Classic car insurance for young drivers

Insurers that offer classic car insurance for young drivers usually require drivers to meet a few conditions. Let's run through how a classic car policy works and what you can expect from an insurer supporting a younger driver.

How does classic car insurance for young drivers work?

Classic car insurance is a specialised form of car insurance designed to protect vintage and collectible vehicles. While it’s available for drivers of all ages, it can be slightly more difficult for younger drivers to secure this type of coverage. This is because insurers typically consider young drivers higher risk, which is compounded by the fact that the cars themselves are often expensive to repair and replace.

Of course, to qualify for this kind of insurance, you have to be driving a classic car in the first place. While different insurers use different criteria to decide whether a car is a classic, the most important factor is age. So what is the minimum age for a classic car? In the UK, HMRC typically considers cars to be classics when they're at least 15 years old, though some insurers may require them to be 20 or 25 years old.

If you’re a young driver trying to insure a classic car, you may have to seek out specialist classic car insurance, since not every insurer will take on your case. The insurers who do agree might require you to meet the following requirements:

• Own a separate, modern car: If your classic car is being used as a secondary car, it’s not exposed to the higher risks of regular, day-to-day driving.

• Meet mileage restrictions: While insurance companies often put mileage limits on experienced classic car drivers, too, these limits are usually more stringent for younger drivers. They typically range from 1,500 to 5,000 miles per year. Adhering to these limits is important, as exceeding them could invalidate your policy.

• Operate on an agreed value basis: This means that you and your insurer agree on a fixed value for the car at the outset. This is the amount that will be paid out if your car is written off. 

• Have enhanced security measures in place: Many insurers will also require young drivers to have enhanced security measures in place. This could include storing the classic car in a locked garage, fitting an approved alarm or immobiliser, or using a tracking device.

If you don’t drive your classic car all that regularly, you may want to speak to your insurer about whether they offer a "laid-up" option. This provides coverage when your car is off the road for extended periods, such as during the winter months or while it’s being restored. This can be particularly useful if your car is more of a passion project than a regular set of wheels you use to get around.

Can a 20-year-old get classic car insurance?

If you’re looking for classic car insurance under 25, the good news is that yes, there are insurers who will agree to help you. Be prepared that you might need to meet the requirements listed above, and perhaps a few others, too.

For example, your insurer might require that you have been driving for a minimum period of time, or that you have already had a no-claims bonus for a year or more. They might also suggest that you install telematics so that they can monitor your driving behaviour.

It’s worth noting that, the younger you are, the stricter these requirements are likely to be. While classic car insurance for 17-year-olds is technically possible, it’s not all that common. Very few insurers offer classic car insurance to drivers who are so new to driving. The more experience you have, the more comfortable insurers feel about insuring you.

How much does it cost to insure a classic car if you’re a young driver?

As you might expect, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the cost of classic car insurance for young drivers. Every vehicle and every driver is different. Your insurer will weigh up the individual features of your vehicle, and will especially consider your age and level of experience.

The cost of your insurance premium will therefore depend on:

• Your car’s age
• Its features and modifications
• Its make and model
• Its security features
• Where your car will be parked

Your insurer will also likely consider the following (while these are common factors for any insurance application, your insurer will pay especially close attention to them if you’re a young driver):

• Your age
• Your driving history
• Your claims history
• Whether you’ve taken an advanced driving course, like the Plus Pass Scheme or courses specifically focused on classic cars
• Where you live and regularly drive
• Your annual mileage

The only way to know exactly what your insurer will charge is to ask them for a quote. Howden can help you source a number of quotes so that you can weigh up what works best for you.

What are the disadvantages of trying to find classic car insurance as a young driver?

It’s worth bearing in mind that, as a young driver, the classic car insurance quotes you receive are inevitably going to be more expensive than they would be a) if you were looking for standard car insurance, and b) if you were more experienced. Here are some of the challenges you might encounter:

• Higher premiums: Are classic cars cheaper to insure for young drivers? No, unfortunately, you’re almost always likely to pay more. Youth and inexperience are typically associated with higher risk in the insurance world. Young drivers often face higher premiums across all types of car insurance.

• Limited driving history: Insurers rely heavily on driving records to assess risk. As a young driver, you don’t have enough history to show an insurer that you drive safely.

• Perceived lack of experience with classic cars: Insurers might be wary of young drivers operating older vehicles that may require specialised handling or maintenance.

• Financial responsibility: The potentially high value of classic cars means young drivers need to demonstrate they can handle the financial responsibility if anything were to go wrong.

How can you overcome these challenges?

But don’t worry, everything’s not lost. While obtaining classic car insurance as a young driver can be challenging, many insurers reward the passion and commitment of young enthusiasts. By meeting specific criteria and showing that you treat your classic car responsibly, you might find that you’re not only able to secure insurance, but get a reasonable deal, too.

Insurers tend to look favourably on younger drivers who demonstrate:

• Passion and knowledge: If you show a genuine passion for and knowledge of classic cars, specialist insurers might consider your case more kindly.

• Lower annual mileage: Classic cars are often driven less frequently than everyday vehicles. If you can demonstrate that your annual mileage is likely to be relatively low, your insurer might consider you less of a risk, which can help to lower your premiums.

• Car club membership: Being part of a classic car club or association suggests that you’re committed to your classic car journey and can sometimes lead to insurance discounts.

• Advanced driving courses: Completing specialised driving courses, particularly those focused on classic cars, can help mitigate insurers’ perceived risk.

• Security measures: Being willing to invest in enhanced security for your classic car might work in your favour, too.

Alternatives to classic car insurance for young drivers

If you’re battling to find an insurer to give you the classic car cover you need, there are alternatives available to you:

• Speak to a specialist broker: Some insurance brokers specialise in difficult-to-insure cases and might be able to find you a suitable policy.
• Be added as a named driver: You could be added as a named driver on a someone else’s policy — such as a friend or family member. This does come with its own restrictions and considerations but it might be an option. 
• Wait a little longer: Many more options become available as you get older and gain more experience. Drive well, build on your no-claims bonus in a normal car, and insurers might be happy to insure your classic car down the line.

Whatever your situation, we’re here to help you. Contact our team to explore your classic car insurance options today.

Want to find out more about classic cars? Read more of our Classic Car Insurance Guides