Classic Car Insurance

Compare your options for classic car insurance cover in one place today.

Written by 
Savvy Editorial Team
Savvy's content writing team are professionals with a wide and diverse range of industry experience and topic knowledge. We write across a broad spectrum of finance-related topics to provide our readers with informative resources to help them learn more about a certain area or enable them to decide on which product is best for their needs with careful comparison. Meet the team behind the operation here. Visit our authors page to meet Savvy's expert writing team, committed to delivering informative and engaging content to help you make informed financial decisions.
Our authors
, updated on February 15th, 2024       

Fact checked

At Savvy, we are committed to providing accurate information. Our content undergoes a rigorous process of fact-checking before it is published. Learn more about our editorial policy.

Car Insurance Banner - Older man polishing the front of his classic convertible car.

If you own a classic car or are an enthusiast with multiple classic models, it's important to protect it with the right type of insurance. Classic car insurance is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of vintage vehicles, offering features such as agreed value coverage and flexible usage options.

Whether your vehicle is 20 years old or 50, you can compare car insurance options for classic, vintage and veteran vehicles to help you find the best possible coverage for you at a competitive price. Get started today with a free, no-obligation quote.

What is considered a classic car in Australia?

The criteria for what is considered a classic car in Australia varies depending on your insurer. For instance, while some insurers may consider cars 15 or more years old a classic car, others may set this at 25 to 30 years.

There are other classifications which may be used by specialist insurers, such as emerging classic or modern classic (which is a model between a modern and classic car). If you’re unsure whether your car is considered a classic, you can speak with your insurer to determine what their classification of your vehicle is before you buy your policy.

Is there a difference between classic, vintage and veteran cars?

While some may use these three terms interchangeably, it’s important to understand that classic cars are different from vintage and veteran models. Once again, specific classifications vary between insurers, but you may find that these are split into periods such as these:

  • Classic cars: between 15 and 30 years old
  • Vintage cars: built in or before 1930
  • Veteran cars: built in or before 1919

Because of the expense related to repairing vintage and veteran cars and the potential scarcity of materials, these are often more expensive and less commonly offered than classic car insurance.

What is classic car insurance?

Classic car insurance in Australia is a type of car insurance which is specifically designed for classic vehicles. It’s different from regular car insurance as it takes into account the unique features of classic cars, such as their age, rarity and historical significance. In terms of what it covers, classic car insurance can offer specialised coverage options, such as the following:

  • Choice of repairer: classic car insurance policies typically give the policyholder the option to choose their preferred repairer to work on their vehicle in the event of an accident or damage. This can be an important consideration for owners of classic cars who want to ensure their vehicle is repaired by a specialist with knowledge of the unique features and parts of their car.
  • Laid up cover: laid up cover is a type of coverage which is available for classic cars which aren’t driven on public roads. It’s designed for cars which are kept in storage, either because they’re undergoing restoration work or aren’t in use for an extended period. Laid up cover can protect the vehicle against damage from events such as fire, theft and vandalism while it’s in storage.
  • Limited use cover: limited use cover is a type of coverage which is designed for classic cars which are only driven on a limited basis, such as for exhibitions, club events or occasional pleasure drives. This type of coverage may have lower premiums than standard insurance policies, as the car is considered to be at a lower risk of being involved in an accident due to its reduced usage (depending on other factors).
  • Salvage rights: salvage rights refer to the policyholder's right to claim ownership of their vehicle in the event it’s declared a total loss by the insurance company. With classic car insurance, salvage rights can be particularly important, as enthusiasts may wish to use parts from the write-off to help restore other or future vehicles.
  • Multi-vehicle discount: classic car insurance may also offer discounts to policyholders who insure multiple vehicles under the same policy. This can be a cost-effective way for collectors and enthusiasts to insure their entire collection of classic cars. The multi-vehicle discount can also make it easier than managing multiple policies and ensure all vehicles are protected with the same appropriate level of coverage.

What is agreed value cover and why is it important for classic car insurance?

Agreed value cover is an element of car insurance which allows you to set the value of your vehicle in advance with your insurer so you can be paid that amount in the event of a total loss or theft. This is different from market value, which involves your insurer paying you what they believe the value of the vehicle was immediately prior to it being written off or stolen.

For classic car owners, agreed value cover is particularly important because it ensures that the value of their vehicle can be protected, taking into account factors such as rarity, condition and historical significance. Without agreed value cover, your insurance company may only pay out the current market value of the car, which may be significantly lower than what you believe it’s worth.

Agreed value cover is more common with classic car insurance for this reason and can provide greater peace of mind to classic car owners that they may be able to recoup an amount they believe is more appropriate if they lose their vehicle.

Types of car insurance you can choose from

The factors which can affect the cost of your classic car insurance

Common questions about classic car insurance

Can I take out insurance for a classic motorbike?

There are insurance options available for classic motorbikes. However, the coverage and policy details may differ from those of classic car insurance policies, so it’s important to check with your insurer to determine whether your motorbike qualifies for coverage.

What types of coverage are available under classic car insurance?

In most cases, classic car insurance will come in the form of a comprehensive policy, which offers the most overall protection of any type of vehicle cover. However, depending on the insurer, you may be able to take out third party car insurance. Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance is mandatory for all registered vehicles.

How much will my classic car insurance policy cost?

The cost of a classic car insurance policy can vary depending on a range of factors, such as:

  • The make, model and value of the car (such as whether it was imported or made closer to home)
  • The age and condition of the vehicle
  • The driver's age and driving record
  • The level of coverage selected
  • How your car is stored
  • Where you live and store your vehicle (such as whether you live in Adelaide or country South Australia)
  • How many cars are included under your policy
Can I get car insurance for a modified vehicle?

There are insurance options available for modified vehicles. However, the type and extent of coverage will depend on the specific modifications made to the vehicle. It's important to disclose any modifications to the insurer to ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage, particularly in a policy with market value cover.

Helpful guides on car insurance

Car Insurance Banner - Couple driving in an open-top car, happy about receiving a no-claim bonus on their car insurance.

No-Claim Bonus in Car Insurance

Find out more about no-claim bonuses and how they can benefit your car insurance policy right here with Savvy. Looking...

Car Insurance Banner - A couple signing documents to purchase a new car and transfer their car insurance.

Car Insurance Transfer

Find out more about transferring your car insurance and when you may be able to do so in Savvy’s handy...

Car Insurance Banner - Young couple picking out a car to lease at a dealership

Leased Car Insurance

If you are leasing a car in Australia, learn about your car insurance coverage options as well as the role...

Compare car insurance policies with Compare the Market

Savvy is partnered with Compare the Market to help you compare a range of car insurance policies from a panel of trusted providers.

Explore car insurance options by make

Select your car make and find out how much it may cost to insure, read helpful guides and compare quotes.

Disclaimer:

Savvy (ABN 78 660 493 194, ACR 541 339) provides readers with a variety of car insurance policies to compare. Savvy earns a commission from our partnered insurers each time a customer buys a car insurance policy via our website. All purchases are conducted via our partners’ websites. The integrity of our comparison service is unaffected by our partnerships with those businesses and our effort remains to bring further brands that do not already use our comparison service onboard.

Savvy’s comparison service includes selected products from a panel of trusted insurers and does not compare all products in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy. We always recommend readers to consult the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of different policies before purchasing your car insurance.