American Car Insurance

Graham Sykes offers specialist American Car Insurance offering comprehensive cover for a wide variety of American cars and trucks.

Get a Quote

The American Car Insurance Specialists

Graham Sykes has been providing specialist American Car insurance for over 40 years and knows in detail the intricacies of each and every model whether it be a classic Dodge Charger or a modern Ford Mustang. 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 American Car Insurance, get in touch today!

Get a Quote


Britains Obsession with the American Car

The love affair between the United Kingdom and American cars is a fascinating journey that reflects a blend of admiration, nostalgia, and the allure of a different driving culture. This relationship traces its roots back to the post-World War II era when American automobiles began to symbolise freedom, innovation, and a break from the austere conditions that had prevailed during the war years.

In the 1950s and 1960s, American cars were seen as exotic and luxurious compared to their British counterparts. Models like the Cadillac, Chevrolet Bel Air, and Ford Thunderbird, with their distinctive fins, chrome details, and powerful V8 engines, captivated British car enthusiasts. These cars represented a stark contrast to the smaller, more economical vehicles typically found on British roads, such as the Austin Mini or Morris Minor.

The fascination with American cars continued into the 1970s and 1980s, despite the oil crisis, which made fuel-thirsty American models less practical. Yet, this period saw the rise of muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro, which garnered a cult following in the UK. These cars embodied raw power and performance, appealing to a segment of British car aficionados who relished the idea of owning a piece of American motoring heritage.

In more recent years, the love for American cars in the UK has evolved but remains strong. Classic car shows, clubs, and events dedicated to American vehicles attract significant attention. Enthusiasts gather to showcase meticulously restored classics, share stories, and celebrate their passion. The importation of modern American cars, such as the Ford Mustang's latest iterations and the Dodge Challenger, continues to fuel this enthusiasm. The appeal lies not just in the cars themselves, but in what they represent: a slice of American culture, an expression of individuality, and a nod to a bygone era of automotive design and engineering.

The enduring admiration for American cars in the UK highlights a cultural exchange that transcends mere transportation, reflecting a deep-seated appreciation for the style, history, and spirit embodied by these iconic vehicles.

More Specialist Car Insurance Products

As a Specialist Vehicle enthusiast Graham Sykes has developed a number of specific schemes to cater for this very specialist market. Our knowledge and experience has been built up over a number of years providing this cover for a very wide variety of vehicles.

Classic Car Insurance - Picture of a Classic Mini

Classic Car Insurance

From the iconic Mini to the timeless Jaguar E-Type, you can rest assured that our specialist insurance has you covered.

Read More

Kit Car Insurance - Picture of a red kit car

Kit Car
Insurance

We know how passionate you are about your pride and joy (or toy!) so we'll give you peace of mind with our specialist insurance cover.

Read More

Ex-Military Vehicle Insurance - Picture of a line up of old Willys Jeeps

Ex-Military Vehicle Insurance

Owning a military vehicle has it’s trials and tribulations. One of which is insurance, but this is where we can help.

Read More

Modified Car Insurance - Picture of a modified blue Ford Focus

Modified Car Insurance

Whether your a seasoned expert, a car enthusiast or a keen beginner we can provide you with specialist insurance cover.

Read More

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.

 

© 2024 Graham Sykes Ltd | All rights reserved.

Graham Sykes Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority,
Firm Reference Number 300310.