Antique cars are vehicles that are more than 30 years old and usually are used in car shows and for display purposes only. Antique cars are not used to travel to work or vacations. These cars are treated with "kid gloves" and regular auto insurance for these cars may be a waste of money because they are not driven on a regular basis. Antique car insurance is a better choice when planning to purchase insurance.

Prior to getting antique automobile insurance, you will need to get the car appraised by a certified appraiser. Your insurance company should be able to recommend a certified appraiser. The appraiser will determine the value of your car. The value of your car is based upon the sale price of similar antique cars.

If the car is less than 50 years old, the appraiser may look for a "blue book value" on the car. The blue book value is used in the automotive industry to estimate the value of used cars. Most antique cars can found in this listing. In the event the vehicle is not listed, the appraisal may be based on the condition of the car.

An appraiser will most likely use the blue book value or set a date to view the car to ensure it is in the condition stated. This is a precautionary measure used in the prevention of insurance fraud. There have been cases where the insured over estimates the value of a car and then the vehicle is "accidentally" damaged. The owner collects on the insurance based on the estimated value. This is one reason it is important to have the vehicle apprised by someone who is trusted by the insuring agency.

Applying for antique automobile insurance requires the same basic information as other car insurance. The information includes the vehicle year, make and model, vehicle identification number, and value of the car. The insurance company will also require driver's license information for all those who will be driving the car. The policy will not be issued if this information is not provided to the insurance company.

Both the blue book value of the car, if available, and the condition of the car will be used to determine the value of the car. The insurance coverage is based on the replacement value should anything happen to the car. Valuation is always based on this value whether determined by using the rated blue book value or through comparison to three similar models bearing the same condition and calculated value. The insurance also provides coverage against damage to the vehicle and injury to other individuals and self, should the car is involved in an accident.

You have to do a bit of research to find out which companies offer antique car insurance. Big insurance companies usually have underwriters who may offer antique car insurance and are able to issue collision and liability insurance based on frequency of use and information regarding the primary driver or drivers of the vehicle being insured.

Many types of antique automobile insurance are available. A policy based on actual cash value that is determined by vehicle value at the time of policy issuance may not be a wise choice. Cash Value policies may depreciate the vehicle value annually. If the car is one that will gain value with age, other types of insurance may be more adequate.

Stated value provides a safer option and will cover the appraised value of the car during the entire term of the insurance policy.

The third option, agreed value insurance, consists of a monthly premium on the car. This is a good option for those who live in climates where the car can only be driven during certain months. This gives the option of eliminating the cost for liability coverage during the months that the car is being stored. The option that you choose for antique car insurance depends on the value of your car and if you plan to drive it all year long.