Owning an antique car is like keeping a piece of history alive in your garage. These classics aren’t just cars—they’re timeless works of art, symbols of a different era, and valuable investments. Protecting something so unique takes more than regular auto insurance. That’s where antique auto insurance comes in, giving your classic ride the coverage it truly deserves.
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What Qualifies as an Antique Car?
Before diving into coverage, it’s essential to understand what qualifies as an antique vehicle. Generally, an antique car is:
- Over 25 Years Old: Most insurers define antiques as vehicles that are at least 25 years old.
- Primarily for Show: These cars are maintained for exhibitions, parades, and club activities—not daily commutes.
- Occasionally Driven: Limited use is key. If you’re using the car for regular transportation, it likely won’t qualify for antique coverage
What Happens If Your Car Is Less Than 25 Years Old?
It typically wouldn’t qualify as an antique vehicle under most insurance definitions. Instead, it would likely fall into one of the following categories, depending on its use and characteristics:
Why Standard Auto Insurance Isn’t Enough
Standard auto insurance is generally designed for everyday vehicles, not rare, collectible, or limited-use cars. These policies often calculate payouts based on actual cash value (ACV), which factors in depreciation. For antique and classic cars, which can actually appreciate over time, this approach may not provide sufficient protection.
In many cases, antique car insurance is specifically designed to address the unique value, limited use, and specialized needs of classic vehicles—areas where standard auto policies may fall short.
- Valuation Differences – Standard policies usually calculate payouts based on Actual Cash Value (ACV), which factors in depreciation. This approach may not reflect the true value of an antique or classic car, which can appreciate over time. Antique car insurance often uses Agreed Value, which can help ensure coverage aligns more closely with your vehicle’s worth in the event of a total loss.
- Usage Considerations – Antique cars are often driven sparingly, such as for parades, exhibitions, or occasional leisure drives. Standard auto insurance typically assumes regular, daily use, which might not match the limited mileage and specialized use of collectible vehicles.
- Specialized Repairs – Classic cars often require unique parts and expert restoration. Standard policies may not fully account for these needs, while antique car insurance may include coverage for specialized repairs to help maintain your car’s authenticity.
- Storage Factors – Many antique car policies consider secure, climate-controlled storage as part of coverage, which can help preserve the vehicle’s condition. Standard insurance usually doesn’t take these storage requirements into account.
- Spare Parts Coverage – Some antique car policies include protection for rare or hard-to-find spare parts, which are important for maintaining collectible vehicles. Standard policies often exclude this type of coverage.
Note: Coverage options, requirements, and limits can vary by insurer, so it’s always a good idea to review your policy and speak with a knowledgeable agent to make sure your antique or classic car is adequately protected.
What Does Antique Auto Insurance Cover?
Antique auto insurance policies are typically tailored to meet the needs of classic car owners. Common features often include:
- Agreed Value Coverage – You and the insurer agree on the car’s value upfront, which may ensure better reimbursement in case of a total loss.
- Comprehensive Protection – Coverage often includes risks such as theft, fire, vandalism, and weather-related damage.
- Liability Coverage – Many policies protect you if your antique car causes injury or property damage during use.
- Spare Parts Coverage – Some insurers provide coverage for rare or hard-to-find parts, which can be critical for restorations.
- Limited Mileage Plans – Since antique cars are often driven sparingly, policies may include mileage restrictions that can help lower premiums.
Note: Antique car insurance is generally tailored to protect the unique value, rarity, and limited use of classic vehicles. Standard auto insurance is usually focused on everyday practicality and broader risk coverage. Coverage, limits, and terms can vary by insurer, so it’s always wise to check your policy and speak with your agent.
Tips for Insuring Your Antique Car
- Get a Professional Appraisal – An appraisal can help determine your car’s value for coverage purposes. Updating it periodically may help reflect market changes.
- Document Everything – Keep detailed records, including photos, maintenance logs, and receipts from restorations.
- Understand Usage Limits – Many policies place restrictions on mileage or usage; it’s helpful to know these limits.
- Store Your Car Safely – Storing your vehicle in a secure, climate-controlled garage can sometimes lower premiums and reduce risk.
- Bundle Policies – If you own multiple classic cars, bundling coverage under one insurer may save money.
- Work with the Right Agent – A knowledgeable agent can guide you through agreed value, spare parts coverage, and usage limits so you understand your options.
Learn More From Michelle Hancock on YouTube
One of the biggest risks to your antique or project car isn’t necessarily fire or theft—it can be assuming it’s fully covered under your homeowners policy. In a recent YouTube video, Michelle Hancock, agency owner and co-founder of PNW Insurance Group, explains why homeowners insurance often excludes antique and classic cars, even if they’re stored in your garage.
She also highlights why a dedicated antique auto insurance policy may be a better fit for your vehicle, whether it’s fully restored or still a work in progress. Policies are often more affordable than many people realize.
Watch the full video on Antique Auto Insurance here and see how you can better protect your classic ride.
Protecting Your Antique Car in the Pacific Northwest:
For owners in areas with heavy rain or flood risk, it can be helpful to confirm that your antique car insurance covers water damage. Storing vehicles in a secure, climate-controlled garage may also prevent rust and other environmental damage. Some policies even provide coverage for transporting your car to shows and exhibitions.
It’s always a good idea to consider local conditions when choosing coverage for your classic car. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, we proudly serve clients in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Arizona.
Talk to your insurance agent, or connect with us today to explore coverage options that suit your car and your needs.