Classic Car Insurance

The insurer will require six colour photographs of your vehicle and a completed agreed valuation from to be returned to them.

There is no upper age limit. Generally, an insurer will define a classic as a vehicle over 30 years old, however much newer vehicles from 15 years old can also be considered a modern classic by some insurers.

In this case you would need to pay for the excess mileage. If you think you will exceed the agreed mileage then it is best to discuss this with your insurer to get an extension, otherwise you risk invalidating your insurance.

It will depend on your insurer. Some insurers have specific terms which state that the garage you choose must be the same cost as it would be if you used one of your insurer’s approved repairers. It’s best to check the terms of your policy wording, or speak to your insurer if you’re unsure.

Yes, although each insurer will have a different limit.

As classic car insurance is non-NCB rated you won’t receive a discount for any NCB years you might have accumulated on a regular car.

However, if you have spare NCB to use (for example, if you are replacing a ‘regular’ car with a ‘classic’) some insurers will allow you to apply the NCB years to the classic policy, so it doesn’t become out of date or expire. The NCB years will sit static on the classic policy and can be called upon as and when you decide to buy a regular car.  As a reminder, you can only use one set of NCB years on a single vehicle, so if you have multiple vehicles, storing spare NCB on a classic policy can be useful.

Vehicles built or first registered more than 40 years ago on a rolling basis do not need an MOT, as long as no ‘substantial changes’ have been made to it in the last 30 years.

Changes can include replacing the chassis, bodyshell, axles, or engine to change the way the vehicle works.

It’s important to know that even if your vehicle is exempt from an MOT, it is still legally required to be roadworthy at all times it’s used on the road.

For this reason, many people choose to undertake an annual MOT in any case.

No. You do not need to pay vehicle tax if your car, van, motorcycle, or tricycle is more than 40 years old, on a rolling basis, unless it is used for hire or reward or for commercial purposes.

Unlike the MOT exemption for vehicles more than 40 years old, which applies automatically, you must apply for vehicle tax exemption.

Classic cars more than 40 years old that qualify for vehicle tax and MOT exemptions are also exempt from paying London’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) charges.

The exemption does not apply to classic vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as street food vans, unless it was constructed before 1^st January 1973.

Transport for London provides a number plate vehicle checker so you can find out which charges, if any, you need to pay.

Classic car owners can benefit from joining a car or owners club for a variety of reasons.

Insurers favour owners who join clubs, because it demonstrates an enthusiasm for, and a commitment to, looking after their vehicle. Discounts of up to 10% are available from some insurers.

Other benefits of joining a car club include:

• attending events and car shows, and meeting like-minded people;
• access to a wealth of expert knowledge from fellow owners;
• discounts on spare parts and from affiliated companies;
• win awards by showing your car at club events.