Classic Car Insurance

Graham Sykes offers specialist Classic Car Insurance offering comprehensive cover for a wide variety of classic cars.

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The Classic Car Insurance Specialists

Graham Sykes has been providing specialist Classic Car insurance for over 40 years and knows the importance of keeping your pride an joy on the road, whether it be a 1968 MG B or a 1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth. 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.

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Why we love Classic Cars so much!

The United Kingdom's love for classic cars is a storied passion that intertwines with its rich automotive history. This fervour spans decades and encompasses a diverse range of vehicles that have become symbols of British heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation.

The genesis of this admiration can be traced back to the early 20th century, when British car manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Aston Martin began to produce vehicles that epitomised luxury, performance, and elegance. These marques quickly gained a reputation for their meticulous engineering and timeless design. Classic models such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, the Bentley 4½ Litre, and the Aston Martin DB5 became icons, celebrated not just for their beauty, but also for their engineering prowess.

Post-World War II, the UK's automotive industry continued to thrive, producing a plethora of classic cars that have since garnered a dedicated following. The 1950s and 1960s were particularly notable for the emergence of quintessential British classics like the Jaguar E-Type, the Mini Cooper, and the MG MGB. The E-Type, with its sleek lines and powerful engine, was hailed as "the most beautiful car ever made" by Enzo Ferrari. Meanwhile, the Mini Cooper became a cultural phenomenon, representing British ingenuity and the spirit of the 1960s.

The fascination with classic cars extends beyond mere ownership; it is deeply ingrained in British culture. Classic car shows, such as the Goodwood Revival and the London Classic Car Show, attract thousands of enthusiasts each year. These events celebrate the heritage of these vehicles, providing a platform for owners to display their meticulously restored classics and share their stories.

Moreover, classic car clubs across the UK, like the Jaguar Drivers’ Club and the MG Car Club, offer a sense of community and camaraderie among enthusiasts. These clubs organise rallies, tours, and social events, fostering a shared passion for preserving and enjoying these automotive treasures.

The UK's enduring love for classic cars is a testament to the timeless appeal of these vehicles. They are not just modes of transport but symbols of a bygone era, cherished for their design, history, and the memories they evoke.

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