Classic Car Insurance

Classic Car Insurance specialists since 1983

At Footman James we have been arranging classic car insurance and vintage car insurance for over 35 years to owners, collectors and traders.

We understand that classic cars are more than just vehicles; they are a passion and a labour of love. With this in mind, our comprehensive cover is designed to recognise the true value of your classic car.

As lovers of classic cars, we enjoy links with many enthusiasts and their clubs, such as the Morris Minor Owners Club and the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. We directly engage with them by sponsoring classic car shows, and by offering special rates for a number of car clubs and their members. To see the full list of clubs and associations that we work with, please visit our Classic Enthusiast Clubs section.

You can be confident that your classic car will be covered by arranging your insurance through Footman James - whether it’s a Mazda MX-5, Lotus or an MGB.

Our most popular types of classic car insurance include classic MG insurance, classic TVR insurance, classic Mini insurance and classic Jaguar insurance.

Our classic car insurance is not limited just these models though, we insure a wide range of makes and models.

What classifies as a classic car?

Deciding what cars classify as a classic has been a matter of much debate. Though only vehicles pre-1976 are tax exempt, many more modern vehicles, often known as modern classics, can also be considered a classic car. If you are unsure about whether your vehicle is applicable for this cover, apply for a quote here.

Classic Car Insurance, Tailored To You

While the needs of every owner are different, we all share the same passion and enthusiasm for our classic car.

This is why we have developed FJ+ which allows you to build your policy from a wide range of different cover options.

These include:

• Agreed Value: rest in the knowledge that the true value of your vehicle has been settled and agreed at the beginning of your policy.
• Drive to Work: ensure that you are covered to drive to and from your workplace.
• Legal Protection: cover of up to £100,000 per claim to recover uninsured losses after an accident has been caused by someone else.
• FJ Rescue provided by RAC: breakdown service provided by the RAC. This can be added to your cover at any time (certain restrictions may apply).
• Track Day: cover can be granted if you are participating at a Motor Sports Association (MSA) approved track with its own public liability insurance in place (providing you have previous experience and training from a qualified instructor/professional).

To find out further information and examples of FJ+ policy options, visit the FJ+ page.

Vintage wedding and modified cars cover

Vintage car insurance policies from Footman James also cover modified vehicles.

Wedding vehicles are also covered in our vintage car policies, meaning that if you want to use your classic car to help create a dream wedding for others, our specialist vehicle cover is the best choice.

With a proven passion for classic cars, you can be confident that by arranging your insurance through Footman James, your classic car, whether it is a Volkswagen Beetle or a Morris Minor, will be covered.

Six of our most popular types of classic car insurance are classic Ford insurance, MG Midget insurance, classic VW insurance, classic Jaguar insurance, classic Mini insurance and Triumph Spitfire insurance.

We can also offer a Multi-Vehicle insurance policy, which allows both modern and classic cars to be insured on a single policy (providing the majority are classic). To find out more, visit our Multi-Vehicle Insurance page.

Is classic car insurance cheaper than normal?

When looking at like-for-like insurance, classic car policies can be cheaper than many insurance policies and suppliers for modern daily-drivers. Because classic cars are often seen to be lower risk and generally have a reduced claim frequency, Footman James can offer a cheaper premium for classic car insurance when compared to a modern car policy in most cases. At Footman James we never try and overcomplicate, so here a few things worth knowing about classic car insurance.

Classic car insurance is often cheaper than normal car insurance packages

If you’re looking at purchasing a classic car you can be secure in the knowledge that, in almost all circumstances, you can expect your premium to be cheaper than that for a similar-sized modern vehicle. Not only are classic car owners generally more mindful of their pride and joy, the vehicles themselves are used mostly for pleasure and tend to spend a large amount of time in a garage or lock-up - and so kept out of harm’s way.

Classic car insurance can cost less because classic cars are considered as a lower risk

Classic cars typically enjoy a low annual mileage (the average UK modern car travels 9,000 miles per year) and are generally involved in fewer accidents. Also, eligible cars are usually more than 20 years old and, as such, are rarely used all year round, reducing risk.

You don’t need a second car to have classic car insurance

In many cases, we can insure your classic even if it’s your only car - you may use public transport or a motorbike for your daily travels.

You don’t need to have two cars, but just make sure that your classic is more than 20 years old, you have a limited mileage and don’t use it for business use. 

If you’re unsure of whether your vehicle is eligible for classic car insurance, give the Footman James specialists a call on 0333 207 6120 or request a quote online. Phone lines are open from 07:00 – 21:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 – 17:00 on Saturday.