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, there is often an option for agreed value cover for the car. Normally insurers will require evidence such as several photographs to evidence the condition of a classic vehicle.

Classic Mini insurance can be a smart option - it’s designed for anyone who owns a vehicle that’s special, be it a family heirloom or a project you’ve poured years of time and effort into.

As a classic Mini 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 Mini insurance:

Age and condition of your classic Mini

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 Mini

Rare cars are harder to replace and attract more attention, which can bump up your premiums to reflect the increased risks.

How you use your classic Mini

The way you use your classic Mini 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 Mini policies come with mileage limits for this reason. It must also not be your main vehicle.

Storage and security

Where you store your classic Mini can also affect the price of your insurance. If your car is kept in a secure garage or is fitted with security features such as  alarms or trackers, then depending on the insurer you use, you may benefit from a lower premium 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 bumpsthe road, you might find your insurance costs more.

Yes – you can buy online, or if you want to talk to us, 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.

Normally 20 years.

Agreed value car insurance is a type of policy where you and your insurer agree on the value of your car at the start of the policy. If your car is later written off or stolen, you’ll receive this pre-agreed amount, rather than the car’s depreciated market value at the time of the claim.

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. We recommend that values are updated annually.

Market value means if your vehicle is lost or completely  destroyed, you will be paid out the value of the vehicle at the time of the claim in line with current market trends.

This could be more or less than the amount shown under ‘Value’ as shown on the Vehicle Details section of your Renewal Schedule.

Factors that affect the market value of your vehicle include:

• Age and mileage
• Condition of the vehicle
• Service history
• Make and model

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

The first amount of a claim that you. 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 to protect your excess and/or Motor Legal Protection insurance options alongside  your classic Mini policy.

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.

Motor 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 Mini is considered 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 Mini 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 engineer's report
• Evidence of the car's condition with a full or part service history
• Advertisements for similar vehicles

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