classic car insurance provides extra benefits beyond a standard policy, and you can purchase it from specialty companies or major companies like GEICO and State Farm.
Colorado classic car insurance coverage must include liability protection.
You must agree with your insurer about the value of the vehicle.
This policy usually comes with mileage limits, but you can customize your policy.
GEICO, State Farm, Safeco, and USAA offer classic car coverage as part of their
is specifically for classic or antique vehicles. While classic car insurance has many of the same coverage options as a regular car insurance policy, this kind of coverage also comes with extra limitations such as maintenance requirements and mileage caps.
What is a classic or antique car?
Classic car: A vehicle that is between 10 and 24 years old and has historic interest, such as a sports car, muscle car, or hot rod.
Antique car: A car that is 25 years or older and has historic interest. As far as insurers are concerned, a classic car that is older than 25 years is considered an antique.
What makes classic car insurance different?
The biggest difference between a regular auto insurance policy and a classic car insurance policy is the value of the car. Because every classic car is unique, there is no set "book value" for specific makes and models.
Agreed-upon value: You’ll have to agree with your insurance agency on your classic car’s value. This will be written into your policy and your car will be covered up to the value that you negotiated, without depreciation.
There are a few other important aspects of classic car insurance that make it distinct from the insurance you have for your everyday car:
Price: Classic car coverage is typically less expensive than a regular car insurance policy.
Limited use: Most classic cars have a mileage cap and can only be used sparingly. Typically this includes driving to exhibitions and car shows, participating in parades or club activities, pleasure driving, and other activities.
Storage: Classic cars must be stored in a secure, locked, parking garage.
Condition: The car must be restored, maintained, and preserved in its original condition (or be undergoing restoration).
Special considerations for Colorado classic car insurance
Qualify: To qualify for classic car insurance in Colorado, your car must meet one of the below criteria.
The model year must be 1975 or earlier, OR
The model year is 1976 or later so long as it was registered as a classic car before September 1, 2009, OR
The car is more than 32 years old (the model year 1989 or earlier) unless it was registered as a classic car before September 1, 2009. In this case, the vehicle must have passed an emissions test within one year before being registered as a classic car, and the owner must not drive the vehicle more than 4,500 miles per year
Register: Classic car owners in Colorado should be aware of the following when registering ahead of buying classic car insurance:
The car or truck must have an empty weight of no more than 16,000 pounds
Motor vehicles listed as collectibles are registered for periods of five years
A classic car with a model year of 1976 or later (and registered before September 1, 2009), will become ineligible to be classified as a classic car once its five-year registration period ends, or it is transferred or sold to a new owner
policy. However, the price will vary depending on the type of coverage you require. It also depends on your insurance company and how they calculate rates.
Here are the main factors that may have an impact on your classic car insurance premium:
Model year: Older or less common models may cost more to insure.
Stated or guaranteed value: More expensive vehicles are pricier to insure.
Mileage: Your premium will be higher the more you drive the classic car.
Customization: If you customize your policy with roadside assistance (like
In other words, you can get a cheaper policy if you have a clean record, you drive infrequently, and your vehicle is less costly.
The benefits of classic car insurance
Classic car coverage provides benefits that a standard policy does not include. It’s important to safeguard your classic or antique car against unique damages or loss.
Here are some of the main benefits of buying classic car insurance:
Lower rates: Usually 40 to 70% less than regular vehicle insurance
Higher coverage limits: Often up to $500,000
Flexible: Negotiable deductibles and annual mileage caps
Guaranteed or agreed value coverage
Optional add-ons: Spare parts and memorabilia coverage plus flatbed truck towing
: Security features like GPS tracking, alarms, and VIN etching
Claims handling from fellow car enthusiasts: Help tracking down replacement parts
Potential discounts on collector car club memberships
Remember, if the value of your car exceeds its original selling price, it can be certified as a collectible car—and you can get a specialized classic car insurance policy called collector car insurance.
Do I need classic car insurance?
If you own any of the following vehicles, then you may want to think about purchasing classic car insurance:
Antique or classic cars
Modern collector vehicles
Modified vehicles
Classic trucks and utility vehicles
Vintage motorcycles and scooters
Collector trailers
Motorsports vehicles
Retired commercial vehicles
Vehicles under construction
Classic military vehicles
Antique tractors
Vintage boats
Coverage options for classic car insurance
Your classic car insurance package depends on the type of car you have and what you’ll need to protect it.
Covers damages if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance, or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
Agreed value coverage
If you’re in a covered accident and your classic car is a total loss, you’ll receive the full agreed-upon value (minus
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