A classic car is a piece of history, a passion and often a valuable investment. That makes it all the more important to protect this special vehicle with the right insurance. Classic car insurance differs from standard motor insurance in important ways and is designed for the needs of classic vehicles.
Once a vehicle is 30 years old and in suitably well-kept condition, you can apply for an H plate (H-Kennzeichen) in Germany. It shows the vehicle's historic value, brings tax advantages and allows special insurance tariffs. Classic car policies are based on the agreed value (set by a valuation report, the Wertgutachten) and not on the current market value. This means that after a claim you receive the agreed value, not the often much lower residual value.
Because classic cars are usually not driven every day, premiums can be very attractive with a correspondingly low mileage. Many providers offer tariffs with a limited annual mileage. They suit vehicles that are mainly used for outings, events or museum purposes.
Storage is an important point: classic cars are often kept in garages or storage halls. Cover against fire damage, burglary or flooding should not be forgotten.
Together with you, we find the tariff that does justice to the value and use of your classic car, so you can enjoy your passion without worry.
Classic car insurance benefits
Motor liability (Kfz-Haftpflicht) for classic cars:
- Covers property damage and personal injury with sums insured far above the legal minimum
- Claims for compensation under the Environmental Damage Act (Umweltschadensgesetz) covered (e.g. oil or petrol leaks)
- Damage to your own property involving other registered vehicles up to €100,000 per insurance year
Partial cover (Teilkasko) for classic cars:
- Spare parts for repairs/restorations up to €5,000 included
- Damage caused by vandalism or transport of the classic car reimbursed
- Increase in the classic car's value up to 30 percent included
Comprehensive cover (Vollkasko) for classic cars:
- All partial cover benefits plus accident damage to the vehicle
- Full cost cover even in cases of gross negligence
Optional add-on modules:
- All-risks cover: for high-value classic cars aged 30 or more, provision for value increases up to 50%, stored spare parts included without limit, embezzlement of any kind included. Requires comprehensive cover, condition grade 2 and a market value from €25,000
- FahrerSchutz: protects the person at the wheel after accidents (loss of earnings, compensation for pain and suffering, rehabilitation)
- Premium Schutzbrief: mobility help for breakdowns, towing, onward travel, return travel, overnight stay
- Garage insurance (Garagenversicherung): protects deregistered classic cars during restoration, with motor liability and partial cover
- AuslandsSchadenSchutz: for accidents abroad that are not your fault, compensation under German law
Classic car tariff comparison
Decision by vehicle value:
- Comprehensive cover: worthwhile from €15,000, especially for rare collector vehicles and classic cars used regularly on the road
- Partial cover: suitable if the replacement value is higher than the sentimental value, typically €10,000-15,000
- Motor liability: sufficient for classic cars of low value
Decision by use:
- Less than 9,000 km/year: standard for classic car insurance
- More frequent use: regular motor insurance required
- Occasional use (outings, meetings): partial cover is usually sufficient
- High-value classic car with regular outings: comprehensive cover recommended
- Unsafe parking place: at least partial cover
- Risk of vandalism: comprehensive cover required
Decision by vehicle type:
- Historic motorcycles: classic motorcycle insurance
- Tractors: agricultural tractor insurance
- Classic motorhomes: possible with an everyday car, kept mostly in a garage, not for camping trips
Special feature: classic car insurance has no no-claims classes. After a claim there is no downgrade.