Getting classic car insurance in California looks a little different from insuring your day-to-day commuting vehicle. You should keep a few things in mind as you search for your classic car insurance in California to be sure you find the right plan for your needs. Let’s get into everything you need to know to start looking for your classic car insurance.
How Do I Find Classic Car Insurance in California?
Getting insurance for your classic car in California can be a little more complicated than insuring a newer model. You and the insurance company you choose will need to have some sort of discussion about the value of your classic car. Age is obviously an important factor in determining both the value of your car and how much insurance you’ll need.
Other factors include things such as what kind of classic car you have. For example, a souped-up hot rod might be insured differently from an antique that’s been kept as close to its original form as possible.
You generally won’t directly use national insurance brands to get your classic car insurance in California. If you’re getting classic car insurance through popular names such as Nationwide or GEICO, you’re likely doing so through a smaller partner company that specializes in classic cars. Larger insurance companies often use smaller companies that have more experience and specialized knowledge of the classic car world to insure these types of cars.
Who Insures Classic Cars in California?
Some of the most popular companies through which you can get classic car insurance in California include:
- American Collectors
- American Modern
- California Casualty
- GEICO
- Grundy
- Hagerty
- J.C. Taylor
- Mercury
- Nationwide
- Safeco
- State Farm
These are just a handful of the spread of companies that offer classic car insurance in California. You have plenty of options available to you. Recommending one classic car insurance company can be somewhat difficult because what may be the best or cheapest options for one driver may not be the same thing for you. Many factors influence an insurance company’s decision on how much to charge you for a policy.
As you shop for your classic car insurance in California, you may want to steer away from simply looking for the cheapest available option. Instead, look for an insurance company that offers the protection and benefits that you need the most.
California Car Clubs
If you’re part of a classic car club or organization, be sure to ask other members about their classic car insurance solutions to find some of your area’s best options. California car clubs can be a great way to show off your prized possession and get your classic car on the road without violating the terms of your insurance. Some California clubs worth checking out include:
- Alfa Romeo Club
- Altamont Cruisers
- Basin Devilles
- Bay Bombs Car Club
- Beverly Hills Car Club
- BMW Car Club of America (there are several California chapters)
- Central California Classic Truck Association
- Classic Car Club of Southern California
- Devious Customs
- Pebble Beach Sports Bar Club
- Porsche Club of America (there are several California chapters)
- West Coast Kustoms
These are just a handful of examples of the hundreds of car clubs throughout California. Many clubs limit themselves to members who drive models from specific manufacturers, time eras, body styles, and more. Some are open to anyone who has an interesting set of wheels.
Since many insurance companies require you to only drive your vehicle for exhibition or club purposes, these communities can be a great way for you to enjoy the road in your classic car.
Benefits
Not every classic car insurance plan is created equal. Before you sign away on an insurance plan, take a look at what comes with it to see how thorough your coverage is and whether you can save money on your classic car insurance in California.
Discounts
Once you think you’ve found a plan that you like, be sure to ask about any discounts you can take advantage of to lower the cost of your insurance payment. Available discounts vary from company to company, but some examples include keeping your classic car in a secure garage, having a clean driving record, and installing safety features on your vehicle.
Bundling
You may also be able to lower the cost of your classic car insurance by bundling it with other policies. If you’re already paying for insurance through one company, you should ask your agent if they offer classic car insurance and whether you might get a discount for bundling your various policies.
Spare Parts Coverage
Parts for older vehicles are more difficult to find than those for new models and are generally more expensive as a result. Many classic car insurance companies offer perks that help you pay for the cost of replacing parts. This amount varies from company to company but can range anywhere from $500 to $2,000. If you foresee yourself needing to pay for a lot of spare parts, this benefit should be something to look out for. Hint: American Modern is the company that offers $2,000 in spare parts coverage.
Is My Car Eligible for Classic Car Insurance?
Obviously, not every vehicle is going to make the cut for classic car insurance. There are a few factors that go into deciding whether a vehicle is a “classic.”
For instance, age is an important factor in deciding what qualifies as a classic car. Some insurance companies allow a model to cross the “classic” line at 25 years. But a 25-year-old Honda Civic might have a more difficult time claiming a “classic” designation than a 1970 Dodge Challenger or a luxury model of the same age. This will be a part of the conversation you’ll have with the classic car insurance agent that helps you sign up for insurance.
Many insurance companies will also require you to have a protected space to store your vehicle in. Some require enclosed spaces such as garages or storage units. However, you may be able to make a case for your driveway or carport. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent about how you plan on protecting your classic car.
Finding classic car insurance in California is a breeze once you know what you’re looking for. You can use this guide and others like it in our blog to help you get started in your search for classic car insurance that won’t break the bank or in finding a plan that offers everything you’re looking for.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
