Auto insurance
Protects you
Classic car insurance - What you need to know
Vintage and classic cars are more than just vehicles – they are a hobby, a passion, a treasure, which is why they often need specialised classic car insurance policies to protect them against damage and the increased risk of theft.
If your car is deemed a classic then you can often receive reductions in your policy price as:
- The insurer generally presumes you will be doing less mileage in the car (though you will need to confirm this when you apply).
- Most people who drive a classic car take care of it and maintain it to a higher standard. They may also store it in a secure location (again you will need to confirm this).
It's important to note that quotes you get from insurers through choiceautoexpress.com will offer standard cover for the car at its current market value (which may be a lot less than its value as a classic), however some of the insurers we compare, do offer specialised classic car policies that cover the car for their true value as a classic (also known as agreed value cover).
If it is agreed value cover you're after, once you've got a quote, speak to your chosen insurer to see if you can add it to your policy. Adding agreed value cover to a policy could increase your premium and may incur additional charges, but can offer a level of cover tailored specifically for your car.
Depending on the insurer, you may also be offered the following additional cover options:
- Breakdown cover
- Legal protection
- Laid up cover (for when your vehicle is off the road)
- EU cover
- Limited mileage discounts
If you're under any doubt, make sure to check the small print, including the cover value of your policy before you buy.
Who could save with telematics insurance?
Also known as telematics insurance, black box policies are great for anyone who wants to take control of their insurance costs as they offer personalised insurance based on when and how YOU drive. You can find out more about how telematics technology works in our guide
If you’re unlucky enough to fall into one of the groups that insurers deem ‘high-risk’, you’ll likely be looking at high premiums to insure your car. Telematics could be especially good for people such as:
- Young and inexperienced drivers
- Less frequent drivers with a low annual mileage
If you fall into one of these groups, telematics insurance could help you pay cheaper premiums, and it's great for anyone who's a safe driver. Take a look at our quarterly car insurance price index to see how insurance premiums have risen and fallen for certain drivers in various areas of the country.
Why choose black box insurance?
Instead of paying for insurance based on the average driver, black box insurance premiums are based on when and how you drive.
- Insurers know that serious and fatal accidents are most likely to occur late at night or early in the morning. With this in mind, you may be able to lower your premiums by agreeing to not use your vehicle during these hours. This doesn’t mean your car is uninsured for that time, it simply means you may incur a penalty if you do drive during this period.
- As well as high risk groups, black box insurance may be suited to occasional low mileage drivers who are paying premiums based on average figures. Having a box installed is a lot less ‘big brother’ than you think, and insurance providers treat data protection seriously. More information on how your premiums are calculated for black box policies can be found in our FAQs.
- If you’re frustrated at having to pay a high premium, black box insurance could be the answer to your car insurance problems. These policies often come with other benefits like free anti-theft tracking and personalised online records of your driving. Great for younger drivers or anyone who wants to take control of their insurance costs.