Is My Classic Car Covered at Auto Shows and Exhibitions?

There’s nothing quite like showing off your classic car. However, before you take your pride and joy to an exhibition, it’s worth asking: is your classic car covered at auto shows and exhibitions? 

If you’re insured with providers like Footman James, you can take part in events without worry. Our classic car insurance is designed with enthusiasts just like you in mind, and it includes protection while you display your vehicle at shows.

That said, it’s important to understand exactly what’s included in your classic car insurance, auto shows policy, what to watch out for and which optional extras on your insurance might offer extra peace of mind.

Does Footman James classic car insurance cover shows and exhibitions?

Our classic car insurance includes cover for shows and exhibitions as standard. Whether it’s a local meet or a major event, you’re protected under a Comprehensive policy.

As long as the event takes place on public roads or at a properly organised venue that follows road traffic rules, your classic car event insurance will protect you. That means you don’t need to arrange separate event insurance just to take your car along.

What type of protection do I have at an event?

The level of protection you have at a classic car event will depend on the level of cover included in your policy i.e. Comprehensive or Laid up Fire and Theft. Here’s what each type of policy offers when attending shows or exhibitions: 

Comprehensive cover

• Accidental damage
• Malicious damage
• Theft or attempted theft
• Fire damage
• Third party covers your legal liability if your classic car causes injury or damage to someone else or their property while at the event.

Laid up fire and theft cover only option 

• Theft or attempted theft
• Fire damage
• Third party covers your legal liability if your classic car causes injury or damage to someone else or their property while at the event.

Our policy is built with real-life use in mind, helping you to enjoy the day without worrying about what might happen to your vehicle.

Please remember that any claim will reduce your no claims discount at your next renewal.

Are there any restrictions or exclusions to be aware of?

While your Footman James policy includes cover for exhibitions, there are a few important conditions and exclusions you should keep in mind: 

• Theft exclusion — If the keys are left inside your vehicle, theft cover won’t apply. Always keep them with you. 
• Competition exclusion — Events involving racing, hill climbs, speed trials or any kind of timed or competitive driving aren't covered, unless you’ve arranged specialist track day cover in advance. 
• Secure storage for spare parts — Any spare parts not fitted to the vehicle must be kept in a locked building when not in use. 
• Roadworthiness — Your vehicle must be kept roadworthy, and you need to inform us of any material changes that could affect your policy. 
• Event compliance — The event must take place on a recognised public or approved venue and follow the Highway Code and applicable road traffic laws.
• Geographical limits – there is a classic car territorial limit for European motoring – cover is valid in the EU plus any country which meets the insurance conditions of the EU, as long as each trip is no more than 35 days and your permanent home is in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Laid up cover is only valid while you are in the United Kingdom.
• Excess - You will be responsible for the first £100 of each accidental or malicious damage or theft classic car claim, and £50 for each laid up claim

Knowing these terms will help you avoid any surprises and make sure that your cover stays valid.

Optional classic car insurance extras to consider for greater protection

Depending on how and where you use your classic car, there is the option to add extra cover on top of your standard insurance for displaying classic cars. This might be for you if you’re a regular at shows or travel further afield for events. We offer several optional extras through Footman James + that can give you more protection if you need it.

• Agreed value cover— This ensures your payout reflects the car’s true worth if it’s written off or stolen, not just its market value.
• Spare parts cover — This provides extra protection for spare parts or accessories you might bring along to events but haven’t yet fitted to the car.
• European motoring cover — This gives you the same level of protection when driving across the continent as you’d have in the UK.
• Laid-up insurance — This is handy if you’re transporting your car to an event by trailer, or it’s not being driven on public roads.

Talk to us today to discuss how these options could work for you. We always give you the option to tailor your cover to how you use your car, giving you the freedom to enjoy your passion, wherever in the world it takes you.

Top tips for protecting your classic car at exhibitions

Even with the right insurance in place, taking a few simple steps can help you avoid problems on the day of the event and keep your classic car in pristine condition:

1. Check event requirements — Always confirm what the organisers expect from you as an exhibitor. Some require proof of insurance; however it is always worth having your documents to hand just in case.
2. Never leave keys unattended — Theft exclusions apply if your keys are left inside the car, even briefly. Keep them on your person at all times.
3. Secure any spare parts — If you’re bringing extra parts or tools, store them in a locked container or secure area when not in use.
4. Speak to Footman James for unusual events — If you’re attending something a bit different, it’s worth checking in with us to confirm that you’re covered. 

Ready for show day? Make sure your cover is too

So, does classic car insurance cover exhibitions? At Footman James, our cover is designed to support your passion. From local meets to major events, we want you to feel safe in the knowledge that your car’s properly protected. 

But just like maintaining your vehicle, keeping your cover up to date is vitally important. Make sure you understand the terms of your policy, stay on top of any changes, and consider optional extras that match how you use your car. 

Classic car insurance from Footman James

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

Get a classic car insurance quote

Get a quote from us today either online or by phoning us on 0333 060 1351. 

 

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.