When is a car considered a classic?

Are you a car enthusiast? Perhaps you’re in the market to buy your first classic car or curious about classic cars. Whatever the case, if you’re interested in insuring a classic car, you’ll want to know when is a car considered a classic.

First, let’s try to define what a classic car is. Generally, a classic car is any vehicle that’s at least 20 years old and has been well-maintained or restored to its original condition. However, the exact definition of a classic car can vary depending on who you ask.

Some people might argue that a car needs to be 30 or 40 years old to be considered a classic, while others might include newer cars that are considered rare or significant in some way – the instant classic. Ultimately, whether or not a car is considered a classic comes down to a combination of its age, condition, and historical significance.

So, what are some of the key factors that determine whether a car is considered a classic? Let’s take a closer look.

The vehicle’s age

Generally, a car is considered a classic a classic once it’s at least 20 years old. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

For example, some cars that were produced in limited quantities or were particularly significant in automotive history might be considered classics even if they’re not quite 20 years old yet. Alternatively, some cars that are over 20 years old might not be considered classics if they don’t have historical significance.

What’s the condition of the car?

The condition of a car is another important factor in determining whether it’s a classic or not. A classic car should be in good working order and should look as close to its original condition as possible.

This means that if a car has been heavily modified or customized, it might not be considered a classic. However, a well-done restomod can still be considered a classic and will appeal to a large segment of the collector market.  Similarly, if a car is in poor condition and needs a lot of work to get it running again, it might not qualify as a classic either.

Does the vehicle have historical significance?

Finally, a car’s historical significance can also play a role in whether it’s considered a classic. Cars that were particularly important in automotive history or were produced in limited quantities are often considered classics.

For example, the Ford Model T is widely regarded as a classic car because it was one of the first affordable cars that were available to the average person. Similarly, the Shelby Cobra is considered a classic because it was a limited-edition sports car that was built for racing.

Does the state have a definition of a classic?

The age at which the state considers a car to be a classic can vary depending on where you live. In some states, a car is considered a classic if it’s at least 20 years old, while in others, the age limit might be 25 or even 30 years old. Some states might also have different criteria for what qualifies as a classic car, such as requiring the car to be in its original condition or limiting the number of modifications that can be made.

If you’re interested in registering your car as a classic, it’s important to check with your state’s DMV or licensing agency to find out what the requirements are in your area.

What’s the difference between classic, vintage, or antique?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a vintage, classic, or antique vehicle? Well, you’re not alone. These terms are frequently used interchangeably, but there are differences between them. Let’s take a look:

• Vintage car: This is commonly applied to any vehicle that was built between the 1910s and the 1930s.
• Classic cars: These are usually defined as any vehicle that’s at least 20 years old and has been well-maintained or restored to its original condition.
• Antique car: Is applied to a car that is typically considered to be any vehicle that’s at least 45 years old.

Of course, these definitions can vary depending on who you ask, and there’s often overlap. Ultimately, what sets these cars apart is their age, historical significance, and level of preservation or restoration.

When is a car considered a classic for insurance?

Does any of this matter when it comes to classic car insurance? Well, classic cars are often insured differently than regular cars. For one thing, they’re often worth a lot more money than a typical used car, so they need more specialized coverage.

In addition, classic cars are often driven less frequently than regular cars and are typically stored in a garage or other secure location. This means that they’re less likely to be involved in an accident or stolen, which can help lower your insurance premiums.

A car’s classic car classification will ultimately depend on the rules of the insurance company. In some cases, it may be determined by your state. However, more frequently it will be based on factors like age, weight, usage, manufacturing, and historical interest. In fact, our partner Hagerty can insure a car of any age but has requirements regarding usage and storage. 

The bottom line

If you’re interested in insuring a classic car, it’s important to find an insurance company that specializes in this specialized coverage. Not all insurance companies offer policies for classic cars, and those that do might not offer the same level of coverage or the same rates as other companies.

When you’re shopping for classic car insurance, be sure to ask about things like agreed value coverage, which ensures that you’ll be reimbursed for the full value of your car if it’s totaled in an accident or stolen. You should also ask about any requirements or restrictions that might apply to your policy, such as mileage limits or storage requirements. If you have more questions, you can contact us, or start a quote online.