Specialist motor insurance for high value vehicles – a claims perspective

Whether you drive a modern performance car, a prestige SUV, or a cherished classic, insuring a high‑value vehicle brings a very different set of considerations. From Ferraris, Porsches and Aston Martins to Bentleys, Range Rovers and rare classic marques, our specialist motor team works with a carefully selected panel of high‑net‑worth insurers whose policies are designed to remove uncertainty and stress should the worst happen.

Based on my experience handling complex motor claims every day, the features below are the ones that consistently make a difference when clients need to rely on their cover.

Agreed value

Purchasing a high value vehicle is an investment, and it’s important that this is reflected in your insurance.

The policies we arrange insure vehicles on an agreed value basis rather than market value.

The agreed value is fixed for the duration of the policy, giving you certainty that, in the event of a total loss following an accident or theft, you won’t be left out of pocket. Some of the insurers we work with even offer an uplift of 150% of the agreed value if a claim is made, providing an additional layer of financial protection.

Choice of repairer

Our panel of insurers gives you the freedom to use your own trusted repairer, whether you own a classic car or a modern performance vehicle. There is no red tape or no requirement to use an insurer-approved repair centre.

By contrast, standard insurers typically direct claims to their own repair networks which can result in:

• The use of non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts
• Manufacturer warranties being compromised or voided
• A higher excess being applied or a request to pay the difference if you insist on using manufacturer‑approved repairer and the insurer disputes the cost

Having the freedom to choose your repairer ensures work is carried out to the highest standard and helps protect the long‑term value of your vehicle — something that can often be overlooked under standard motor policies.

Glass cover

Enhanced glass cover is provided across our panel, allowing you to return directly to your local main dealer for glass repair or replacement. This avoids unnecessary delays and ensures manufacturer‑approved parts and workmanship are used.

Glass claims is another area where standard policies can catch clients out. Some insurers can treat multiple glass damage (other than the front windscreen) as an accidental damage or vandalism claim. This can result in:

• The full accidental damage excess being applied
• The claim being recorded as a fault claim
• A potential impact on future premiums

This approach often include panoramic roofs, which can be particularly costly to repair or replace.

Personal effects

Most of the policies we offer cover up to £2,500 for personal items kept within the vehicle in the event of theft or attempted theft. This can often remove the need to make a claim under your home insurance, helping you protect your overall claims history. By comparison, standard motor insurers typically offer cover of around £150 for this type of loss.

Credit hire vs courtesy car

For fault claims, hire car provision can include up to £7,500 of funding, giving you greater choice over the vehicle you drive while yours is off the road.

Standard motor policies usually only provide a basic courtesy car (often a class A vehicle) and are often subject to availability. With part delays becoming increasingly common, this can lead to prolonged inconvenience and disruption.

Where a claim is non-fault and meets the criteria set by our accident management company, we can also arrange a similar insurance group hire vehicle for the duration of repairs.

A claims team by your side

Insuring a high value vehicle is about far more than the policy alone - it’s about having the right expertise standing with you when it matters most.

As Motor Claims Manager, my team and I manage the claims process on your behalf, liaising directly with insurers and keeping you informed at every stage. Once an outcome is agreed, we’ll take the time to talk you through it, answer any questions, and offer practical advice to help reduce the likelihood of future claims. Our role is to remove complexity, protect your interests, and ensure you feel fully supported throughout the entire claims journey.

If you’d like to speak to our specialist team about your motor insurance call 01494 427935 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk

Matthew Cash

Matthew (Matt) Cash leads the Motor Claims team within Howden’s Private Client division. Through hands‑on involvement in claims, he sees exactly how cover works in practice, allowing him to offer informed, practical advice that genuinely protects clients when the unexpected happens.

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