Caterham Kit Car Insurance

Graham Sykes offers specialist Insurance  for Caterhams offering comprehensive cover for a wide variety of all types of Kit Cars.

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Caterham Insurance Specialists

Graham Sykes has been providing specialist insurance for Caterham Kit Cars for over 40 years.  We offer a convenient online quote and buy solution, however our highly experienced team are also here to take your call and give you a quote over the phone, just give us a call at 01395 255 100. So if you're looking for insurance on your Willys Jeep, get in touch today!

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The History of the Caterham Kit Cars

The Caterham Kit Car has a storied history, deeply intertwined with British automotive engineering and enthusiast culture. Its origins date back to 1957 when legendary car designer Colin Chapman created the Lotus Seven, a lightweight, nimble sports car that became a cult favourite for its simplicity and performance. Chapman’s philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness” was central to the car’s design, which prioritised a raw, exhilarating driving experience over luxury or excess.

In 1973, when Lotus ceased production of the Seven, Caterham Cars acquired the rights to continue producing the vehicle. Thus, the Caterham Seven was born, retaining the essence of Chapman’s design but evolving through the decades to meet modern standards and enthusiasts' expectations. The brand quickly became synonymous with kit cars, offering customers the unique experience of building their own high-performance sports car. This do-it-yourself approach allowed for customisation and a deep sense of involvement in the car’s creation, a key part of the appeal for many.

The Caterham Seven is admired for its pure, undiluted driving experience. Its lightweight frame, minimalistic bodywork, and powerful engines make it a track-day favourite, offering unparalleled handling and performance for the price. Caterham has stayed true to the original Lotus Seven’s principles, ensuring that the car remains as agile and driver-focused as it was over half a century ago.

Beyond the performance, there’s a deep sense of community and camaraderie among Caterham owners. Building and maintaining a Caterham is often a labour of love, and the company has fostered a vibrant network of enthusiasts through clubs, events, and race series. The opportunity to assemble the car from scratch not only saves on costs but also allows drivers to forge a strong bond with their vehicle.

The Caterham Kit Car is not just a car, but an experience. In the UK, it holds a special place in the hearts of motoring enthusiasts, offering an unrivalled blend of tradition, hands-on involvement, and sheer driving pleasure. Its timeless appeal continues to captivate drivers who crave an authentic, stripped-back connection with the road.

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Specialist Car Insurance FAQs

You and any other drivers named on your policy when the policy was taken out will need to self-declare your licence data.

Convictions are no longer recorded on the counterpart driving licence, which became obsolete with effect from 8 June 2015.

You will need your driving licence number, your national insurance number and your postcode. If you are not sure what your driving licence number is, then instructions are provided on the website below.

Open the following link in a new window and follow the instructions below:

https://www.viewdrivingrecord.service.gov.uk/driving-record/licence-number

  1. Enter your licence number, national insurance number and postcode where indicated.
  2. Tick the box and select ‘View now’.
  3. You will now be able to view your driving licence information.
  4. Select ‘Share your licence information’ in the tab, top right.
  5. Click ‘Obtain code’.
  6. You will be provided with a check code.
  7. Send over your check code along with the last 8 characters of your driving licence number to enquiries(at)graham-sykes.co.uk

The licence check code is case sensitive, so it should be copied exactly using capital and lower case letters as provided. You may prefer to copy and paste the code into the form.

The check code is only valid for 21 days.

Specialist vehicle insurance is designed for vehicles that do not fall under the category of standard cars, such as classic cars, modified vehicles, kit cars, and high-performance sports cars.

Coverage typically includes classic cars, vintage cars, modified cars, kit cars, imported cars, sports cars, campervans, and motorhomes.

When your vehicle is written off, your insurance company pays you the current value of the vehicle, instead of the cost of repairing it.

Your insurance company will decide if the vehicle should be written off or not.

An explanation of the categories of a vehicle write off are listed below:

  • Category A - Cannot be repaired. The entire vehicle has to be crushed.
  • Category B - Cannot be repaired. The body shell has to be crushed, but you can salvage other parts from it.
  • Category C - Can be repaired but would cost more than the vehicles worth. You can use the vehicle again if it is repaired to a roadworthy condition.
  • Category D - Can be repaired and would cost less than the vehicle’s worth, but other costs (such as transporting your vehicle) take it over the vehicle’s value. You can use the vehicle again if it’s repaired to a roadworthy condition.
  • Category N - Can be repaired following non-structural damage. You can use the vehicle again if it’s repaired to a roadworthy condition.
  • Category S - Can be repaired following structural damage. You can use the vehicle again if it’s repaired to a roadworthy condition.

Agreed value coverage ensures that the insurer and the policyholder agree on the value of the vehicle at the start of the policy. In the event of a total loss, this agreed amount will be paid out.

Yes, modified vehicles often require specialist insurance because modifications can affect the vehicle's performance, safety, and value.

Factors include the type and value of the vehicle, its age, the extent of modifications, the intended use (e.g., daily use, shows, parades), and the driver's history and age.

Many specialist vehicle insurance policies offer discounts if you agree to a limited mileage cap, as less usage generally reduces the risk of claims.

Yes, most specialist vehicle policies include coverage for participation in shows, but it's important to confirm this with us when taking a policy out.

Laid-up or SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) insurance covers your vehicle while it's not being driven and is kept off the road. This coverage typically protects against theft, fire, and damage while stored.

Many specialist insurance policies offer European cover, allowing you to drive your vehicle in EU countries, but you should check the specifics with your insurer.

Salvage retention allows you to keep the remains of your vehicle if it's written off after an accident. This can be important for rare or valuable vehicles where parts may be hard to replace.

The agreed value is usually determined through an appraisal by a specialist or by providing evidence of the vehicle's value, such as photographs, receipts.

Yes, you can obtain insurance for a project car. This type of policy typically provides coverage while the vehicle is being restored or built.

Some insurers may have age restrictions or require a minimum amount of driving experience for certain types of specialist vehicles, especially high-performance or classic cars.

An agreed mileage limitation is a cap on the number of miles you can drive your vehicle annually, often in exchange for a lower premium. Exceeding this limit could affect your coverage.

While most specialist vehicle policies are designed for personal use, some insurers may offer coverage for business use, depending on the nature of the business and the vehicle.

Keeping your vehicle in a secure, locked garage can often result in lower premiums, as it reduces the risk of theft and damage compared to parking on the street.

We may require additional security measures such as alarms, immobilizers, tracking devices, or secure storage to lower the risk and qualify for coverage.

Yes, left-hand drive vehicles, often imports, can be insured under specialist vehicle policies, though they may have specific conditions or premiums.

The excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) for specialist vehicles can be higher or vary based on the vehicle's type, value, and modifications. Check your policy details for specific excess amounts.

 

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Firm Reference Number 300310.