If you’ve ever been to a car show or are a fan of classic car restoration television programs, you know the work that can go into owning and maintaining a classic, vintage, or antique car. That’s why having the right insurance is critically important in protecting your investment. No matter the type of car you purchase, you must be insured. However, since most owners don’t use these cars like they would their ordinary vehicles, there are a few key differences when it comes to their insurance policies.
The Basics
Since you wouldn’t usually use a classic, antique, or vintage car as a primary vehicle, you are driving it far fewer kilometres annually. So when you’re shopping for insurance, the first thing you need to consider is how much you will be using it:
· Will you only drive the vehicle to car shows or in a few parades? If so, your policy should be limited to those circumstances
· Are you going to use your vehicle to go to the grocery store, hit the beach, or head out on a road trip? Then your policy should reflect this kind of use
A typical classic, antique, or vintage car insurance policy includes the following:
· Agreed value coverage, which pays for the car’s full-insured value with no depreciation in the event of a total loss, less your deductible
· Inflation guard, to compensate for inflation and appreciation. The policy increases the vehicle’s value quarterly
· Spare parts coverage, for costly and hard-to-find parts
Additional Coverage Options
There are unique concerns about these cars that may have you looking for special coverage, whether it’s breaking down and getting towed back to your home or preferred mechanic or assisting with being locked out in a vehicle that predates electronic locks. To protect yourself, you can also purchase additional coverages to help in these situations like:
· Emergency towing in case of breakdown
· Roadside assistance
· Emergency lockout
· Emergency travel expenses in case your vehicle breaks down while away from home
· Theft reward
· Car show expenses, to cover any costs associated with missing a car show due to a breakdown
· Personal effects reimbursement for items that are vandalized or stolen when reported to police
We’re Here to Help
We cover all kinds of classic cars, trucks and other vehicles, including antique autos, collector and vintage cars, along with many different types of specialty vehicles. Since these vehicles are so diverse, your insurance coverage will be specific to you. Our car insurance experts can help you determine the coverage you need and any other considerations that you should take when creating a policy to suit you.