Since the outbreak of the coronavirus and subsequent guidance from the government, we’ve had a number of questions sent to us about how this will affect people’s classic car insurance. We’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions here.
This article was last updated 12th February 2021.
Do the rules mean I can’t take my classic out at the moment?
Under the current lockdown, only essential travel is permitted. This may include:
- shopping for basic essentials for yourself or a vulnerable person
- going to work, if you cannot work from home
- exercising by yourself, with your household or support bubble, or with one other person, socially distanced
- seeking medical assistance or to avoid illness, injury or risk of harm
You can use your classic car for any essential travel, and it will not invalidate your policy to do so.
Do I still need to renew my policy during the COVID-19 restrictions?
If you want to ensure your vehicle is fully and legally covered, then yes, you do need to maintain cover, whether on the road or laid-up. If you need to make a claim, for example a theft, after your policy has lapsed, your claim will not be upheld. Without valid insurance you are also at risk of being fined for being uninsured. If you are concerned about renewing in time to maintain continuity of cover, give us a call on 0121 248 9229 or email us at renewalsteam@heritagecarinsurance.co.uk. Find out more about renewing your insurance policy.
My car is laid up – will it still be covered if I can’t get it out to get an MOT?
In most instances, depending on who you are insured with, your laid-up cover will still be valid against accidental damage, fire and theft if you’re not able to MOT your car because of availability shortages due to the coronavirus. However, you must keep the car off the road. As of 24th July, 90% of garages have re-opened according to government data, so it should be easier to get an MOT booked.
My car is on the road but due an MOT soon. What are the MOT rules?
The 6 month reprieve on the requirement to MOT cars, motorcycles and light vans which was granted in March 2020 has now ended, and standard rules on MOTs apply.
We recommend contacting your preferred garage in plenty of time, and if they cannot accommodate you, finding an alternative. If you were granted a 6-month exemption because your MOT was due between 30th March and 31st July 2020, the extended date will now have passed and your MOT will be overdue if you have not had one conducted.
I’m volunteering with the NHS GoodSAM scheme. Am I covered to drive my classic for this?
Yes, you can be covered to drive your classic as part of the NHS GoodSAM volunteer responders scheme. We just need you to tell us which vehicle you are using, and who will be driving it. Email us in the first instance and we’ll be able to confirm your cover for driving for these purposes.
I have multi car cover but want to leave my classic on laid up as I won’t be taking it out right now. Can I do this?
Yes, you can have your classic(s) on laid up cover as part of your multi car insurance with us. In fact, you can have any of the vehicles on your multi car policy SORN and on laid-up cover within the policy. Just contact us if you need to make changes.
If you are at all concerned about your insurance cover during this period, you should contact us directly. We will update this page with any further guidance as we get it.