When does a car become a "classic" for insurance purposes ?

[J4CKO]

Was thinking it was 15 years but a colelague was saying he read (In Autoexpress about 2 wks ago) that some cars get classic status earlier and for Jaguars it is five years, never heard of this before, is it correct ?

[Paul Drawmer]

There are no rules. Each insurer sets their own standards for classic car underwriting.

[mike325112]

Not sure of exact figures but I know of someone who insures an 04 MG ZT 260 on a classic policy.

[J4CKO]

mike325112 said:

Not sure of exact figures but I know of someone who insures an 04 MG ZT 260 on a classic policy.

Ok, sounds good, just need to get the goverment to introduce classic VED for 2004 cars and classic fuel tax/VAT for the petrol and were sorted !

[tog]

It also varies with use. My 1988 Mercedes is on my multi-vehicle policy, but was rated as a modern car when it was the youngest car on the fleet since it was deemed my everyday car. Now I've got my wife's Fabia on there as well, the Mercedes is treated as a classic again, even though it is driven daily. That's with Footman James.

[cheesesliceking]

Depends on the mileage you do in it.. You can't insure it as a classic then expect to use it as your daily I'm afraid.

[GEP]

I'm not sure there is a year as such. We had an old Lexus and Merc of the same age in the family- Merc easily insured for peanuts on a classic policy, not for love nor money on the Lex though.

[J4CKO]

cheesesliceking said:

Depends on the mileage you do in it.. You can't insure it as a classic then expect to use it as your daily I'm afraid.

Was more out of interest, my Saab is 2003, old but a way off classic, mileage wise I have done about 8,000 in four years so would qualify on mileage, may actially buy a classic as my "daily" as I dont really even need a car, thinking retro/modified.

[tog]

cheesesliceking said:

Depends on the mileage you do in it.. You can't insure it as a classic then expect to use it as your daily I'm afraid.

FJ do unlimited miles classic policies, with business use too if you want it, but then it also depends on age - older cars can get higher mileage limits as they figure you're less likely to do big mileages in it.