Classic car insurance is a unique coverage specifically for classic or antique vehicles. While it offers many of the same protections as normal insurance policies, it includes additional coverage that is useful for older vehicles.

Here’s how the state of Nevada breaks down classic cars, classic rods, old timers, and vintage cars:1

Classic car: More than 25 years old and has historical value

Classic rods: Manufactured not earlier than 1949, but at least 20 years before classic vehicle plate

Old timers: Vehicles manufactured more than 40 years before the date of classic vehicle plate application

Vintage car: Vehicles 1961 and older

Classic car insurance costs less than a regular policy

Even though classic vehicles are usually pricier to fix due to their rare parts, classic car insurance is less expensive than a regular auto insurance policy. This is in large part due to the parameters a car needs to meet to be eligible for classic car insurance:

Low usage: You’ll have a set mileage limit that you are allowed to drive your classic car each year. Some policies also require the car only be used for parades and car shows. In Nevada, this limit is typically 5,000 miles per year.

Storage: Your classic car must be stored in a secure garage or enclosure.

Condition: Your classic car needs to be kept in mint condition. It also must stay true to the original model—no high-tech replacements or modern conveniences allowed.

Keep in mind: You and your insurance agency will also need to agree on the car’s actual cash value. Most classic cars are unique and do not have an obvious market value, so the agreed value will affect your premium costs and claim limits.

Nevada classic car insurance

To get historical or vintage plates with the Nevada DMV, the car must be older than 30 years and driven less than 5,000 miles per year. While you don't need a classic car plate to get insurance, you do need insurance to get a classic car plate as of 2023.2

In Nevada, classic cars must meet

Nevada’s minimum car insurance laws

$25,000 of bodily injury

liability coverage

per person

$50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident

$25,000 of property damage

liability coverage

$25,000 of

uninsured/underinsured motorist

coverage per person

$50,000 of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident

What impacts the cost of classic car insurance in Nevada?

The cost of your classic car auto insurance policy will be based on the vehicle’s agreed value.

This agreed value will affect your premiums and claims payouts and is determined by a few factors:

Model year

Historical significance

Rarity

Total mileage

General condition

Warning: Your driving record will also impact the cost of your classic car insurance–in fact, drivers with spotty driving records may be denied a classic car insurance policy. Since the policies are cheap and the payouts are potentially huge, insurers don’t want to take a chance on a high-risk driver.

Learn more:

Why car insurance is so expensive, explained

How to find affordable classic coverage in Nevada

Providers use different

calculations to determine your rate

so the best thing you can do is compare classic car insurance quotes in order to see what level of coverage you can afford.

You can use a licensed insurance agency like

Jerry

to help you find

real car insurance rates

from classic car provider, Hagerty.

Getting affordable classic car insurance is as easy as entering your personal information and car specifications, and reviewing your personalized auto insurance rates from our partner Hagerty.

Important note: If you decide to go the Hagerty route, make sure to talk to an insurance agent to set up your policy.

Benefits of classic car insurance

Classic car insurance is a must if you own an old, rare car. As long as you qualify, it provides better payouts for a lower price.

Here are some of the benefits:

Rates cheaper than a normal policy

Automatic entrance into classic car associations (with select providers)

Claims handling by fellow classic car enthusiasts

Flexible usage options

Important note: If the car’s value exceeds its purchase price, it may be considered a collectible car. This would make your car a candidate for a specialized form of classic vehicle insurance.

Do I need classic car insurance?

If you have any of the following, you likely need specialty insurance coverage in Nevada:

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

Replicas

Coverage options for classic car insurance

Here are the possible coverages you could get with your collector car insurance:

Coverage	Description
Comprehensive insurance	If your car is waterlogged by extreme weather or tagged by graffitists, you can claim the damage through comprehensive coverage.
Collision insurance	Any damage caused by a single or multi-car collision can be claimed under collision coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage	This covers damages if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who does not have car insurance.
Agreed value coverage	If your classic car is wrecked after total loss, you’ll receive the full agreed-upon value (minus your deductible). No depreciation!
Flexible mileage	Tiered mileage plans allow you to choose how much you’ll actually drive your classic car.
Roadside assistance	Coverage for when you and your car need help on the road.
Spare parts coverage	Add coverage for loss or damages to classic spare parts—even ones that are expensive or hard to find.

FAQs

What is classic vehicle insurance in Nevada?

Classic vehicle insurance in Nevada is specialized coverage designed for vintage cars, offering features such as agreed value coverage, lower premiums, specialized coverage options, usage restrictions, and specific qualification criteria.

What is the new law for classic cars in Nevada?

In the legislation enacted in 2021, vehicles displaying classic vehicle plates are restricted from everyday driving. Their usage is limited to a maximum of 5,000 miles annually, which translates to approximately 417 miles per month.3

How old does a car have to be to be a classic in Nevada?

The vehicle needs to be over 25 years old and considered historically significant in order to be considered a classic.

Is a classic car cheaper to insure?

Classic cars can sometimes be cheaper to insure than regular vehicles, but this depends on several factors. Classic car insurers typically take into consideration that classics are often driven less, kept well-maintained, and are less likely to be involved in accidents.

However, it's important to note that not all classic cars are cheaper to insure, and the cost can vary based on the specific make and model, the owner's driving history, and other factors.

What are the best car insurance companies for classic cars?

Although this will vary from person to person, some reputable classic car insurers include Hagerty, Grundy Insurance,

Safeco

, American Modern, American Collectors Insurance, Heacock Classic Auto Insurance, and

State Farm

What is the minimum coverage required for a classic car in Nevada?

The minimum coverage required for a classic car in Nevada is $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident, $25,000 of property damage liability coverage, $25,000 of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person, and $50,000 of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident.

What are the benefits of insuring a classic car?

The benefits of classic car insurance include premiums that are lower than standard policies, automatic entrance into classic car associations (with select providers), tailor-made policies featuring additional coverage options for memorabilia or spare parts, claims processing handled by fellow classic car enthusiasts, and flexible usage options.

What is the difference between a classic car and a collector car?

While the terms "classic car" and "collector car" can be used interchangeably, classic cars typically refer to vehicles of a specific age, emphasizing historical significance, while collector cars include a range of vehicles collected for various reasons, sometimes modified or chosen for investment value.

SOURCES

https://dmv.nv.gov/platesclassic.htm

https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/news-columns/road-warrior/nevada-dmv-cracking-down-on-classics-2696974/#:~:text=Under%20legislation%20passed%20in%202021,about%20417%20miles%20per%20month