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Ben Luthi is a Utah-based insurance writer for Compare.com. With more than a decade of experience covering various insurance and personal finance topics, Ben is passionate about helping people make smart decisions with their money. His work has appeared on a variety of well-known personal finance websites, including the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Credit Karma, Yahoo! Finance, Experian, NerdWallet, Insurify, and many more.
Ben has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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Classic car insurance is a specialized type of auto coverage designed specifically for vintage, antique, and collector vehicles that typically aren’t driven daily. Unlike standard auto insurance that reflects the depreciation in your car’s value over time, classic car insurance recognizes that collector vehicles often appreciate in value and need different protection.
Collectors often require specialized coverage because their vehicles have unique value considerations, are driven less frequently, need specialized storage, and often feature rare parts that standard policies may not adequately cover.
Hagerty and American Collectors are great specialized choices, but even big-name companies like State Farm and GEICO can provide the coverage you need at an affordable price.
Here’s everything you need to know about protecting your classic car with the right insurance policy.
Classic car insurance uses an agreed-value policy that protects your vehicle’s full appraised worth rather than its depreciated value.
Most policies include mileage restrictions and storage requirements but also come with specialized coverages for car shows, meetups, and spare parts.
Classic car insurance can cost up to 30%–40% less than a standard car insurance policy.
Classic car insurance is a specialized insurance policy designed for vehicles that are considered collectible, vintage, or antique. These policies typically offer agreed-value coverage rather than actual cash value protection, ensuring you get the car’s full, real-world value if it’s damaged.[1]
To qualify, vehicles usually must be at least 25–30 years old, driven less than 5,000 miles annually, stored in a garage, and maintained in good condition. Cars that commonly need this coverage include vintage muscle cars, pre-war antique vehicles, classic European sports cars, and restored classic trucks.
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Classic car insurance operates on an agreed-value basis, meaning you and your insurer agree on your vehicle’s worth up front. This arrangement ensures you’ll receive that full amount if your car is totaled. In contrast, standard auto insurance policies typically pay out the vehicle’s depreciated actual cash value.
That said, classic car policies typically come with restrictions, including an annual mileage limit (usually 1,000 to 7,500 miles), requirements for secure garage storage, and limitations on using the vehicle for daily commuting or commercial purposes.
Insurers tailor these policies specifically for collectors by offering features like protection for car shows, spare parts coverage, and allowances for vehicles undergoing restoration.
Insurance rates for classic cars vary significantly among insurers, depending on their experience with collector vehicles and the available policy features. The following table highlights how major insurance companies approach classic car coverage and what makes each one unique for collectors.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $82/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $115/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $106/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $167/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $161/mo* |
Overall Rating 3.9 | Overall Rating 4.1 | Overall Rating 3.6 | Overall Rating 0.0 | Overall Rating 4.1 |
Value 4.0/5 | Value 4.2/5 | Value 3.8/5 | Value 0.0/5 | Value 3.8/5 |
Customer Service 4.4/5 | Customer Service 4.3/5 | Customer Service 4.1/5 | Customer Service 0.0/5 | Customer Service 4.3/5 |
Claims Handling 3.9/5 | Claims Handling 3.9/5 | Claims Handling 3.5/5 | Claims Handling 0.0/5 | Claims Handling 4.1/5 |
Special Highlight Local agent expertiseAI-generated from 295 user reviews | Special Highlight No appraisal neededAI-generated from 247 user reviews | Special Highlight Easy online quote processAI-generated from 165 user reviews | Special Highlight No mileage limit for hobby useAI-generated from 0 user reviews | Special Highlight Partnership with a specialty insurerAI-generated from 57 user reviews |
Most collector car insurance policies combine standard auto coverages (such as liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage) with specialized protections designed specifically for collector vehicles and their unique needs. The following coverage types represent the core protections available in most collector car insurance policies.
Agreed-value coverage protects your classic car at its full appraised value rather than a depreciated amount. You and your insurer agree on the value of your vehicle when you purchase the policy, guaranteeing that amount if you total your car.
If your vehicle appreciates in value, you can adjust your coverage to match.
These coverages protect your classic car against physical damage from accidents, theft, vandalism, weather, and other perils. Comprehensive coverage handles non-collision damage, while collision insurance covers accident-related repairs.
Both are essential for protecting valuable collector vehicles.
This coverage protects your investment in rare or hard-to-find replacement parts. They also include any spare parts you might have in your garage alongside your classic car.
Many policies provide up to $2,000 in spare parts coverage.
Specialized roadside assistance for classic cars often includes flatbed towing to protect low-clearance vehicles and coverage for longer distances.
Additional coverage options help protect your investment during various situations unique to classic car ownership. Common add-ons include:
Restoration coverage: This protects vehicles during the restoration process.
Auto show medical reimbursement: If any injuries occur at car shows or events, this covers potential medical bills.
Tools coverage: Many classic or antique cars require specialized tools used for maintenance and restoration. Many classic car insurers offer extra coverage to pay for their replacement after a claim.
Trip interruption coverage: If your classic car breaks down during an extended road trip to an out-of-town car meet or something else, trip interruption coverage can pay for a rental car, lodging, and even ticket costs if you miss the event entirely.
Custom parts and equipment coverage: Many classic car owners modify their beloved vehicles. This ensures your custom wheels, suspension, or other mods are covered.
