Best Classic and Collector Car Insurance

Overall, Hagerty is the best car insurance company for classic and collector cars. While it has higher average rates than other companies, it offers the best balance of service quality and value.

Classic and collector cars often increase in value over time, making the right insurance crucial to protect your investment. Here are the top providers for various needs and situations.

Review the sections below for guidance on selecting the right policy. This will help you balance coverage and cost to fit your situation.

Classic car insurance works differently from regular auto coverage because your vintage ride has different needs. While your daily driver loses value over time, your classic car likely appreciates. Classic car insurance uses agreed-value coverage, where you and the insurer set the car’s value in advance. If the car is totaled or stolen, you receive that full agreed amount.

These policies include mileage limits to help protect the vehicle’s condition and often require secure storage, such as a locked garage. Coverage varies by insurer. Some limit eligibility to antique or classic cars, while others also insure newer luxury models. Coverage requirements and payment options, such as monthly car insurance, vary by insurer.

Classic car insurance provides specialized financial protection tailored to collector vehicles, going beyond standard auto coverage to address specific needs like agreed value settlements, spare parts protection and specialized repair requirements. These coverage options help you select the right financial protection for your investment.

Rates between companies can differ by hundreds of dollars annually, even for the same make and model. Choosing affordable car insurance can save you thousands over time.

Leland-West offers the lowest average rates, charging $152 per year for a 1966 Ford Mustang and $198 for a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. The chart below highlights how premiums can vary between companies.

Note: The rates above are only for popular classics — the 1966 Mustang and 1969 Camaro. Get personalized quotes for accurate estimates.

The best car insurance for classic cars varies based on driver profile and coverage needs. Getting personalized quotes from multiple providers can help you accurately estimate costs and compare offers to find the best plan for you and your family. Enter some basic information below to get started.

Classic car insurance providers, like standard insurers, offer unique products with varying services, prices and requirements. The table below compares coverage options and features from different classic and collector car insurance companies.

To qualify for classic car insurance, you may need to meet the following requirements:

• Your classic car can't be your daily-use vehicle.
• Your classic car must be defined as a classic car (e.g., 25 years or older).
• Classic cars must be stored securely in an enclosed garage or other indoor location.
• Racing isn't allowed, and claims may be denied if damage occurs to an insured car while racing.
• Drivers must have a clean driving record, with no accidents or violations within three years.
• All household members with a valid driver’s license must have their own daily-use vehicle with active insurance separate from the classic car.
• In most cases, the driver must be at least 25 years old with a minimum of 10 years of driving experience.
• Vehicles must be maintained in good working condition with current registration and inspection, where required.
• Approved uses often only include car shows, parades, club events, exhibitions and occasional pleasure driving.

Most insurers require annual mileage limits (commonly 1,000-5,000 miles), proof of secure storage and documentation of the vehicle's condition and value. Some companies may require professional appraisals for high-value vehicles.

Age thresholds and qualification criteria determine when your vehicle qualifies for classic car or specialized collector coverage.

• 25+ year standard: Most insurers consider vehicles 25 years or older as classic cars, though some companies lower this threshold to 20 years for certain makes and models. This remains the industry standard for determining classic status.
• 20- to 24-year vehicles: Many insurers now cover newer classics, particularly performance cars, luxury vehicles, or models with proven collector interest. Examples include 1990s sports cars, limited-edition trucks, or discontinued luxury models that show appreciation potential.
• Antique classification (45+ years): Pre-1980 vehicles often receive the most favorable rates and coverage terms, as they're driven less frequently and maintained more carefully than newer classics.
• Limited production exception: Limited-production vehicles from any time period may qualify for classic coverage, even if they aren’t old. This includes modern supercars, special-edition models and cars with proven collector interest.

Classic car insurance also applies to a wide range of specialty vehicles with collector value or special coverage needs. These policies help protect automotive investments that fall outside the scope of standard auto insurance.

