Penny Gusner is a senior insurance writer and analyst at Forbes Advisor. For more than 20 years, she has been helping consumers learn how insurance laws, data, trends, and coverages affect them. Penny enjoys translating the complexities of insurance into easy-to-understand advice and tips to help consumers make the best choices for their needs. Her work has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including The Washington Post and Kiplinger’s.
Penny Gusner
Penny Gusner is a senior insurance writer and analyst at Forbes Advisor. For more than 20 years, she has been helping consumers learn how insurance laws, data, trends, and coverages affect them. Penny enjoys translating the complexities of insurance into easy-to-understand advice and tips to help consumers make the best choices for their needs. Her work has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including The Washington Post and Kiplinger’s.
Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.
Reviewed
Michelle Megna
Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Our analysis found that American Collectors, American Modern and Leland-West are the best classic car insurance companies.
If you’re the proud owner of a pristine antique, classic, vintage or modern classic car—or in the process of restoring a collector car—you’ll want specialized classic car insurance to meet your unique needs.
Read more
Show Summary
- Summary: Best Classic Car Insurance of 2024
- Annual Mileage Limits by Company
- What Qualifies My Vehicle as a Classic or Antique Car?
- What Does Classic Car Insurance Cover?
- Vehicles Excluded from Classic Car Insurance
- How Much Is Insurance on a Classic Car?
- What Types of Cars Are Covered by Classic Car Insurance?
- Methodology
- Other Classic Car Insurance Companies We Rated
- Best Classic Car Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Next Up In Car Insurance
Summary: Best Classic Car Insurance of 2024
| Company | Editors’ Take | Forbes Advisor Rating | Online quote available? | Spare parts included in coverage | LEARN MORE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Collectors |  |
Best for annual mileage limit options | 5.0 |  |
Yes | $500 | Compare Rates | Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's secure site. | |
| American Modern |  |
Best for occasional commuting | 5.0 | |
No | $2,000 | Compare Rates | Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's secure site. | |
| Leland-West |  |
Best add-on coverage options | 5.0 | |
Yes | $2,000 | Compare Rates | Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's secure site. | |
| Chubb |  |
Best for OEM parts repair | 4.5 |  |
No | $1,500 | Compare Rates | Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's secure site. | |
| Hagerty |  |
Best for restorations | 4.5 | |
Yes | $750 | Compare Rates | Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's secure site. | |
| Condon Skelly |  |
Best for lay-up discount | 4.0 |  |
Yes | $500 | Compare Rates | Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's secure site. | |
| Heacock |  |
Best for race cars | 4.0 | |
Yes | $2,000 | Compare Rates | Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's secure site. |
Annual Mileage Limits by Company
The best classic car insurance companies offer a variety of annual mileage limits, with most including an unlimited option. Some standard car insurance companies partner with classic car companies to offer insurance, such as Allstate with Hagerty.
Classic Car Insurance Annual Mileage by Company
| Company | Provider of classic car insurance | Annual mileage limit options |
|---|---|---|
| Hagerty | Unlimited | |
| American Collectors | American Collectors | Flexible mileage plans of 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500 or unlimited |
| American Family | Unlimited | |
| American Modern | American Modern | Flexible mileage plans of 1,000, 3,000, 6,000 or unlimited |
| American National | American National | 10,000 |
| Chubb | Chubb | Unlimited |
| Condon Skelly | Condon Skelly | Unlimited |
| Erie | Unlimited | |
| J.C. Taylor | Unlimited | |
| American Modern | Flexible mileage plans of 1,000, 3,000, 6,000 or unlimited | |
| Grundy | Grundy | Unlimited |
| Hagerty | Hagerty | Unlimited |
| Heacock | Heacock | Customizable mileage plans up 6,000 miles |
| JC Taylor | JC Taylor | Unlimited |
| Leland-West | Leland-West | Flexible, limited plans (starting at 1,000 miles) or unlimited |
| Hagerty | Unlimited | |
| Hagerty | Unlimited | |
| Safeco | Restricted-use limit of 5,000 miles / Regular-use limit of 10,000 miles | |
| State Farm | 7,500 miles | |
| American Collectors | Tiered mileage plans of 2,500, 5,000 or 7,500 miles |
An unlimited mileage plan may not come with a fixed limit, but you may have to explain your mileage if it goes beyond a certain limit, such as 7,500 or 10,000 miles a year. That is because a classic car is expected to be driven only occasionally.
Using your car for exhibitions, car club activities, parades, car shows or the occasional pleasure drive is how classic car insurance companies envision you putting miles on your collector car. If you want your classic car used as a daily driver, you’ll likely need to look for a standard car insurance policy that won’t come with mileage restrictions.
What Qualifies My Vehicle as a Classic or Antique Car?
Car insurance companies have their own definitions of what qualifies a vehicle as a classic or antique car. Some companies, including Chubb and State Farm, consider cars between 10 and 24 years old classics and cars 25 years or older antiques.
