Can I drive my classic car daily if it’s insured with classic car insurance?

13 June 2025

Classic cars (normally meaning vehicles over 20 years old) are often purchased to be cherished and displayed rather than driven. However, can you drive your classic car daily if it’s insured with classic car insurance? The answer really depends on your policy and who your insurer is.

In this helpful guide, we’ll take you through the different ways classic car insurance policies influence day-to-day driving, as well as how they can be customised to better suit your preferences. We’ll also explore how your classic car’s value could be affected by having it out on the road.

Can I drive my classic car daily if it’s insured with classic car insurance? 

Depending on your specific classic car insurance policy rules, you usually won’t be insuring this type of vehicle for daily driving. Instead, you would typically insure your car with limited mileage to keep costs down — favouring driving only to exhibitions or car club events over standard road usage.

These mileage limits will vary by provider and might require access to a separate everyday vehicle for commuting and daily travel. This will help insurers classify your classic car as a low-risk vehicle and let you access a lower premium.

Can I customise my classic car insurance policy for daily driving?

While classic car insurance policies offer some flexibility, they are typically not designed for daily driving. However, here at Footman James, we offer tailored policies that allow for increased mileage limits or additional cover options if you wish to drive your classic car more than your standard policy will allow.

If you do want to use your classic car as you would a standard vehicle, switching to a standard car insurance policy may be necessary. However, if you do decide to take on a standard policy, you could miss out on the benefits of a specialist classic car policy. Some of these benefits include: 

• Agreed value cover — Classic car insurance covers your car’s true value. It is not based on market depreciation like standard cover.

• Lower premiums — Because mileage is typically lower, generally so are premiums.

• Cover for events and shows — You can add track day cover for shows and events, at an additional price and with additional acceptance rules 

• Breakdown assistance — Some classic car insurers will give you access to helpline numbers that can assist you after a breakdown. General breakdown providers do not have vehicle age restrictions, but some free covers (such as with a bank account) will have age restrictions

• Special parts and repairs — Some classic car insurance policies will give you access to specialist garages and repair work.

Does driving my classic car daily affect its value?

The more you drive your classic car, the more chance it has to depreciate in value. Daily wear and tear can impact your car in all sorts of ways:

• Mechanical wear — Regular use leads to more mechanical wear, reducing the car’s long-term value.

• High mileage — The more mileage a classic car has, the less desirable it might be to other collectors.

• Risk of damage — The more your classic car is out on the road, the higher your chance of an accident.

How Footman James can help

If you are looking to keep your classic car as safe as possible, while still having the flexibility to drive it around when needed, get a quote from Footman James. Our team of experts will assess your usage, desired mileage and more to give you the best price possible.

If you have multiple classic cars and are looking to save money on insuring them all, no matter if they are stored or out on the road, we also offer multi-vehicle insurance.

To learn more or request a quote, get in touch today.