We answer your frequently asked questions about classic car cover, making a claim, vehicle security, free agreed value and more.
CLASSIC CAR COVER
Can I get Classic Car insurance cover immediately?
Yes. Once payment has been made for your classic car insurance with Heritage, cover will be in place immediately.
What is the minimum age for a Heritage Classic Car Insurance policy?
The minimum age is 25 for a Heritage Classic Car Insurance policy. In some circumstances we may be able provide cover for drivers 21 and over, subject to strict terms and conditions.
What is the maximum age for a Heritage Classic Car insurance policy?
The maximum age for a Heritage Classic Car insurance policy for a new policyholder is 79 years. For existing clients there are no upper age limits.
Can I insure my car for third party, fire and theft only?
This level of cover is not available on Classic Car insurance.
What is an excess?
An excess is the amount of the claim that the policyholder is responsible for paying. For example, if your excess is £50 and your claim is £150 you would pay £50 and the insurer will pay £100.
Your level of excess is usually agreed when you arrange your policy, though it can be changed if needed. An excess is standard on most policies.
It is sometimes possible to reduce your premium by increasing your excess; this is known as voluntary excess and would be in addition to the compulsory excess already set on the policy.
Does a classic car insurance policy cover me for driving other cars?
No, generally you would already have this with your standard car insurance. If you are unsure, check your Certificate of Motor Insurance for the ‘Driving Other Cars’ wording.
Our Multi Car insurance does cover you to drive other cars but only if you are over 25 and your everyday cars are on cover with Heritage Insurance Services. The other car you wish to drive must be insured in its own right, not owned by the policyholder, and for emergency use only.
Is there a list of cars you can or cannot cover?
The simple answer is no. We are not limited to lists; what our policies can cover is dependent on the individual, the annual mileage and other factors which we run through whilst providing you with a bespoke quote.
Do you offer discounts to Classic Car Club members?
Yes, we can offer a 15% discount for classic car club members. Just let us know which club you’re a member of when you request your quote.
My car isn’t finished yet; can I insure it while I’m restoring it?
Yes, a policy is available for your restoration project. Providing the car is garaged we can insure it on a ‘laid up’ basis, which covers your car for accidental damage, fire and theft.
Do I need to insure my car before I drive it to the garage for its first MOT after restoration?
Yes, you must insure your classic car before driving it, even to its first MOT.
MULTI CAR
Is Heritage Multi Car for classic cars only?
Heritage Multi Car can also cover modern cars, as well as your other vehicles including bikes and motorhomes. As long as you have at least one classic or specialist vehicle on the policy, we can cover you.
How many cars can I cover with a Multi Car policy?
You can cover as many vehicles as you like under one single Multi Car policy as long as they are registered to a person at the same address i.e. your spouse, common law partner, parents etc. You can also cover up to 5 drivers.
Is there a minimum and a maximum age for Multi Car insurance?
While age limits depend on the vehicles and the nature of the risk, the minimum age for any Heritage insurance is 25 and the maximum 79 for new policyholders. In addition we are able to cover drivers 21-24 as named drivers.
How do you work out a Multi Car insurance premium?
A Multi Car premium is made up of a full year premium for the first vehicle you add to the policy, plus each additional vehicle added pro-rata based on the time remaining to the anniversary of the first vehicle (renewal). The relevant discount is then applied to calculate your overall premium.
The premium quoted when you set up your policy is fixed through to your first renewal, unless you make any changes
What discount can I get with Multi Car insurance?
This very much depends on how many vehicles you want to cover and how many drivers you need included. We work out a discount for you of up to 25% based on the ratio of cars to drivers.
The best way to find out how much you could be saving is to give our Multi Car team a call on 0121 248 9470 or email multicar@heritagecarinsurance.co.uk
When do I pay for my Multi Car policy?
Your first payment will consist of the premium to cover the first of your vehicles. At the renewal date, our Multi Car team will take payment for the additional premium of your second vehicle, then again at the renewal point for your third vehicle and so on.
What do I have to do when my other cars' insurance is due?
If you let us know your renewal dates, we will contact you as they approach to confirm your premium and take payment.
Will my Multi Car policy allow me to earn no claims bonus?