We understand everyone has unique needs, and we’ll match you up with the right insurer.
Collector car insurance offers complete protection for your collector vehicle, encompassing both standard auto coverages and specialized protections tailored to classic cars and collector vehicles.
A typical classic car policy covers:
Physical damage to your vehicle: Comprehensive and collision coverages provide protection against accidents, theft, vandalism, fire, and weather damage.
Liability protection: Standard in all auto insurance policies, liability insurance covers injuries and property damage you cause to others.
Spare parts: If you want coverage for stored parts and take-offs, this pays to replace them, often up to a specified policy limit.
Towing and roadside assistance: Classic cars aren’t always the most reliable vehicles on the road. Towing and labor coverage pays for specialized flatbed towing and emergency services tailored for classic cars.
Auto show coverage: We all love showing off our pride and joy. Classic car insurance offers additional protection when displaying your car or traveling to car shows.
While classic car insurance provides extensive protection, certain situations may fall outside the typical coverage parameters. Common exclusions include:
Regular daily driving: Using your classic car for commuting or routine transportation typically excludes it from these sorts of specialized policies.
Commercial use: Like most auto insurance policies, you can’t use your vehicle for business purposes or ridesharing.
Racing or speed contests: Classic car insurance won’t cover your car on the track or drag strip. You’ll need even more specialized (and often on-off) coverage for that.
Mechanical breakdowns: While most classic car insurance policies cover towing, they won’t pay for mechanical failures due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance.
Classic car insurance generally costs significantly less than standard auto insurance, though specific rates vary widely based on your vehicle and circumstances.
Insurance industry sources consistently report that classic car policies can cost 30–40% less than regular coverage. This lower cost reflects the reduced risk associated with limited-use vehicles driven by mature, careful owners who properly maintain and store their collector vehicles.
That said, like a normal policy, your premium will depend on several factors, such as your vehicle’s value, your driving record, and the coverage options you select.[2]
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Purchasing collector car insurance involves a relatively straightforward process that ensures your collector vehicle gets appropriate coverage. Start by verifying your car meets age, condition, and usage requirements, then work through these steps:
Confirm your vehicle qualifies. Check that your car meets the insurer’s age requirements and usage limitations.
Get your car appraised. Obtain a professional appraisal to establish your vehicle’s agreed value for coverage purposes.
Compare quotes from both standard and specialty insurers. Get quotes from companies like Hagerty and Grundy, as well as standard insurers offering classic coverage.
Choose coverage options and limits. Select your deductible, and include any additional protections you need beyond the standard options.
Finalize and purchase your policy. Review all terms and complete your application to activate coverage.
Get specialized quotes from dozens of top insurers.
Selecting the right collector car insurance requires evaluating insurers based on their experience with collector vehicles and the available policy features they offer. Here are some ways to ensure you get the right policy for your needs and budget:
Don’t leave money on the table. Look for insurance companies that offer a true agreed-value policy rather than stated value.[3]
Calculate your typical mileage. Find a flexible mileage limit that matches your actual driving habits.
Get coverage for special events. Check for additional benefits, like coverage for car clubs and shows.
Compare out-of-pocket costs. Compare deductibles across different insurers.
Take advantage of discounts. Ask about available discounts for bundling and other activities.
Seek out specialized service. Determine whether the insurer specializes in antiques or offers broader collector vehicle coverage.
Understanding classic car insurance often raises specific questions about coverage, costs, and eligibility. Here are answers to the most common questions collectors ask when shopping for coverage.
The best insurer depends on your specific vehicle and needs, as some insurance companies offer more comprehensive collector-specific features and benefits than others.
That said, Hagerty, American Collector, Grundy, and American Modern are commonly recommended for classic car enthusiasts. But even traditional companies like State Farm, GEICO, and Farmers can provide the coverage you need.
No. Classic cars and collector vehicles typically cost less to insure than regular vehicles due to mileage restrictions, careful ownership, and reduced risk of claims.
Most insurers require vehicles to be at least 25–30 years old, although some accept newer, limited-production, or exotic vehicles.
Yes. Progressive offers specialized classic car insurance in partnership with Hagerty.
Yes. GEICO offers collector car insurance through partnerships with Assurant and American Modern Insurance Group.
Yes. State Farm provides classic car insurance directly and in partnership with Hagerty — though the latter option is only available in 21 states.
Yes. Like other major insurers, Allstate offers collector car insurance in partnership with Hagerty, a specialty insurer.
Most classic car policies include a mileage limit between 1,000 and 7,500 miles per year, although some insurers offer unlimited mileage options.
Not directly. Collector plates may correlate with lower insurance costs, since they often indicate limited use. But the insurance savings depend more on your specific policy terms.
No. While Hagerty doesn’t set a fixed mileage limit, the insurer doesn’t cover daily drivers. More specifically, its customers are only covered if they use their vehicle for car-club functions, exhibitions, organized meets, tours, and occasional pleasure driving.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Ben Luthi is a Utah-based insurance writer for Compare.com. With more than a decade of experience covering various insurance and personal finance topics, Ben is passionate about helping people make smart decisions with their money. His work has appeared on a variety of well-known personal finance websites, including the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Credit Karma, Yahoo! Finance, Experian, NerdWallet, Insurify, and many more.
Ben has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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