Other companies may give a date range. For instance, Hagerty says classic cars are those from 1979 or earlier. However, vehicles from 1980 and newer may be able to get a modern classic or collectors’ insurance policy with Hagerty.
Because classic and antique car definitions vary, discuss your specific car with an insurance agent to determine what type of policy your vehicle is eligible for.
Eligibility Requirements for Classic Car Insurance
Beyond how old your car is, most classic car insurance companies have other eligibility rules. The requirements vary from one insurance company to the next, but here are common ones to be aware of when shopping for a policy:
- Age restrictions. Some insurers require drivers of your classic or antique car to be at least 25 years old.
- Locked garage. Most companies require that the car be kept in an enclosed, secured (locked) garage when not in use.
- Occasional use. Companies typically state that classic cars may be driven on a limited basis, occasionally for leisure or have infrequent general use. Some policies restrict the use of classic cars for hobby purposes only, such as car shows, exhibitions, and parades. You may be required to show you have another vehicle as your daily driver.
- Show pride of ownership. Many insurance companies require that your classic car be well maintained and in good condition, if not excellent or pristine.
What Does Classic Car Insurance Cover?
Classic car insurance typically offers coverage types similar to a personal auto insurance policy. Here are the standard coverage types you can include on a classic car insurance policy.
Other Classic Car Insurance Coverage Options
Classic car insurance companies typically offer optional coverage types that you can tailor to your needs. Common additional coverage options include the following.
Vehicles Excluded from Classic Car Insurance
Vehicles can be ineligible for classic car insurance if they don’t meet the age requirements or other eligibility rules, such as how you use the car. Classic car insurance is intended for secondary cars, not daily drivers or commuting cars.
Classic car insurance requires “limited use,” which generally means driving the car only occasionally for certain activities, such as exhibitions, parades and classic car club activities. For example, Hagerty typically won’t insure a classic car if it’s used in one of the following ways, regardless of its age:
- Daily use vehicles
- Off-road or recreational vehicles
- Commercial use vehicles
Most insurance companies we evaluated require you to have a regular (modern) vehicle for daily driving for your classic car to qualify for classic car insurance.
If you have a special car that’s excluded from a standard classic car insurance policy, ask an agent to help you find the right policy for your needs. For instance, an agent may help you find a “modern classic” policy if your car is excluded from standard classic car insurance because it’s not old enough.
How Much Is Insurance on a Classic Car?
The cost of classic car insurance is typically cheaper than a regular car insurance policy because a classic car spends less time on the road than a daily driver, so has less chance of being in an accident. American Collectors and Heacock say their classic car rates are up to 40% less than standard auto insurance rates, while Hagerty says they are 34% less on average.
The best way to find out how much classic car insurance will cost for your vehicle is to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies. Prices can vary significantly because insurers weigh risk factors differently.
Common Factors That Impact the Cost of Classic Car Insurance
Key factors that affect classic car insurance rates usually include:
How To Find the Best Classic Car Insurance
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Evaluate Your Needs
I recommend deciding what coverage features you require and which you can skip. For instance, if you live in an area prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, finding an insurer offering evacuation/relocation expense coverage may be important.
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Look Into Mileage Limits
If you’re active in classic car hobby activities—such as car shows and parades—and put a lot of miles on your car each year, mileage limit options will be important. I recommend looking for a classic car insurance policy with a flexible or unlimited mileage limit.
If you look at your classic car much more than you drive it, I’d say choosing a lower fixed limit can be a better option as you’ll usually see a discount.
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Determine a Good Deductible
Determine what car insurance deductible works best for you. A high deductible may be suitable if you have a very valuable vehicle or want to take on more of the cost and save. I found that American Modern lets you go up to $10,000 and American Collectors to 20% of your car’s value.
If a lower deductible is more of your speed, I’d caution against a zero deductible option. While zero dollars may sound good, you’ll pay more for the policy than a deductible of $250, $500 or more.
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Shop Around
You’ll want to shop around with multiple companies to get the best price for your classic car insurance. I recommend looking for companies that provide the coverage features and mileage requirements that fit your particular needs and then compare car insurance quotes with those insurers.
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Look for Discounts
See what car insurance discounts are offered to make your classic auto insurance more affordable. If you’re getting your classic car policy from the company you already have home or life insurance with, I’d say look for a bundling discount. You may also be able to get a multi-car discount.
Condon Skelly and Erie have lay-up discounts for storing your car away and not driving it for months at a time.
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
What Types of Cars Are Covered by Classic Car Insurance?
The best classic car insurance companies will offer coverage for a broad range of specialty vehicles.
