Being a car lover and collector usually brings with it a hefty price tag – not just to buy them, but also to maintain them. If you’re one of the lucky few who owns a veteran, classic or vintage car, then you’re going to need the right insurance to help keep your investment safe.

What’s the difference between vintage, veteran and classic cars?

The term ‘vintage’ is occasionally used to describe all cars produced between the start of the 20th century and World War Two. Yet this is not entirely correct. To be specific,

Cars made before 1905 are referred to as ‘antiques’;

Cars built between 1905 and 1919 are commonly classified ‘veteran’;

Cars made between 1919 and 1930 are classified ‘vintage’;

Cars built after 1931 and before 1950 are classified ‘post-vintage’; and

Cars 15 years or older are categorised as ‘classics’.

While this information might not be new for the many enthusiasts out there, being aware of the different categories is important because the age of your vehicle can have an impact on the price of your insurance.

Features and benefits typically differ between insurance providers but here’s a list of critical questions you should be asking when deciding which cover to buy:

• Can the policy be expanded to cater for multiple vehicles?
• Can the policy be extended to business use, or at least limited business use?
• Would you enjoy cover if your vehicle were to participate in rallies and motorsports events, or be used as a transport vehicle for wedding parties?
• Would your vehicle’s accessories be covered whilst on display? Can it be extended to laid up cover?
• Does the policy allow you first option to buy back salvage (any parts of the car that can be saved and reused), in the event of a total loss?
• Do you have cover for importing replacement parts and express delivery, if the replacement part is not available in South Africa?
• What are the windscreen limits?
• Can you reduce cover for your vehicle to just third party, fire & theft?
• Would your policy allow you to insure for agreed value?
• Check your territorial limits, and repatriation options.
• Do you benefit from keeping the kilometres low on your vehicle?
• Check your limits and ask about the benefits offered on locks, keys, audio and accessories.

Whether you’re looking to cover a vintage, veteran or classic car, it’s likely you’ll need a specialist’s assistance. That’s where we come in. Thanks to years of experience, we have relationships with insurers who specialise in collector’s vehicle insurance. We can also provide professional valuations. To find out more, contact Melissa on 044 382 0550 today.