With Heritage Multi Car policies, any modern cars insured will earn a no claims bonus but any classic car on your policy will not. So if your multi car policy only includes classic cars you would not earn any no claims bonus for them.
MY POLICY
My classic car is insured with Heritage; who can drive it?
If your classic car is insured with Heritage you are able to choose who you would like to include as named drivers.
Can I add an additional driver on a short-term basis?
Yes, we can offer cover for temporary additional drivers.
Does my classic car insurance policy cover me to drive on the Nurburgring?
Driving on the Nurburgring is not included in your classic car insurance policy. You will need to contact a specialist insurance provider.
I store my car at a professional facility; does this affect my insurance?
No, all you need to do is notify us of the storage address.
Am I covered if I use my car as wedding transport for a friend?
If you wanted to use your car as wedding transport for a friend and weren’t charging them, you would be covered and there is no extra charge on your insurance.
How can I pay for my classic car insurance?
You can pay for your classic car insurance using all major credit/debit cards except American Express, you can also pay over the phone, by cheque or BACS.
Can I pay for my classic car insurance on a monthly basis?
We do offer the option to pay on a monthly basis for a wide range of policies; ask us when you confirm your policy and we’ll be able to let you know if this option is available to you.
What mileage can be covered on a classic car insurance policy?
There are various mileage limit options available, up to 7,500 miles.
What if I exceed my mileage limit?
Please contact us if you exceed your mileage limit as this may affect your policy.
With a Heritage classic car insurance policy, can I drive my car to and from a permanent place of work?
Yes, just ask for commuting at the quotation stage with us and we can talk you through the policy.
MAKING A CLAIM
Who do I call if I need to make a claim?
If you need to make a claim, in the first instance you should contact your insurer direct. Many policies will offer a 24hr claims line that you can call.
If you don’t have your insurer’s details to hand or can’t get through to them, you can contact us as soon as possible and we will get your claim started – call us on 0121 246 9090.
Our lines are open 8.30am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 1pm on Saturday. Outside these hours you can call us on 0845 260 9940.
What number do I call if my car breaks down?
For assistance in the event of a breakdown please call 0333 333 9711. Please note that you may incur a charge if you use a mobile phone. If you are outside the UK please call +44 (0) 1444 442044.
Text messaging is available for use by deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired customers. Please text the word “Breakdown” to +44 (0) 7786 202671.
My car has been repaired and the garage has asked me to pay the policy excess – should I pay them?
If you have asked the garage to repair your car, then you would pay the excess to the garage. Make sure you get a receipt for the payment as insurers will want to see proof of payment in the event you need to reclaim your excess.
AGREED VALUE
What is agreed value?
If your vehicle is a total loss, the Agreed Value is the amount an insurer will pay minus your policy excess, if you have agreed value on your policy. For example, if your Agreed Valuation was £12,000 and your excess totalled £1,000, your insurer would pay £11,000.
If you don’t have agreed value on your policy, you will be paid the going market rate at the time of the claim. Heritage offer free agreed value to help you protect the value of your classic car – just ask when you take out your policy.
How is a classic car valuation calculated?
The value of your car is dependent on market trends and desirability. Keep a check on auctions, price guides and speak to clubs if you’re a member of one. Please note that Heritage are not valuers but we can provide a classic car valuation, free of charge and issue you an Agreed Valuation certificate.
Where can I get my car valued for insurance purposes?
If you need an independent valuation you can ask a car club official, specialist dealer or restorer.
How long does a classic car valuation last?
There is no set period for how long your Agreed Valuation remains valid; at Heritage we will normally review every two years to make sure it’s still an accurate value. We also recommend that you keep an eye on market values. If you feel the Agreed Valuation needs reassessing you should contact us.
MODIFICATIONS
My car is modified; can Heritage still insure it?
Yes we can. We cater for a wide range of car and 4×4 modifications. Just let us know when you request a quote what modifications you have.
Which modifications will affect my premium?
Many modifications won’t affect your premium, and there is no specific list of modifications that will. Your premium is generally affected when certain combinations of modifications are added. As all our policies are individually tailored to you, it’s best to speak to us and we’ll guide you through.
I have modified my car since I purchased my policy. What should I do?
You will need to notify us of any additional modifications to your car(s). Give us a call on 0121 248 9229