Every classic car insurance company will insure antiques and classic cars. But coverage options don’t stop there. If you have a kit car, a modified car, a show-worthy modern classic or an antique military vehicle, you can find the classic car insurance you need.
| Classic car type | Car insurance companies that should cover your classic or collector car |
|---|---|
| Antique tractors | American Collectors, Condon Skelly, Hagerty, J.C. Taylor, Leland-West |
| Classic hot rods & street rods | American Collectors, American Modern, American National, Condon Skelly, Grundy, Hagerty, Heacock, J.C. Taylor, Leland-West |
| Exotic cars | American Collectors, American Modern, American National, Condon Skelly, Grundy, Hagerty, Heacock, J.C. Taylor, Leland-West |
| Kit cars and replicas | American Collectors, American Modern, American National, Hagerty, Heacock, J.C. Taylor, Leland-West |
| Modern classic cars | American Collectors, American Modern, American National, Grundy, Hagerty, Heacock, Leland-West, Safeco |
| Military vehicles (antiques) | American Collectors, American Modern, Condon Skelly, Hagerty. J.C. Taylor, Leland-West |
| Modified/Customs cars | American Collectors, American Modern, American National (if 25+ years old), Condon Skelly, Erie, Grundy, Hagerty, Heacock, J.C. Taylor, Leland-West, Safeco, State Farm |
| Race cars | American Collectors, American Modern, Hagerty, Heacock, Leland-West, State Farm (with motorsports add-on) |
| Restoration cars | American Collectors, American Modern, American National, Chubb, Condon Skelly, Hagerty, Heacock, Leland-West, Safeco (as long as 50% rebuilt), State Farm |
Methodology
To identify the best classic car insurance companies we scored companies based on coverage offerings, mileage allowance and online quoting availability.
Car insurance coverage options (70% of score): It’s important to have access to additional coverage types beyond the basics that can provide greater protection or cost savings. In this category, we gave points to companies that offer a zero deductible option, an inflation guard feature, spare parts coverage, restoration coverage and disaster relocation reimbursement.
Maximum mileage allowance (20% of score): Classic car insurance companies can restrict the number of annual miles allowed under a policy as most require the car to be used for occasional hobby use and pleasure drives. We gave points based on the maximum mileage limit offered.
Online quote availability (10% of score): Being able to obtain a classic car insurance quote online can save time. We gave points to the classic car insurance companies that offered online quotes.
Read more: How Forbes Advisor rates car insurance companies
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Other Classic Car Insurance Companies We Rated
Here are other car insurance companies we analyzed as part of our research.
| Company | Forbes Advisor rating |
|---|---|
| Grundy |  3.5 stars |
| American National |  3.0 stars |
| JC Taylor | 3.0 stars |
| 2.5 stars | |
| 2.5 stars | |
| 2.5 stars | |
 2.0 stars |
Best Classic Car Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is classic car insurance?
Classic car insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company that provides specialized coverage for a classic or antique car in exchange for the premium you pay. A classic car insurance policy will outline what coverages you receive and what type of claims you can make.
Classic car insurance is similar to a standard car insurance policy but has restrictions on what cars it will insure and how the cars can be used. Generally, a car must be in good condition and driven infrequently for hobby or pleasure use. Also, because classic cars can maintain or increase in value, you determine an agreed value to be paid out if it’s totaled out.
Is it cheaper to insure a classic car?
Yes, classic car insurance is typically cheaper than a standard car insurance policy you’d carry on your daily driver. American Collectors and Heacock say their classic car rates are up to 40% less than standard auto insurance rates, while Hagerty says they are 34% less on average.
The reason for cheaper prices is classic cars are less of a risk to insurers. Classic cars are generally restricted to being used for hobby and pleasure use, so their chances of being in an accident are lower. Also, classic cars must usually be stored in an enclosed, locked garage, reducing the chance of theft or severe weather damage.
How old does my car need to be to qualify for classic car insurance?
In general, to qualify for classic car insurance your car must be at least 10 years old to be considered a classic and 25 years old or more to be an antique. Check eligibility requirements when you’re shopping around as it varies by insurer.
American Collectors, American Modern, Hagerty, Heacock, Grundy and Leland-West insure classic and collector cars of all ages, from vintage to modern. Some car insurance companies with minimum car ages of note include:
● American Family says your car should be at least 20 years old.
● Chubb usually covers cars that are at least 30 years old or of limited production.
● J.C. Taylor requires vehicles be at least 19 years old in most states.
Who has the best classic car insurance?
The best classic car insurance companies are American Collectors, American Modern, Leland-West Chubb, Hagerty, Condon Skelly and Heacock, according to Forbes Advisor’s analysis.
These classic car insurance companies are the best options based on our evaluation of coverage offerings, mileage allowance and online quoting availability. To find the best classic car insurance company for your particular collector car, compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies.
What if my classic car is totaled?
If your classic car is totaled by a problem covered by the policy, like a car accident, fire or flood, you can file a claim. If your car is totaled, your insurance company will pay you either the stated value or the actual cash value of the vehicle, whichever is less. Agreed value is usually the better choice if you own a classic or collector vehicle that maintains or increases in value because you have a guarantee of what you’ll be paid.
