Classic Car Insurance in West Virginia

West Virginia requires classic cars to carry some of the same minimum coverage as everyday cars, including liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
Written by Bellina Gaskey
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Updated on Apr 27, 2022
In West Virginia, classic cars 25 years and older must be protected with a 25/50/25 mix of
liability coverage
and
uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
.
Insuring a classic car is a little different from insuring your everyday car—after all, your one-of-a-kind vintage vehicle deserves a policy molded to its unique needs.
On the whole, classic cars require specialty coverage for a few reasons. They are usually driven infrequently, their replacement parts are harder to find and more expensive, and they often accrue more value than the average car.
If you’re looking to find the best insurance for a classic car in West Virginia,
Jerry
is here to help. Download the Jerry app to compare dozens of competitive auto insurance quotes for free—and switching policies is just as effortless.  
Here, Jerry breaks down everything you need to know about classic and antique car insurance in West Virginia.

What is classic car insurance?

Classic car insurance offers many of the same coverage options as normal auto insurance—such as
comprehensive coverage
and
personal injury protection
—but tailors your policy to the needs of classic car drivers.
Often, only classic cars used on a limited basis will qualify for this specialized coverage.

What is a classic or antique car?

A classic car is a car between 10-24 years of age that has a decided historic interest—think of a hot rod or muscle car.
An antique car is simply an older classic car: a car 25 or more years old with a decided historic interest. This distinction mainly exists for insurance purposes.

What makes classic car insurance different?

Classic car insurance is generally less expensive than a normal auto insurance policy, but you have to meet various requirements to enjoy these lower rates:
  • Most classic car insurance policies include a limited use provision or mileage cap, which stipulates that the classic car be used only for the occasional joyride, exhibitions, parades, club activities, and the like.
  • The vehicle must be securely housed in an indoor structure and preserved in or restored to its original condition
  • Maintaining original manufacturer condition will require varying degrees of effort depending on your make and model. Classic car insurance includes options for customization, including add-ons like spare parts coverage
The first step to getting a policy started is to set an agreed-upon value for the car. Most classic cars do not have a set “book value,” unlike new cars, so you will have to negotiate with your provider. 
This agreed value coverage will give you the negotiated value of the car rather than actual cash value if your vehicle is totaled.
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West Virginia classic car insurance 

The state of West Virginia defines a classic motor vehicle as any vehicle 25 years of age or older that is used for general transportation. An antique motor vehicle is any vehicle 25 years of age or older that is not used for general transportation.
If you wish to use an antique vehicle for general transportation (that is, beyond weekends and holidays), you must have a license plate that was issued the year the vehicle came out and:
  • Have the license plate inspected by the DMV
  • Register the plate to the vehicle and pay the annual license plate fee
  • Have the vehicle inspected once a year
In West Virginia, the minimum coverage required for a classic car is as follows:

What impacts the cost of classic car insurance in West Virginia?

You can expect to pay substantially less for classic car insurance than normal car insurance since you’ll be using the car less. Still, the exact coverage you need will play a big role in determining your prices.
Other factors that can impact your classic car insurance rate include:
  • Model year
  • Stated or guaranteed value
  • Mileage
  • Customization—if you include things like flatbed towing, roadside assistance, spare parts coverage, etc.
  • Your driving record

Benefits of classic car insurance

Because agreed value coverage is in play, classic car insurance is ideal for protecting your precious vehicle in the case of an accident. 
Beyond the normal customization options, even more specialized coverage exists for vehicles whose current value exceeds their original selling price—that is, collectibles.
Here are some of the benefits of getting classic car insurance:
  • Rates 40% to 70% lower than standard car insurance
  • Higher coverage limits (often up to $500,000)
  • Flexible annual mileage limits
  • Claims handling from fellow car enthusiasts
  • Flexible deductible options
  • Guaranteed or agreed value coverage
  • Optional coverage for spare parts and memorabilia
  • Roadside assistance using only flatbed tow trucks
  • Discounts for additional security features (like alarms, VIN etching, and GPS tracking)
  • Potential discounts on approved collector car club memberships

Do I need classic car insurance?

If you have any of the following, you likely need specialty coverage:
  • Antique & classic cars
  • Vintage boats
  • Modern collector vehicles
  • Modified vehicles
  • Classic trucks and utility vehicles
  • Motorsports vehicles
  • Vintage motorcycles and scooters
  • Retired commercial vehicles
  • Collector trailers
  • Vehicles under construction
  • Classic military vehicles
  • Antique tractors

Coverage options for classic car insurance

As with an everyday car, the exact coverage you will want for your classic vehicle depends on how you use the car, the make and model, and where you live.
Here are some common coverages for classic cars:
Coverage
Description
Comprehensive coverage
Covers damage that isn’t the result of a collision, such as from severe weather or vandalism.
Collision insurance
Covers damages resulting from a collision with another vehicle or stationary object.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Covers damages if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance.
Agreed value coverage
If you’re in a covered accident and your classic car is a total loss, you’ll receive the full agreed-upon value (minus your deductible) without any deduction for depreciation.
Flexible mileage
Tired mileage plans give you flexibility to customize your policy based on how much you actually drive your classic car.
Roadside assistance
Coverage for tire changes, towing, and other incidental expenses that aren’t part of a typical auto insurance policy.
Spare parts
Add coverage for loss or damages to classic spare parts—even ones that are expensive or hard to find.

Finding cheap car insurance for your classic car

Whether it’s a Corvette, Oldsmobile, or anything in between, your classic car deserves the best—but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. 
Jerry
is a super-talented car insurance shopping app and licensed broker here to find you the biggest savings with the least hassle.
After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry can even help you cancel your old policy and register for a new one—no phone calls or long forms needed! 
The average Jerry user saves $879 a year on car insurance payments.
“My monthly insurance payment went from $469 to $362–and
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