Does my car qualify for classic auto insurance? (2025 Coverage Explained)
Wondering, “Does my car qualify for classic auto insurance?” Most insurers require vehicles to be at least 25 years old, stored securely, and driven infrequently to qualify for classic car insurance. Classic car auto insurance starts at $29 per month with the best companies.
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Brandon Frady
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Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
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UPDATED: Mar 27, 2025
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 27, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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If you’re wondering, “Does my car qualify for classic auto insurance?” your vehicle generally must be at least 25 years old and meet certain limited-use restrictions.
If you own a classic or collector vehicle, classic car insurance can offer special protection due to the unusual circumstances of owning a collector car. Read on to learn about classic car insurance requirements and how to find the best classic car insurance providers.
If you are on the hunt for affordable classic car insurance, enter your ZIP in our free tool. It will find and compare rates from companies in your area to help you find the best deal.
- Car owners must meet classic car insurance criteria to qualify
- The minimum vehicle age for classic car insurance is usually 25 years old
- You can’t get classic car insurance on your primary vehicle
Classic Auto Insurance Requirements
Not every car will need classic car insurance. Many people think classic cars are just cars of a certain age, but you’ll need to meet specific requirements for most classic car insurance policies.
Classic car insurance applies to regular passenger vehicles like muscle cars and sports cars, but other types of vehicles can qualify for collector insurance, too. If you’re looking for sports and muscle car insurance specifically, know that it does tend to be a bit more expensive than your standard auto policy (Read More: Best Auto Insurance for Sports Cars).
Some less common types of vehicles covered by classic car insurance include:
- Newer collector vehicles, like limited editions
- Modified cars, like hot rods or street rods
- Antique farm vehicles and equipment
- Antique military vehicles
Classic car insurance requirements vary from insurer to insurer. For example, you won’t be able to get classic car insurance if your car can’t be driven safely or has sustained any significant damage. However, you still might be able to find coverage without proper storage if you shop for classic car insurance that does not require a garage (Read More: Best Classic Car Insurance Without a Garage).
Typically, you’ll need to meet these criteria for classic car insurance to purchase classic car coverage:
- Vehicle Age: This is typically considered the cutoff age for classic car insurance, but it may vary among insurer. Ask your insurance company how old cars must be to get classic car insurance.
- Storage: You can earn a discount on auto insurance if your car is in storage (Learn More: Best Garaging & Storing Auto Insurance Discounts).
- Limited Use: Your classic car needs to be in good condition and properly maintained, including keeping your annual mileage low. Annual mileage will affect car insurance rates.
- Separate Daily Vehicle: Classic car insurance can’t cover your primary vehicle. You can only use your covered classic car for clubs, exhibitions, and other pleasure driving.
Check with your current car insurance company to see if you meet your company’s requirements for classic car insurance. Requirements may vary, such as if you are comparing State Farm classic car insurance requirements versus Geico classic car insurance requirements.
Drivers with DUIs, excessive speeding violations, or other serious infractions may be denied classic car insurance. Learn how auto insurance companies check driving records.
You can also compare car insurance quotes from auto insurance companies that specialize in classic and collector car insurance and high-risk drivers. If you have an unusual vehicle you’d like to insure and aren’t sure if it meets the requirements to get collectors car insurance, check with your insurer to see what kind of coverage they can offer.
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Cost of Classic Auto Insurance
If you need classic car insurance on your vehicle, many car insurance companies, like Geico and Progressive, offer classic or collector car insurance if your car meets the classic car insurance qualifications.
Is classic car insurance cheaper? At most companies, classic car insurance will be cheaper because they are limited-use vehicles. Take a look at some popular auto insurance companies that offer classic car insurance below.
Classic Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
 | $40 | $105 |
 | $38 | $100 |
 | $35 | $95 |
 | $30 | $90 |
 | $42 | $110 |
 | $37 | $97 |
 | $33 | $92 |
 | $32 | $93 |
 | $36 | $98 |
 | $29 | $88 |
USAA and Geico classic car insurance have some of the cheapest classic car insurance rates. State Farm and Progressive classic car insurance are also affordable. You will be able to add a classic car insurance policy alongside your regular-use one at these classic car insurance companies.
This makes policy management more convenient, as all your cars, both classic and regular, will be at the same company.
Other companies, like Hagerty or American Collectors, specialize in classic and collector car insurance (Read More: Hagerty Auto Insurance Review). You can buy a separate policy from them if your car meets American Collectors and Hagerty classic car insurance requirements while maintaining your regular policy with your standard insurer.
How old does a car have to be for Hagerty to insure it? Hagerty will insure vehicles of any age as long as they have collector value.
