The line between modern and classic cars can be blurry, as the criteria for classic cars vary between insurers, collector clubs, and across different states.
But knowing whether or not your vehicle is defined as a “classic” isn’t just a fun fact to tuck in your back pocket. Because classic cars require specialized insurance, you may have to meet certain registration requirements if your vehicle is considered a “classic.” (Note: These requirements will vary depending on your state).
When is a Car Considered a Classic?
Before defining the characteristics of a classic car, note that there is no universally accepted definition of a classic vehicle.
While any car between 25 and 30 years old is generally considered a classic, different organizations, insurers, and states have their own definitions of classic cars.
Collector Club Criteria
The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) applies the strictest standards, recognizing vehicles built between 1915 and 1948 as “full classics” based on their quality, craftsmanship, and uniqueness.
Car clubs, especially those dedicated to classic car models, often follow the guidelines set by the CCCA. Examples of eligible classic car models, according to CCCA guidelines, include the following:
The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) casts a wider net, defining any vehicle over 25 years old as a classic. For some niche car clubs dedicated to particular makes or models, specialty vehicles can potentially qualify in under 10 years.
Insurance Company Classifications
Insurers generally consider vehicles 20-30 years old as classics, with gaps in the ranges they cover. For example:
- State Farm classifies 10 to 24-year-old vehicles with “historical interest” as “classics.”
- American Collectors Insurance defines classics as vehicles over 20 years old.
- Other leading insurers, like Hagerty, set their classic car cutoff at 25-30 years old.
Within these age brackets, insurers may impose additional constraints around vehicle conditions, production limits, and claims histories that classic cars need to meet before qualifying.
State Definitions
States also apply their own classic car interpretations, with implications for registration, taxes, and usage regulations. For instance, New York specifies that classics must be over 25 years old and will only issue historical license plates to vehicles that meet this requirement. However, Vermont doesn’t require titles on vehicles 15 years or older, while states like Indiana still require classic cars to pass emissions tests from 1975 or later.
Checking your state DMV’s classic car policies helps maximize ownership benefits and ensure compliance.
Classic vs. Antique vs. Vintage: Understanding the Differences
Beyond classics, other collectible auto categories exist, like vintage and antique cars. Here’s how these classifications differ:
- Vintage Cars: Vintage cars are vehicles built between 1919 and 1930. Vintage cars represent the pioneering of the early automobile production period before WWII.
- Antique Cars: According to most collectors and insurers, an antique car is usually 45+ years old. The Antique Automobile Club of America sets the minimum threshold for antique cars at 25 years old. Antiques hail from the dawn of motoring.
Like classic cars, there are no definitive rules for classifying antique and vintage cars, but these are the generally accepted guidelines.
Classic Car Insurance vs. Standard Car Insurance
Once you’ve identified your vehicle as a “classic car,” you can begin the insurance process. But before you insure your collector car, you’ll want to understand how classic car insurance differs from standard car insurance.
Insurers offer different insurance policies for standard vehicles and classic cars. If your automobile meets your insurer’s criteria for classifying classic and antique vehicles, you’ll be eligible to purchase a policy that provides specialized coverage for classic cars, such as coverage for replacing unique parts.
Classic car insurance is typically much cheaper than standard car insurance, but it comes with the caveat that you can only use your classic in a limited capacity. The specific requirements will vary, so be sure to ask your insurer about usage limits.
Collector car insurance delivers tailored protection that standard auto policies can’t match. Core advantages include:
- Agreed-value coverage: Insurers pay out based on your vehicle’s appraised worth in case of a covered total loss. This takes key factors like rarity and collectibility into account vs just the cash value.
- Flexible mileage limits: Most classic car owners drive limited annual miles, so plans accommodate this with options like 1,500 miles annually. Going over may increase premiums.
- Appreciation protection: Your agreed vehicle value and premiums may increase over time to reflect market gains and inflation.
- Spare parts coverage: Plans cover the replacement cost of hard-to-find antique components.
- Specialist repair shops: Many insurers guarantee the use of restoration facilities skilled in delicately servicing classics.
For a car to be registered and insured as a classic older car, it must retain its original design and have original parts, including the types of materials used in the interior and the parts used in the engine.
Maintenance Tips for Collector Car Owners
For those vehicles that qualify as “classics” or “collector cars,” proper maintenance is of the utmost importance.
From storage to scheduled maintenance, prudent care preserves your car’s integrity and investment potential. Use these expert tips to maintain showroom appeal:
- Appropriate storage: Protect your classic from corrosion and deterioration by storing it in a dry, temperature-controlled setting. If you don’t have access to secure parking, specialty storage facilities provide these ideal conditions. You can also find classic car storage options through peer-to-peer marketplaces like Neighbor.
- Regular inspections: Closely inspecting all vehicle systems at least monthly helps catch issues early. Check fluid levels, lights, tire inflation, battery charge, and unusual leaks.
- High-quality components: Using original new old stock (NOS) parts sourced directly from the manufacturer makes repairs more accurate. Some restoration shops also stock authentic components that are no longer in mainstream production.
- Detailing: Frequent gentle cleaning maintains the factory shine. Hand washing avoids abrasions from drive-through brushes, and using detailing products designed specifically for vintage finishes adds extra luster between washes while protecting the paint.
By adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and utilizing quality parts and materials, you can ensure the longevity and value of your classic car for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Classic cars are more prone to damage from moisture, rust, and other threats, making it important to protect your investment with a safe and secure storage solution.
If you don’t have space in your garage to properly store your classic vehicle, consider using a peer-to-peer storage marketplace like Neighbor to find budget-friendly storage spaces to keep your classic car safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 20-Year-Old Car a Classic?
A 20-year-old car can be considered a classic depending on its condition, original design, and purpose for registration. Insurance companies usually classify a classic as any vehicle at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old.
How Old Does a Car Have to Be to Be Considered Antique?
Generally, a car must be at least 25 to 45 years old to be considered an antique. Vintage cars are typically those that were manufactured between 1919 and 1930, and classic cars are defined as vehicles manufactured in the 1990s or earlier.
Is a 10-Year-Old Car a Classic?
Whether a 10-year-old car is considered a classic largely depends on the definition used by local authorities, insurers, and car collecting clubs. Generally, classic cars are 15–25 years old, though some may range from 10 to 50+. It’s best to check with the relevant organizations first before attempting to register a car as a classic.
