic Car Insurance: A great choice if you’re an existing State Farm customer, the company’s Classic insurance will cover cars over ten years old that have “special historical interest.”
• Safeco Classic Car Insurance: Your best option if you plan to drive your classic car regularly, Safeco Classic covers up to 10,000 annual miles. The only downside is more limited coverage options compared to other insurance companies listed here.

Can you insure a unique classic car with standard car insurance?

In some cases, yes, you will be able to insure your unique classic car with standard car insurance coverage. For example, if the vehicle is the car you use for daily commutes or routine errands, most major car insurance companies will be able to set you up with a policy.

That being said, standard auto policies for older cars often provide minimal coverage considering how much you have to pay. This is because standard car insurance looks at your car based on its depreciated value — as opposed to what it may be worth to enthusiasts. If you’re a collector or have put a lot of work into your classic car, consider purchasing collector and classic car insurance instead. 

How do I find the best insurance for unique classic cars?

Finding the best car insurance for your unique classic car is a lot like finding the best coverage for any other vehicle. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Come up with a list of car insurance companies that can insure your car. The companies listed earlier in this guide could serve as a great starting point.
• Make a note of what you’re looking for in terms of costs, coverage, and restrictions you can accept. For example, if you store your car in a secure garage, remind yourself to bring this up with insurance agents.
• Use an online quote tool to compare rates and get an idea of your options.
• Contact car insurance companies directly and talk to them about your vehicle and coverage needs.
• Contact car insurance companies directly to see if they offer any perks or discounts based on your vehicle, driving record, or personal background (student, military, senior, etc.)

How expensive is insurance for unique classic cars?

In many cases, insuring unique specialty and classic cars is less expensive than purchasing insurance for a modern vehicle. With standard car insurance, rates tend to be lower because the depreciated value of an older car means insurance companies only have to pay out a few thousand if the vehicle is a total loss. And with car insurance for classic and collector cars, insurance companies will often offer affordable rates since a car that’s mostly kept in storage is seen as a very low risk.

With the above in mind, the total cost of car insurance for classic cars will depend on how much coverage you want and how often you want to be able to actually take your car out for a drive. Whatever your needs as a classic car owner, there’s a coverage plan that’s right for you.

What to Remember About Insurance for Unique Classic Cars

• Collector and classic car insurance is the best option for unique classic cars because policies cover the agreed value of the vehicle instead of its depreciated value.
• Different collector and classic car insurance companies offer different types of coverage. What may be perfect for one classic car driver may be less than ideal for another.
• Make a note of your coverage needs and compare collector and classic insurance companies to find the best policy for your vehicle.

Now that we’ve taken a look at how to find insurance for unique classic cars, use our free online tool to compare rates and find affordable coverage options in your area.