22 January 2010
Some things in life need a little extra protection. If you’re a
classic car owner then you already know that. Keeping your vehicle
in the best possible shape takes work - but all the time you
spend polishing, buffing and keeping it roadworthy really pays
off.
"The provenance and rarity of the car will have an important
part to play in assessing its true value."
For most, vintage cars are there to be enjoyed – and that means
being used regularly, not shut away in a garage. The prevailing
school of thought says: they’re great cars; they’re often
beautiful, let’s get them out on the roads; let’s enjoy them.
So for insurance purposes most classic car owners opt for as
comprehensive a level of classic motor insurance cover as they
possibly can. So, first you have to decide on the right provider,
then the right level of cover for your classic car.
Like your car you should look for a classic motor insurance
provider with a bit of heritage. It’s not just a question of how
long they’ve been in operation, but of how long they’ve been
offering classic motor insurance. So find
out – and test their understanding (and passion) for it. You need a
provider who really ‘gets’ the concerns you have about safeguarding
your vehicle as well as you possibly can.
As you’d expect, when taking out classic motor insurance you
need to seek out a policy that genuinely reflects the vehicle’s
worth. The provenance and rarity of the car will have an important
part to play in assessing its true value.
And then there’s the question of how you’re going to use your
car. Taking part in classic car rallies might not affect the level
of cover required, but taking part in vintage car races probably
will. Again, push any prospective classic motor insurance providers
to find out. In general though, classic car drivers actually make
fewer claims than their modern car driving equivalents. So you can
expect that to be reflected in more favourable premiums for
you.
Given the more sensitive nature of some vintage cars (many of
which will be more susceptible to rust than their contemporary,
mass produced counterparts) how you house your car will also impact
on the kind of cover you require. It’s not just rust you need to
worry about – UV will break down the pigment in the paint and leave
a car looking increasingly dull over time.
What constitutes a classic car for classic motor insurance
purposes?
Generally, many types of car and commercial vehicle are eligible
provided they were manufactured more than ten years ago. It’s also
required that your annual mileage doesn’t exceed 7,500. (The lower
the better as far as your classic motor insurance premium goes.)
And no – the vehicle doesn’t have to match up to any image of a
glossy magazine cover classic!
Rest assured, expert classic motor insurance providers will
first assess and agree the value of the car with you before going
ahead – you won’t be bracketed under a generic value brand.
All the right reassurances
Choose your classic motor insurance provider carefully and
you’ll really enjoy some stress-free motoring. Look for insurers
who go the extra mile to offer windscreen cover and breakdown
assistance. And do check to see if your Cherished or Classic Car
membership can leverage any extra special rates. Happy
motoring!
