Classic Car Insurance in Alabama
You can get Alabama classic car insurance if your vehicle is over 30 years old and operated as a collector’s item. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
An
Alabama car
is considered vintage or collector when it is over 30 years old, operated as a collector’s item and not used for general transportation purposes, or when it has an original or similar build as designated for that make and model. Alabama classic car insurance must include liability insurance
. Insuring a classic car is not like insuring an everyday commuter car. Why? You don’t drive an antique car as often, replacement parts can be harder to find, and it’s probably worth more than your average vehicle—so you need specialty car insurance coverage.
Jerry
, the car insurance expert, has compiled this guide for you that includes everything you need to know about classic car insurance in Alabama. And if you're interested in lowering your Alabama car insurance costs
, Jerry's got you covered there, too!What is classic car insurance?
Classic car insurance provides coverage specifically for classic or antique cars. Although classic car insurance offers many of the same protections as a regular auto insurance policy, it also comes with some limitations, such as mileage caps and maintenance requirements.
What is a classic or antique car?
A classic car is a vehicle that is 10 to 24 years old and has historic interest, like a hot rod or muscle car.
An antique car is a classic car that is 25 years or older that has historic interest. When the car is more than 25 years old, it is considered an antique for insurance purposes.
What makes classic car insurance different?
Classic car insurance is generally less expensive than regular auto insurance since most classic cars get limited use—infrequent pleasure driving, club activities, and parades, for instance. The flip side of this is that they have a mileage cap.
There is no set "book value" for specific makes and models since every classic car is unique. You’ll have to reach an agreement with your insurer about the value of your car. Your car will be covered up to that value without depreciation.
- Storage: Classic cars are required to be stored securely, such as in a locked garage.
- Condition: The car must be restored, maintained, and preserved in its original condition (or be undergoing restoration) to retain insurance.
- Customization: Owners generally have options for customizing their classic car insurance policy, depending on what they need.
Alabama classic car insurance
To qualify for classic car insurance in Alabama, your vehicle must meet one of the following key criteria:
- Be at least 30 years old
- Be operated as a collector’s item, and not an everyday-use vehicle
- Have original (or similarly modified) body and parts for that make and model year
Antique license plates with the "antique vehicle" designation are optional but not required in Alabama. For a fee of $10, owners may apply for one through the
Department of Revenue Motor Vehicles Division
. In Alabama, the minimum coverage for classic cars is liability coverage.
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What impacts the cost of classic car insurance in Alabama?
Classic car insurance is generally less expensive than a regular auto policy. However, your exact price will depend on the coverage you require to protect your vehicle.
Here are some factors that can impact your classic car insurance rate:
- Model year
- Stated or guaranteed value—more expensive cars cost more to insure
- Mileage—the more you drive, the higher your premium will be
- Customization—flatbed towing, roadside assistance, and spare parts coverage will increase your premium
- Yourdriving record—many companies will only offer classic car insurance to drivers with clean records
Benefits of classic car insurance
Be aware that regular car insurance coverage is not sufficient to protect a classic or antique vehicle against damage or loss. If the car’s current value exceeds its original selling price, you may need specialized classic car insurance.
Here are some of the key benefits to getting classic car insurance:
- Lower rates than standard car insurance (often anywhere from 40% to 70% less)
- Higher coverage limits (often up to $500,000)
- Flexible deductibles and annual mileage limits
- Guaranteed or agreed value coverage (somewhat negotiable)
- Plenty ofoptional add-ons, including towing with flatbed trucks and coverage for spare parts and memorabilia
- Discounts for additional security features, such as alarms, VIN etching, and GPS tracking
- Claims handling from fellow car enthusiasts
MORE: How different kinds of cars affect your insurance rates
Do I need classic car insurance?
If you own any of the following, you probably 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
Note that in Alabama, your vehicle must be a private passenger vehicle and weigh less than 26,000 to be eligible for antique status.
Coverage options for classic car insurance
Your classic car insurance package will depend on the type of car you have and what you need to protect it.
Here are some common coverages for classic cars:
Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
Covers damage that isn’t the result of a collision, such as from severe weather or vandalism. | |
Covers damages resulting from a collision with another vehicle or stationary object. | |
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 | Tiered mileage plans give you the flexibility to customize your policy based on how much you actually drive your classic car. |
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
If you’re looking for classic car insurance in Alabama, let
Jerry
help you find an affordable rate. It’s the easiest, most effective way to get a policy customized for you and your vehicle.Once you tell the Jerry app what you need, it will
shop around
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