Kit Car Insurance

Graham Sykes offers specialist Kit Car Insurance offering comprehensive cover for a wide variety of Makes and Models.

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The Kit Car Insurance Specialists

Graham Sykes has been providing specialist Kit Car insurance for over 40 years. From the Caterham 7 to the iconic Cobra Replica, we have the right policy for you. 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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There's really nothing like a Kit Car...

The UK has a storied and passionate relationship with kit cars, a niche yet vibrant segment of the automotive world that encapsulates the spirit of innovation, individuality, and hands-on craftsmanship. This fascination dates back to the post-war period, when car enthusiasts sought affordable ways to achieve performance and style on a budget.

The origins of kit cars in the UK can be traced to the 1950s and 1960s, a time of burgeoning interest in motorsports and car customisation. Pioneering companies like Lotus, with the Lotus Seven, offered enthusiasts the chance to build their own high-performance vehicles using components from standard production cars. This DIY approach allowed hobbyists to create bespoke automobiles tailored to their tastes and needs.

The 1970s and 1980s saw the kit car industry flourish, driven by the rise of specialist manufacturers and a growing community of dedicated builders. Companies like Caterham, which took over production of the Lotus Seven, continued to cater to this burgeoning market. The appeal of kit cars lay in their affordability, ease of assembly, and the opportunity they provided for enthusiasts to engage intimately with the mechanics of their vehicles.

Kit cars also gained popularity due to their flexibility and the vast array of designs available. From replicas of classic cars, like the Shelby Cobra and the Porsche 356, to innovative original designs, builders had an extensive selection of kits to choose from. This diversity allowed individuals to express their personal style and automotive preferences uniquely.

Today, the love for kit cars in the UK remains robust. The industry has evolved, with modern kits often featuring advanced materials and technologies, while still retaining the core appeal of hands-on construction and customisation. Events such as the National Kit Car Motor Show in Stoneleigh draw thousands of enthusiasts, showcasing the latest kits and completed projects.

Clubs and online forums provide platforms for kit car builders to share advice, experiences, and celebrate their achievements. This community spirit underscores the enduring allure of kit cars in the UK, where the blend of creativity, engineering, and passion continues to inspire generations of automotive enthusiasts.

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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.