The definition of a classic car can vary by country and by insurer, but typically when does a car become a classic in Northern Ireland?
This blog will explain when cars are classed as classics, when they are tax exempt and how you can save money on your classic car.
What is considered a classic car in Northern Ireland?
Five years ago former Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon announced changes in legislation to exempt private vehicles of historic interest from an annual MOT.
This change was applied to every private vehicle that was first registered 40 years ago and is now on a rolling scale.
Cars are usually registered on 1st April each year, which means from the beginning of this month each year every vehicle that turns 40-years-old will now be exempt from an annual MOT and will now be considered a classic car.
For example, if your car was built before 1st January 1985, you were legally exempt from paying vehicle tax after 1st April 2025.
However, you must still tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay.
When do insurance companies consider a car a classic?
Whilst 40 years is the benchmark for when a car is considered a classic, some insurers may still be able to offer classic insurance for vehicles that are deemed vintage or collector’s items.
Insurance companies such as Sterling also follow the guidance of HMRC who consider vehicles over 15-years-old and have a market value of £15,000+ as classic cars.
Each insurance company is different, but we tend to consider a wider range of vehicles as classics, not just looking at the age, but also the model, whether they’ve held their market value and how rare they are.
There is a common myth that a car must be at least 25-years-old before it can become a classic, however, this is not the case. There are many models that we consider modern classics that aren’t even 10-years-old which can be insured in this category.
How are classic cars categorised?
Defining what constitutes a classic car is one thing, but what makes a car a ‘classic’ as opposed to vintage or veteran? Here’s a list to help define the different categories:
- Veteran: any vehicle built before WW1
- Vintage: any vehicle built before 1930
- Post vintage: any vehicle built between 1930 and 1945
- Classic: a matter of opinion, often based on the car’s style, production numbers or critical reception, but ‘classics’ can include some cars as young as five years old
As with many subjects in the classic car scene, opinions on these definitions and categories differ depending on who you ask.
What do you need to think about when insuring your classic car?
When insuring a classic car there are a few ways you can help ensure you keep the price of your policy down. We’ve listed a few things to look out for when giving us a call.
What type of classic car insurance cover do you need?
We cover all types of classic car enthusiasts in Northern Ireland, including collectors, owners, and traders. Owning a classic car may mean you have more complex needs than most, which is why we offer optional extras like agreed value cover, cover for modifications, and laid-up or build-up cover.
Whether you’ve restored your vehicle or kitted out the interior with modern features, we know you’ve invested a lot of time, dedication and money into your vehicle.
How many miles do you expect to drive and for how long?
If you only plan on driving your classic car during the summer months, then you may choose to discuss a short-term policy for your vehicle.
Similarly if you only drive a limited number of miles each year, then you may be entitled to a lower premium. As a general rule, the fewer miles you drive, the more you can save.
Is your classic car secure?
Unlike modern vehicles, classic cars don’t come equipped with modern-day security systems, such as immobilisers and alarm systems. Installing one of these can improve your car’s safety immeasurably, just remember to let your insurance provider know you have done so.
You can also fit a tracking device to help improve the safety of your car, and in turn, should your vehicle be stolen, your chances of being able to recover your prized possession if it were dumped or hidden somewhere will increase.
Car insurance for Northern Ireland vehicles
No matter which MOT-exempt vehicle you own, you will still need to ensure it has classic car insurance. At Sterling NI we provide competitive policy prices for all classic cars, no matter their age or condition.
Call us on 0344 381 9990 for a quote, or book a callback at a time that best suits you.
