Specialist cover designed for the classics you love
90-day EU travel
Up to 4 additional named drivers
Cherished number plates covered
Coverage for UK & EU club tours
Classic car insurance built around you and your vehicle
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Why choose Ripe for classic car insurance?
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Cover that flexes around your classic
From modifications to commuting use and additional named drivers, cover is designed for how you actually own and drive your car.
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Made for enthusiasts on the move
Cover for club tours, regularity rallies and EU driving (up to 90 days per trip) to help keep you protected on the road and at events.
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The small details that matter
Features like cherished number plate cover (up to £10k), dismantled parts, and secure storage options are available, because the small things matter too.
Classic car insurance made simple
Getting specialist cover for your classic car doesn’t need to be complicated. Classic car insurance by Ripe can be quoted and bought online, making it quick and easy to arrange cover, and help save you time.
We've designed our cover around how you use and enjoy your classic, with comprehensive cover and claims handled by specialists who treat it with the same care you do.
Once covered, you can manage your policy online, with support available from Ripe’s UK-based customer service team just a phone call away if needed.
Classic vehicle insurance options
What does classic car insurance cover?
Classic car insurance by Ripe is available to drivers aged 25 to 79 and covers a wide range of eligible classic vehicles. In general, vehicles over 25 years old may be considered classics for the purposes of this policy, subject to eligibility.
If a vehicle is between 15 and 24 years old, it may be more suitable for modern classic insurance. Browse below to see what's included as standard, what's not covered and the optional cover available.
Medical expenses (£500 per person)
Personal accident benefits
Personal belongings (£300)
Loss of keys & replacement locks (£500)
Child seat cover (£150)
Inflatable storage device (£500)
Foreign use within the EU (up to 90 days per trip)
Club tours in the UK and EU
Regularity rallies in the UK
Registration plates & cherished number plates (up to £10k)
Permanently fitted tracking equipment (up to £500)
Dismantled parts & modifications (subject to acceptance)
Up to four additional named drivers
Towing & national coverage of storage locations
Commuting use available (subject to policy limits)
Discount for eligible classic car club members
Driving other cars
Trailers
Regularity rallies outside the UK
Racing, time trials and similar competitive events
Certain modifications
Storage in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland
Commuting over 3,000 miles or beyond the annual mileage limit
For full policy wording and details on what is and isn’t covered under a modern classic car insurance policy, visit the Important Documents.
What is classed as a classic car?
A classic car is generally a vehicle that’s older, no longer in production and valued for its design, heritage or cultural significance. While there isn’t a single official definition, classic cars are usually models that have stood the test of time and are appreciated by enthusiasts, collectors and owners who want to preserve a piece of motoring history.
In many cases, cars are recognised as classics once they reach 20 years old, sometimes called modern classics, though this can vary depending on the insurer, organisation, or context. Some vehicles may qualify earlier if they’re particularly rare, iconic or desirable.
What’s the difference between modern classics and classic cars?
Modern classics and classic cars are often grouped together, but they usually refer to vehicles of different ages and heritage.
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Classic Cars
A classic car is generally a vehicle that's over 25 years old and has become collectable due to its heritage, rarity or enthusiast appeal. Many classic cars have been carefully maintained or restored to their original specification and are often used for recreational driving, shows and club events rather than everyday journeys.
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Modern Classics
At Ripe, a modern classic is a vehicle that's between 15 and 24 years old. While there's no official definition, modern classics are often recognised for their iconic design, rarity or cultural significance and may become more desirable over time. Unlike many classic vehicles, they're typically driven and enjoyed more regularly.
Classic car insurance FAQs
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Classic car insurance is typically for vehicles used for leisure, shows, or occasional drives. Standard motor insurance is usually designed for regular car use and typically does not cover the cost of specialist repairs, rare parts, or the value of a classic car.
Classic car insurance helps reflect these differences through tailored options that align with how the vehicle is used and maintained.
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The cost of classic car insurance can vary depending on the vehicle and how it’s used. Factors such as the car’s age, value, where it’s stored, annual mileage and your driving history can all influence the price.
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Classic car insurance can often be cheaper than standard car insurance. This is largely because classic cars are typically driven less often, kept securely and used for leisure rather than everyday commuting.
Classic car insurance policies by Ripe are designed around how classic vehicles are usually owned and used. Get a quote today.
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There isn’t a single rule for when a car qualifies for classic car insurance. For a Ripe classic car policy, 15 to 24 years old are classed as modern classics and a car over 25 years old is a classic car.
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Classic car insurance isn’t always cheaper for young drivers. While the car itself may qualify for specialist cover, insurers still consider factors such as the driver’s age, experience and driving history when calculating premiums. By Ripe, classic car cover is available for drivers between the ages of 25 and 79.
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In the UK, cars can become exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) once they reach 40 years old. This works on a rolling basis, meaning more vehicles qualify each year as they pass the 40-year mark.
To benefit from the exemption, the vehicle usually needs to be registered with the DVLA in the historic vehicle tax class.
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A car may become MOT exempt once it is more than 40 years old, provided it hasn’t been substantially modified in the last 30 years.
Even if a vehicle qualifies for an MOT exemption, it must still be kept in a roadworthy condition. Many classic car owners choose to continue having their vehicles checked regularly to ensure they remain safe to drive.
Refer your friends and get rewarded
If you choose to refer your friends to us, not only will we reward you with a £40 voucher of your choice, but your friends could make some great savings too!
Content reviewed: February 2026
Content reviewed by: Dan Dawson