Classic Car Insurance

Classic car insurance is a specific type of cover that’s there to protect vehicles that are considered ‘classics’ - that means they’re either rare and collectable or simply cherished older models. While standard car insurance has a focus on modern, everyday vehicles, classic car insurance considers the unique needs and driving habits of classic car owners.

A standard car insurance policy may not cover the true value of your classic car, meaning you could end up out of pocket, in the event of an accident whether it’s repairable or written off. When you opt for classic car insurance cover, it often includes cover for the agreed value of the car. Normally insurers will require evidence such as several photographs to evidence the condition of a classic vehicle. Footman James do not require evidence for vehicles valued less than £15,000. So, should anything happen, and you need to make a claim, you’re insured for the car’s true worth, taking into account both its condition and rarity.

If you own a style icon like a Jaguar E-Type, a vintage Mini Cooper, or a classic Ford Mustang, or perhaps a ‘modern classic’ vehicle, then classic car insurance can be a smart option . It’s designed for anyone who owns a vehicle that’s special, be it a family heirloom, a true collector's car, or a project you’ve poured years of time and effort into.

As a classic car owner, the best way to be prepared should anything happen is to have the right insurance that reflects the true value of your vehicle, its rarity and the way you drive, or don’t drive it. Even if you stick to low annual mileage or keep it safely stored away, you need a policy that takes this into consideration.

Several factors will impact how much you pay for your classic car insurance:

Age and condition of your classic car

Antique cars that have been kept in mint condition can cost more to insure. That’s because they often require special parts that are harder to obtain, as well as extra attention to repair, making them pricier to restore after an accident.

Rarity and value of your classic car

Owning a rare gem like an Aston Martin DB5 or a Jaguar E-Type is an undeniable thrill, but it also means your insurance could be higher. Rare cars are harder to replace and attract more attention, which can bump up your premiums.

How you use your classic car

The way you use your classic car matters. If you only take it out for weekend drives or shows and stick to a low mileage, your premium could be lower. Many classic car policies come with mileage limits for this reason. It must also not be your main vehicle.

Storage and security

Where you store your classic can also affect the price of your insurance. If your car is kept in a secure garage or fitted with security features like alarms or trackers, then depending on the insurer you use as it demonstrates a reduced risk of theft or damage.

Your driving history

Your own driving record is as important as ever. A clean history with no claims or driving offences can help keep your insurance relatively low. On the other hand, if you’re a younger driver or have had some bumps in the road, you might find your insurance costs more.

Yes - call recording means we are now able to trade by means of Statement of Fact on all our non-commercial insurance policies.

The process eliminates the need for proposal forms and other paperwork so we can arrange speedier, same-day cover for clients.

If you can drive other classic vehicles as a part of your policy, or have added the Driving Other Classics FJ+ option to your policy, this applies only in the United Kingdom.

The exception to this is if you have a commercial or collectors policy with us.

Normally 20 years for cars, however this can reduce for certain marques or subject to certain club membership.

Agreed value means if your vehicle is lost or totally destroyed, and the value of your vehicle has been agreed, you have the certainty that you will be paid out the amount shown on your policy schedule.

You should be aware that the maximum amount payable by insurers will be the amount shown under ‘Value’ on the Vehicle Details section of your Renewal Schedule, regardless of the market value at the time of the loss.

You must...

• Obtain the name and address of any persons involved in the accident and any witnesses. This should include details of any passengers in any other vehicle involved

• Report any claim, accident, theft or loss as soon as possible by contacting the telephone helplines shown in your insurance documents. The sooner we know about an incident the sooner we can start helping you

• Send any writ, summons or letters received in connection with any claim, accident or loss to us as soon as you receive them

• Tell us at once if you receive any notice of prosecution, inquest or fatal accident inquiry connected to the incident

• Report any theft, or your vehicle being taken without your consent immediately to the police and obtain a crime reference number

You must never...

• Admit that the accident was your fault

• Attempt to negotiate the settlement of a claim from another person

We Will...

• Defend or settle any claim made against you on your behalf

If you or your vehicle are involved in an incident (such as an accident, theft or fire) covered by your policy please contact us immediately or call the telephone help line number shown in your documents.

The first amount of a claim that your insurers will not pay.

This can consist of up to three amounts:

• A voluntary excess for which you receive a premium reduction

• A compulsory excess that the insurer imposes

• A young or inexperienced driver excess

An excess is usually deducted from the payment for repairs to, or loss of, your vehicle. Regardless of blame, you are responsible for the excess.

If an accident is not your fault and there is an identified responsible person, you can usually recover your excess and other uninsured losses from that person.

With FJ+, you can add Excess Protect and/or Legal Protection to your policy to protect your excess.

Excess Protect will provide cover of your excess in the event of a motor claim. The Insurer will pay you an amount equal to the excess as stated on your Schedule of Insurance, in relation to each settled claim on your main insurance policy, up to an annual aggregate limit of £150, £500 or £1,000.

Legal Protection covers the cost of recovering your excess and other uninsured losses from the responsible person or their insurers.

You can find out more about each of these options on our FJ+ page.

A classic car is considered to be a total loss following an incident (accident, fire or theft damage) if:

• It is impossible to repair

• It isn't safe to repair

• It is beyond economical repair (the cost of repair exceeds the pre-accident value of your vehicle)

If the classic car is a total loss and you are purchasing it on finance, we will settle the finance first and pay the balance to you.

If you are unhappy with an offer for the total loss of your vehicle you need to send us evidence that your vehicle was worth more. This can include:

• An independent engineers report

• Evidence of the car's condition with a full or part service history

• Advertisements for similar vehicles

The terms 'fault' and 'non-fault' can be confusing.

A non-fault claim is one where the insurers are able to recover all their costs from someone else.

A fault claim is one where the insurers are not able to recover all their costs. This may be because you are partially or totally responsible for the collision or the other person is not traceable e.g. a hit and run accident when your vehicle is parked

Fire and theft claims are also counted as 'fault' for the purposes of no-claims bonus.

If you have selected FJ Rescue provided by the RAC your insurance documents will include the helpline numbers. You can call them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency assistance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurance documents to hand when calling.

If you have broken down in the UK:

Please call the RAC on 0333 207 6310

If you have broken down within Europe:

Please call the RAC on 00 33 472 43 52 55

If the RAC are not your breakdown provider, or if you are unsure who provides your breakdown cover, please consult your insurance documents.

If you have windscreen cover you will be issued with a helpline number with your insurance documents which you can call for assistance.

An excess may apply for replacement windscreens. Please ensure you call the number provided as cover may be affected if you do not use the approved repairer.

We cover vehicles whilst being used for 'Green Laning' as this is on land to which the public have access and falls under the Road Traffic Act.

We do not cover vehicles for 'off roading' as this is on private land and does not fall under the Road Traffic Act.

A Multi-Vehicle policy from Footman James has been designed specifically for those with a bigger collection of vehicles. The policy enables you to insure over five vehicles under one policy, with one renewal date. This includes classic and modern vehicles.

Yes. As long as the address for all the vehicles is the same, you can combine onto one Flex or Multi-Vehicle policy.