How is Classic Car Insurance Different from Standard Car Insurance?

If you own a classic car, be it an Aston Martin DB7, a vintage Mini Cooper, or a classic Ford Mustang, you know it’s much more than just a vehicle. These cars hold history, passion, and more often than not, significant financial value. That’s why they deserve specialised protection.

Classic car insurance is built specifically to protect rare and cherished vehicles in ways that your average car insurance policy simply cannot, recognising their unique value and the way they’re used. Unlike regular car insurance, which is designed for modern cars driven daily, classic car insurance takes into account things like , limited mileage, and storage or parking type.

In this article, we’ll explore how classic car insurance is different from standard auto insurance, so you can ensure your pride and joy is protected in all the right ways.

What are the key differences between classic and standard car insurance?

At Footman James, we know that classic cars require more than just regular car insurance — they need protection that reflects their value, history, and the sheer passion that goes into owning and maintaining them. Let’s explore the main differences between classic car insurance and standard car insurance:

Valuation of the vehicle

• Classic car insurance: With Footman James, you can opt for 'agreed value cover', where we determine the car’s true value with you upfront. This ensures that if your car is written off, you’ll be compensated for its full worth as a collector’s item, not just its depreciated market value.
  
  
• Standard car insurance: Regular policies calculate payouts based on market depreciation, which doesn’t reflect the rarity, condition, or emotional value of a classic car.

Usage limitations

• Classic car insurance: Our policies are designed for occasional use, covering activities like car shows, special events, or leisurely drives. With mileage restrictions tailored to these scenarios, we help you enjoy your classic car while keeping premiums lower.
  
  
• Standard car insurance: Everyday use like commuting or errands is typically covered, but it may not align with the careful, occasional use of a classic vehicle.

Storage requirements

• Classic car insurance: Because we know how much effort owners put into maintaining their vehicles, Footman James policies may require secure storage, such as a locked garage. This helps protect your pride and joy from theft and environmental damage.
  
  
• Standard car insurance: Storage isn’t usually a factor, as these cars are assumed to be used and parked in various locations daily.

Premiums and cost

• Classic car insurance: Classic car owners are often surprised to find that their insurance can be more affordable than standard cover. Limited use, secure storage, and value stability contribute to lower premiums.
  
  
• Standard car insurance: Costs are typically higher for everyday cars, as they’re exposed to more risks and suffer from depreciation over time.

Specialist cover options

• Classic car insurance: Footman James offers features tailored to classic car enthusiasts, like cover for shows and events, spare parts, and restoration costs. Our FJ+ range allows you to add extras like breakdown cover, legal protection, or even European motoring for 35 days.
• Standard car insurance: While standard policies may include general add-ons like roadside assistance, due to vehicle age or value restrictions

At Footman James, we go beyond standard insurance to safeguard the history, craftsmanship, and memories tied to every classic car. We’ve been providing specialist cover for over 40 years. Whether your car is a weekend cruiser, part of a collection, or a project you’ve put years into, we understand what it takes to protect it properly.

Who needs classic car insurance?

Classic car insurance is for anyone who owns a vehicle that’s more than just a way to get from A to B. If your car holds value because of its history, rarity, or personal significance, this type of insurance could be the right choice. Here, we’ll explain who such a policy is most suitable for.

Owners of cherished classics

If you own a car like a Jaguar E-Type, Morris Minor or Ford Capri, classic car insurance can give you tailored protection. It’s designed with your car’s age, condition, and collector value in mind — factors that standard auto insurance often overlooks.

Low mileage drivers

Do you only take your car out for sunny weekend drives or classic car shows? Classic car insurance often comes with mileage limits, making it a great fit for owners who don’t use their vehicles daily. With lower usage comes lower premiums, which is an added bonus.

Collectors and investors

For collectors and investors, protecting a car’s true worth is vital. That’s why agreed value cover is important. Unlike standard insurance, which pays out based on the car’s depreciated market value, agreed value ensures you’re covered for the car’s full worth as agreed when the policy begins.

Enthusiasts with customisations

If you’ve restored or modified your classic car, classic car insurance is better suited to cover the unique parts and work you’ve invested in. Whether it’s a full restoration or a few custom touches, these policies can offer the flexibility you need to ensure your car is properly protected.

Why choose classic car insurance?

Classic car insurance is ideal if you want a policy that reflects your car’s true value, accounts for how you use it, and covers any customisations. It’s a practical option for anyone who values their car as much for its story and craftsmanship as its drive.

At Footman James, we’ve been providing specialist cover for over 40 years. Whether your car is a weekend cruiser, part of a collection, or a project you’ve put years into, we understand what it takes to protect it properly.

Protecting what matters most

Standard car insurance often doesn’t cut it for classic cars, which is why classic car insurance exists. It’s designed to reflect the way vintage cars are used and valued, from agreed value cover to mileage limits and specialised options like restoration cover.

Whether your classic car is stored safely in a garage, driven sparingly to shows, or part of a collection alongside modern vehicles, Footman James can tailor a policy to suit your lifestyle.

With options like laid-up insurance for stored classics or flex insurance to streamline multi-vehicle cover, we’re here to make insuring your car as effortless as possible. It's about protecting a piece of automotive history and everything it represents to you.

Take the time to explore your options and find the right cover for your classic car. When it’s something this special, it’s worth getting it right.

Classic car insurance from Footman James

With Footman James you can get a classic car insurance online quotation instantly for your classic Land Rover, Jaguar, Mini, VW and more. You can also add  to your quote such as agreed value and breakdown cover.

 

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.