How Classic Car Insurance Works
There are many different ways insurance companies determine the value of your car (Learn More: How Insurance Companies Determine a Vehicle’s Value). Classic car insurance works differently than a standard car insurance policy.
With standard insurance, the company will pay up to the car’s actual cash value in the event of damages. Unlike with regular cars, you don’t have to worry about your insurance changing as your classic car depreciates.
With a classic car insurance policy, you’ll agree on a value for your car upon purchase. Sometimes called the guaranteed value, it’s typically based on the appraised value of your classic car.Scott W. Johnson Licensed Insurance Agent
Your classic car insurance policy will typically cover comprehensive and collision auto insurance up to the guaranteed value of your car. You’ll also need to meet your state’s minimum liability coverage requirements.
You’ll get complete coverage for a collector car on a classic car policy rather than a standard one. In addition, you can add coverage for special restoration or care that your classic car needs.
Find Out if You Qualify for Classic Car Insurance
When does a car qualify for classic insurance? You need to meet specific requirements for vehicle use, storage, and age to qualify for classic car insurance. For example, most insurers prefer indoor, secure storage for collector vehicles, like a fully enclosed garage. Some companies may allow covered carports or alternative storage options that meet their antique car insurance rules.
If you do, collector insurance can provide valuable coverage for your classic vehicle, guaranteeing a payout value in the event of damage while meeting your state’s auto insurance laws.
Check with your insurer to see if they offer coverage for classic cars or get a quote from a specialty insurer.
If you need to find classic car coverage today, use our free quote tool to get started. Whether you are shopping for classic car insurance in Arizona or California, it will help you find the best companies in your area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get classic car insurance for a restored or modified vehicle?
Yes, many classic car insurance policies cover restored or modified vehicles. However, the modifications or restorations should be disclosed to the insurance company for accurate coverage.
Your car must also be old enough to qualify for coverage. How old must vehicles be to qualify for classic car insurance? Generally, most insurance companies require cars to be at least 25 years old.
Can I switch my classic car insurance policy to a regular auto insurance policy?
Yes, if you no longer meet the requirements for classic car insurance or if you decide to use your classic car for everyday transportation, you can switch to a regular auto insurance policy. Contact your insurance provider to make the necessary changes.
Is an antique car a private passenger vehicle?
Usually, classic cars can be private passenger vehicles, but it varies by state laws. For example, “limited use” restrictions exist, where antique vehicle owners can only drive a certain amount of miles annually so that their cars qualify as pleasure-use vehicles (Read More: Pleasure-Use vs. Commuter Auto Insurance).
Are there discounts available for classic car insurance?
Yes, some insurance companies offer discounts for features like anti-theft devices, multiple policies, storage precautions, and membership in recognized car clubs. Inquire with your insurer about available discounts.
What are the limitations to classic car insurance?
Classic car insurance often imposes mileage restrictions to ensure the vehicle is not used excessively. The exact mileage limit varies between insurance companies. There are also age limitations on classic car insurance, with most companies requiring vehicles to be at least 25 years old.
Can I use my classic car for racing events?
Racing events are typically excluded from classic car insurance coverage. If you plan to participate in racing or other high-speed events, you may need specialized coverage (Learn More: Best Track Day Auto Insurance).
Do I need to appraise my classic car to get insurance?
Some insurance companies may require an appraisal to determine the value of your classic car, while others may use agreed-upon values or other valuation methods. Check with your insurer to understand their specific requirements.
How old does a car have to be to be a classic?
Wondering what age car qualifies for classic insurance? Most insurers require vehicles to be more than 25 years old to qualify for classic car insurance. However, some insurance companies or states may allow classic car insurance on cars as little as 10 years old, depending on other factors like usage or historical importance.
These are the best states for classic car owners but check with your insurance company and other classic car insurers to find out if your vehicle meets the age requirement.
When can you get classic car insurance?
If your car qualifies for classic car insurance, you can buy coverage at any time. Enter your ZIP in our free quote finder to get started.
What is the mileage limit for classic car insurance?
Classic auto insurance mileage limits vary by insurance company. However, they generally range from 2,500 to 5,000 miles annually (Read More: How Annual Mileage Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates).
What qualifies for classic car insurance?
Curious when does a car become a classic for insurance? Generally, your vehicle must be at least 25 years or older and be in good condition with low mileage to meet classic car insurance criteria.
How can I insure a classic car as a daily driver?
If you drive your classic car daily, you will need to purchase a standard auto insurance policy for it, rather than a classic car policy.
How old does a car have to be for Hagerty to insure it?
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Brandon Frady
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.