Specialty Vehicles

• Antique tractors and farm equipment: Restored tractors, vintage farm equipment and historic machinery qualify for specialized classic vehicle coverage. Policies may include protection for use in parades, exhibitions and demonstration events, with some insurers offering endorsements for agricultural shows and antique tractor pulls.
• Military vehicles: Restored military jeeps, trucks, and other former military vehicles receive coverage when used for shows, parades, or recreational purposes. Coverage often excludes commercial use, and some insurers require special permits or registration documentation.
• Classic motorcycles: Vintage motorcycles, custom choppers, and collector bikes qualify for classic vehicle coverage with similar storage and usage restrictions as classic cars. Many insurers offer specialized motorcycle classic coverage with agreed-value settlements.

Restoration and Modified Vehicles

• Vehicles under active restoration: Most insurers offer specialized coverage for cars being restored, though coverage may be limited to fire, theft, and vandalism until restoration is complete. Some policies provide "work in progress" coverage that increases as you invest more in the restoration process.
• Kit cars and replicas: Factory-built kit cars and professionally constructed replicas (like Cobra replicas or vintage race car reproductions) qualify for classic coverage once completed and registered. Documentation of build quality and components is often required.
• Custom and modified vehicles: Extensively modified classics, hot rods, and custom builds receive coverage based on their agreed value. Modifications must be documented and professionally completed, with many insurers requiring detailed photographs and receipts for custom work.

Race Cars and Track Vehicles

• Trailer queens: Race cars used only for display and not driven on the track may qualify for basic classic car coverage. These vehicles must be transported by trailer and used strictly for static exhibition.
• Track day considerations: Most classic car policies exclude coverage for racing or track use. However, some insurers offer separate track day policies or endorsements for organized events. It's important to confirm coverage before joining any competitive driving activity.

Most classic car insurers offer 24/7 claims reporting and same-day adjuster assignment, though settlement times may be longer than standard claims due to specialized parts sourcing and restoration requirements. The specialized nature of classic car repairs often requires additional time for proper completion.

Classic car insurance provides coverage tailored to the needs of classic, collector, and specialty vehicles. It accounts for factors that standard auto policies often overlook. MoneyGeek identified the top companies for classic car insurance, with Hagerty as the overall best choice. However, the ideal provider depends on your needs and circumstances. Request a personalized quote to ensure the best coverage and rates for your vehicle.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about car insurance for classic and collector cars:

Finding the right insurance for your classic car isn't like shopping for regular auto coverage. You need specialized protection that understands your vehicle's value and usage patterns. Most classic car owners drive their vehicles sparingly and need coverage that reflects actual cash value versus replacement cost. We designed our research specifically for vintage vehicle enthusiasts.

Our Research Approach

We gathered 766,080 quotes from 16 insurance companies across 900 ZIP codes using data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. Rather than using generic vehicle profiles, we focused on two popular classic models that represent different value ranges and restoration costs.

Sample Vehicle Profiles

Our analysis compared insurance costs for two distinct classic cars:

• 1966 Ford Mustang valued at $15,000
• 1969 Chevrolet Camaro valued at $23,000

This comparison shows how differences in agreed value affect premium costs. An $8,000 gap between vehicle values highlights how pricing can shift based on the car’s insured worth. 

Driver Profile Details

The sample driver has a clean record. Classic car insurers heavily weigh driving history since these vehicles often represent significant investments and emotional value.

Coverage Calculations

We calculated classic car discounts by comparing the price difference between insuring these vintage vehicles versus standard auto policies. This approach shows the actual savings available through specialized classic car coverage, which offers lower rates due to limited mileage and careful driving patterns.

Why This Methodology Matters

Classic car insurance requires different underwriting approaches than daily drivers. Our research captures how insurers evaluate agreed value, limited mileage, and storage requirements. These factors don't apply to regular auto policies but impact your premium costs and coverage options. 

Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology.