Classic Car Insurance

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At Performance Direct, we understand that owning a classic car is more than just driving—it’s a passion. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of a Jaguar E-Type, the charm of a Mini Cooper S, the thrill of an MG B GT, or the prestige of a Porsche 911, every classic tells a story worth protecting.

As one of the UK’s leading independent and chartered insurance brokers, we make it simple to find the right cover. In just minutes, you can compare a wide range of classic car insurance quotes tailored for people who love and care for their cars.

Our policies are designed to reflect the true value of your pride and joy, offering features such as agreed value cover, laid-up protection during restoration, and limited mileage discounts. 

We work with the UK’s top classic and vintage vehicle underwriters to bring you the best value and most trusted policies available.

Since 1995, thousands of enthusiasts across the UK have chosen Performance Direct for exceptional service and excellent value. Whether you need comprehensive, third-party, or specialist cover, our expert team is here to help you protect your classic with confidence.

Getting cover couldn’t be easier. With our website, apps, and live chat service, arranging and managing your policy is quick and convenient.

For the finest service, competitive online quotes, and insurance designed around your passion, choose Performance Direct—specialists who understand what your classic means to you.

We are proud to be a Chartered Insurance Broker. Only around 5% of the UK’s broking firms achieve this prestigious status. Also, we have been a BIBA Member since 2007, the UK’s leading general insurance intermediary organisation representing the interests of insurance brokers, intermediaries, and their customers.

Performance Direct is a Chartered Insurance Broker
We provide insurance services to UK residents only.

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Benefits of our Insurance Policies

  • Courtesy car

  • Legal expenses

  • Foreign use cover (up to 90 days)

  • Personal accident cover

  • Windscreen cover
    (fully comprehensive policies only)

  • Optional agreed value

  • UK based contact centre

We search our panel of leading underwriters to find you the best policy

Why Choose Performance Direct?

  1. The latest digital systems. Our customers enjoy all the advantages of the digital world. We offer excellent web and app-based insurance services, including a fast, easy-to-use quote engine, and automated customer services allowing hassle-free access to documents and information.

  2. The peace of mind of a Chartered Broker. Everything we do is backed by a team of skilled, experienced insurance professionals. We’re a Chartered Insurance Broker, a family company with a proud 40-year history, so we’re bound by a personal and professional code to deliver the best service for our clients.

  1. We’re independent. Because we’re not tied to any brand or product, we can search the car insurance market to get you the best policies­—from third party policies to fully comprehensive cover. Whenever you ask for a new or a renewal quote, our systems search a panel of up to 100 leading UK underwriters to ensure you get the lowest price and the best policy.

  2. We’re on your side. If you need to make a claim, because we’re completely independent, we work with you to sort everything out and to make sure your claim is paid. Whether you need to sort out a hire car or a new windscreen, our claims service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

  3. Here for you. Your Online Insurance Account, support features, and on-line quotations are available 24/7, and our office is open 6 days a week.

Combining the advantages of the latest technology with real world experience, Performance Direct promises the lowest prices with the most efficient service.

Classic Car Insurance FAQs

What qualifies as a classic car for insurance purposes?

A vehicle may qualify as a classic car depending on age, condition and usage.

Many insurers consider cars over 15 to 20 years old, but acceptance also depends on originality, rarity, mileage and ownership profile. Some vehicles are assessed based on collector interest rather than age alone. Eligibility is determined by insurer underwriting criteria.

Is classic car insurance cheaper than standard car insurance?

Classic car insurance can sometimes be competitively priced where usage is limited.

Insurers often recognise that classic vehicles are driven less frequently and stored securely. Premiums are influenced by agreed value, mileage limits, driver experience and storage arrangements. Each quotation is assessed individually and pricing depends on the specific vehicle and owner profile.

What is agreed value classic car insurance?

Agreed value insurance allows a pre-documented vehicle valuation to be accepted at policy start.

In the event of a total loss, the settlement reflects the agreed amount rather than a standard market estimate. Supporting documentation such as photographs or specialist valuations is usually required. Performance Direct can arrange agreed value policies, subject to insurer approval.

Can I use my classic car every day?

Classic car insurance is generally structured for leisure and limited mileage use.

Some insurers may allow commuting or business use, but this must be declared at quotation stage. Policies are typically designed for enthusiast ownership rather than full time daily transport. Terms vary depending on declared usage and underwriting criteria.

Do I need another car to qualify for classic car insurance?

Many insurers require access to another vehicle for everyday driving.

This demonstrates that the classic car is not the primary means of transport. The requirement varies depending on insurer and individual circumstances. Eligibility is assessed based on declared usage, ownership history and overall risk profile.

Are modifications allowed on classic car insurance policies?

Certain modifications may be acceptable if declared in full.

Period appropriate upgrades that maintain authenticity are often considered differently from modern performance enhancements. All engine, suspension or cosmetic changes must be disclosed. Insurers assess modifications individually and terms depend on underwriting criteria.

Is laid up cover available for restoration projects?

Laid up cover may be available for vehicles not currently driven on the road.

This type of policy can provide protection against theft, fire or accidental damage while the car is stored or undergoing restoration. It does not include road use. Terms depend on storage location and insurer acceptance.

Can I insure a classic car that is increasing in value?

It is possible to review and adjust agreed value where market values change.

Classic vehicles may appreciate due to rarity or restoration quality. If the value increases significantly, supporting documentation may be required to update the agreed amount. Regular review helps ensure the policy reflects current valuation, subject to insurer approval.

Does classic car insurance cover shows and rallies?

Cover terms depend on the nature of the event and whether any form of competition is involved.

Attendance at shows and organised rallies is often permitted under classic policies. However, this applies only to events that do not involve scheduled times or timed activities.

Track use or racing is usually excluded unless specifically arranged.

Policyholders should review the wording carefully before taking part in any organised activities.

Who typically chooses Performance Direct classic car insurance?

Classic car insurance is typically chosen by owners who maintain vehicles for heritage, collection or occasional leisure use rather than everyday motoring. These may include enthusiasts, collectors or individuals who own vehicles with historical interest and who usually drive them on a limited-mileage basis.

These owners often keep their vehicles carefully maintained and stored, and may seek policies that recognise factors such as the vehicle’s age, condition, agreed value and intended usage. Each policy is assessed individually and remains subject to insurer underwriting

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Specialist Classic, Vintage, Cherished, and Antique Motor Insurance

Performance Direct specialises in fast, cheap, comprehensive, vintage, collector, cherished and antique car insurance policies.

From classic Jaguar to classic Mini, classic Ferrari to classic Jenson Healey, Performance Direct understand the intricacies of each cherished car and can provide bespoke made to measure policies with agreed valuations to fully protect your classic car if the worst was to happen.

With over 30 year’s experience and well established relationships with underwriters and insurance companies, you can rest assured we have the expertise to ensure you’ll get the perfect cover for your cherished vehicle. We make getting a classic car quote easy!

Performance Direct has an expert panel of top classic car insurance underwriters to ensure our insurance policies provide the cover that’s needed at price that’s always fair. Whatever your want to insure, you can be confident we have an insurance policy that suits your budget and that’s right for your vehicle.

Online Classic and Vintage Car Insurance Quotes

Getting a classic car quote to insure your cherished car does not need to be a tiresome or drawn out process. In recent years thousands of classic car and classic motorcycle owners have switched their insurance policies to Performance Direct and saved!

When you get an online classic car quote from Performance Direct, you just fill in your details once to get a selection of classic car quotes from the UK’s leading specialist insurers, helping you to discover the best cherished or classic car insurance cover, bespoke service and the best value policies, please get in touch. Click for an online quote or give our team a ring today.

Discounts For Classic Car Club Members

As a member of a classic car club, classic car and classic motorcycle owners can receive a discount of up to 10% on their classic vehicle insurance premiums (discounts vary and are subject to underwriting criteria so please ask when you contact us).

Performance Direct Insurance was founded on enthusiast motoring, we support motor shows and vintage and classic car clubs, registers and associations across the UK.

Agreed Valuations

Many of our specialist motor insurance schemes allow classic car, classic motorcycle and vintage car and motorcycle owners to purchase an 'agreed value' option with their insurance – so you know that this is the exact value you will be paid out for your vehicle if an accident or claim results in a total loss. Minus any policy excess, you will be paid your agreed value regardless of the current market value of your classic vehicle.

Laid Up Insurance Cover

Classic vehicles, vintage cars and vintage motorcycles are often 'off the road' or 'laid up'. Whether, as is often these with convertibles, they're garaged up for the winter, off the road for restoration or for repairs, the much-talked-about government 'Continuous Insurance Enforcement Scheme' means that all cars in the UK not declared 'SORN' (Statutory Off Road Notice) need valid car insurance cover.

For many classic car and motorcycle owners this is a considerable inconvenience and it is why our Laid Up Insurance for classic cars policies are now proving so popular among classic car drivers and motoring enthusiasts. Created for the specific needs of car enthusiasts and those with car collections, laid up insurance allows owners to retain cover for accidental damage, fire and theft for your 'off the road' classic car but without the need for an on-the-road insurance policy.

Limited Mileage Cover

As is often the case, if you're using your classic car or motorcycle as a second vehicle it's likely your annual mileage will be limited. Performance Direct Insurance offers considerable discounts for limited mileage classic car cover – the biggest insurance discounts are available for annual mileages of less than 3000 miles p.a. but we can offer many different limited mileage limits as well as unlimited mileage classic car or motorcycle insurance too.

Modified Classic Car Policies

If you are a modified car enthusiast you may well know Performance Direct Insurance as we've been involved in the modified car insurance market for many years. It's certainly not uncommon during repairs and restorations for owners to use non standard parts and thereby, to modify their car from its original factory specification. In this case they may also improve the performance of the vehicle and, possibly, affect its value.

At Performance Direct Insurance, we're used to dealing with non-standard classic vehicles and modifications so, as long as you keep us fully informed, we'll strive to deliver cheap car insurance for any modified classic car or bike.

Insurance For Classic Car Collectors

If you own several or multiple classic, cherished or vintage vehicles, multi classic car cover may be the best and cheapest way to insure your collection. Cheap collectors and classic multi vehicle car insurance quotes are available from Performance Direct online and over the phone so, please give us a ring with any queries about insuring your classic collection. 

Wedding Car Insurance

We insure many classic wedding vehicles throughout the UK so, if you're considering using your classic or vintage car for a chauffeured wedding or special event service, please let us know and we'll make sure you're covered. For more details, please give a ring and ask about our specialist insurance cover for wedding vehicles.

We can also offer the following extensions to your classic car cover: breakdown and recovery, car hire, key cover, legal and personal accident cover plus agree value policies, track cover and wedding hire cover. In addition we can arrange classic track day cover, time trial and rally cover and multiple driver insurance policies (all subject to underwriting criteria).

We Insure a wide range of Classic Cars

Performance Direct Insurance provides cherished car insurance and classic car cover throughout the UK. A quick look though our books reveals classic MG and MGBs, Morris Minor, Mini Cooper, Austin Healy, Classic Porsche (we cover all types of classic sports cars including classic British marques like Lotus, Triumph and TVR plus Italian Ferraris and classic sports Maseratis), lots of classic VWs (including many classic Beetles and classic Camper Vans). We also cover many other old car types – classic BMW and Mercedes models, Classic Ford, Mini, Rover, Jaguar and many more.

We're also increasingly asked to provide car insurance for utilitarian vehicles – classic 4x4s, motor homes, classic tractors, as well as Landrovers, Range Rovers and classic light commercial vehicles and vans.

As well as all types of British Classics like the Mini Cooper and Austin Healy, we also insure American classics, classic Fords, kit cars and imports. In short, we're the UK's first choice for all cheap classic, vintage and cherished car insurance, classic motorcycle insurance and vintage motorcycle insurance.

What is a classic car?

The UK government definition of a classic car is described as being older than 15 years and valued at £15000 or more, however different insurers have their own definitions as to what constitutes a classic vehicle. Performance Direct have excellent relationships with the UK's top classic car insurers and underwriters and is even able to offer a bespoke policy personalised to suit your specific classic car and insurance requirements, whether or not you own a modern or vintage classic.

Speak to the Performance Direct Classic Vehicle Insurance Team

Getting an online quote from Performance Direct has never been easier, you simply fill in your details once to receive quotes from the UK's leading insurers and underwriters. If you have any questions regarding insurance for your cherished vehicle, do not hesitate to get in touch.

Most classic cars are meticulously cared for, often kept in a garage or under cover and are driven less than a couple of thousands of miles per year. These factors are taken into account by insurers which is why insuring a classic car is often a lot cheaper than insuring a regular 'everyday car'.

Classic Car Club Discounts

Belonging to a classic car club can result in discounts on insurance premiums. Performance Direct is a classic vehicle specialist insurer providing award winning classic car and motorcycle policies for over 30 years and has excellent relationships with classic car clubs with made to measure policies and money saving schemes to provide comprehensive policies for classic vehicles.

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