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Classic car insurance is specialized coverage that provides liability coverage and protects your investment in your collector vehicle.
A classic car insurance policy in Nevada costs an average of $192 per month.
Under Nevada law, classic cars with a Classic Vehicle, Classic Rod, or Old Timer license plate are exempt from smog checks, but they must carry classic car insurance.
What to know about classic car insurance in Nevada
Classic car owners in Nevada must carry a collector car insurance policy to qualify for a classic car license plate, which exempts the car from smog checks.[1]
Like regular auto insurance, classic car insurance provides the standard liability coverages every Nevada driver needs, such as property damage and bodily injury liability.[2]
But as a specialty insurance product, classic car insurance also protects your investment in the car. Collectible vehicles may experience no depreciation. In fact, they typically appreciate in value. Additionally, classic car insurance protects the money and time you put into restorations, whether you own antique, modified, or replica vehicles.
Classic car insurance policies typically set an agreed-upon value for the car, rather than the actual cash value used by standard auto insurance. To determine the agreed-upon value, you’ll work with your insurance company to calculate the car’s value using the vehicle’s condition and the selling price of similar cars in the classic car market.
But it’s also your responsibility to protect the value of your classic vehicle. That’s why collector car insurance policies may impose mileage limits or other usage restrictions on classic cars.
Finally, most classic car insurance policies have storage requirements for your vehicle. When the car isn’t in use, you must store it in a private, lockable, and enclosed structure, like a garage.[3]
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Do you qualify for classic car insurance in Nevada?
Prior to 2023, Nevadans could get a Classic Vehicle, Classic Rod, or Old Timer license plate for any car more than 25 years old. Under Nevada law, any car with one of these plates was exempt from emissions testing. Many Nevadans took advantage of the smog-check exemption by applying for a classic license plate for elderly vehicles that weren’t necessarily collectible.
As of January 2023, state law requires that any vehicle with a classic car license plate also have classic car insurance. So if a Nevadan wants to take advantage of the emissions testing exemption, they must also carry classic car insurance.
Vehicle age requirements
The Silver State defines various types of collector cars based on their age and modifications. The state categorizes these vehicles by the following:[4]
Classic vehicle: At least 25 years old and containing only original parts or replacement parts that duplicate the original parts
Old timer: At least 40 years old
Street rod: Manufactured no later than 1948 with a carrying capacity of 1 ton or less
Classic rod: Manufactured after 1948, but must be at least 20 years old; must have a carrying capacity of 1 ton or less
Replica: Built after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968, and/or has been altered from the original manufacturer’s design or built using non-original materials
These are Nevada’s specific age restrictions and requirements for specialized license plates. Each classic and collector car insurance company may have its own age and collectibility requirements that differ from Nevada’s categories.
Usage restrictions
To qualify for classic car insurance, you must accept usage restrictions on driving your antique vehicle. Limited use typically permits pleasure driving, club activities, car shows, parades, exhibitions, and tours, but prohibits using it as a daily driver or for commercial purposes.
Depending on the insurance company, you may also have to limit the number of miles you drive per year and provide odometer data to show that you aren’t driving more than allowed. Although insurers may have more flexible usage requirements than strict mileage limits, the state of Nevada restricts classic car mileage to 5,000 miles per year and may request odometer readings at renewal.
Storage requirements
The hot, dry climate in the southern part of the state, which includes Las Vegas, is generally ideal for maintaining classic cars.
And even though the northeast and western parts of the Silver State experience cold winters, precipitation across the state is relatively minimal. The average number of days with precipitation of 0.01 inch or more ranges from 23 days in Las Vegas to 78 days in Elko, according to Western Regional Climate Center data. Altogether, this is beneficial for older cars.
But intense sun can damage the paint, leather, wood, and rubber of classic vehicles. Las Vegas experiences high temperatures and bright sunshine most of the year.
Classic car insurance typically requires you to store your vintage vehicle in a locked, enclosed, private structure. Although many Nevada classic car owners may not need to worry about winter storms, road salt, or other climate-related hazards, it’s best to properly store and protect your classic car from sun damage.
How much is classic car insurance in Nevada?
Nevadans pay an average of $192 per month for classic car insurance, according to Insurify data. For comparison, regular auto insurance costs an average of $212 per month in Nevada.
Nevada has some of the most expensive average auto insurance rates in the U.S., and those high rates also affect the cost of classic car insurance, according to Insurify data. Drivers in the Silver State pay more for insurance in part because roughly 94% of Nevadans live in urban areas, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and insurance coverage is typically more expensive in cities than in rural areas.
Nevada’s Legislature closed the “smog-check” loophole as of 2023 by requiring every driver registering for a classic vehicle license plate to show proof of classic car insurance.
Coverage Type | Average Monthly Cost in NV |
|---|---|
| Classic car insurance | $192 |
| Standard car insurance | $212 |
Best antique car insurance companies in Nevada
Nevadans can obtain antique car insurance coverage from several reputable insurance companies operating in the state. But purchasing a classic car insurance policy can take more work than regular auto insurance, since you generally can’t get a quote online.
Compare quotes, coverage options, and the amount of agreed-upon value coverage among multiple insurers to make sure you get the best specialized insurance for your needs.
Hagerty: Best overall
Founded and run by classic car enthusiasts, Hagerty is an insurance agency that specializes in insurance coverage options for cars and classic trucks older than 25 years, high-value vehicle collections, motorcycles, modified collector cars, replicas, and more.
Hagerty asks policyholders to limit their use to pleasure driving, club activities, car shows, and the like. The company also allows storage of vehicles in carports, driveways, parking garages, and car-hauling trailers, which can be a boon for Nevadans who only need to protect their antique cars from the sun.
Specializes in classic and collectible vehicles
Premiums are typically lower than for daily drivers, according to Hagerty
Up to $750 in spare parts coverage
Doesn’t offer other insurance products for bundling
Requires every licensed driver in your household to have a primary car
Must have 10 years of licensed experience to operate an insured motorcycle or high-performance vehicle
Farmers: Best for car shows
| User Reviews | 3.8 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.5 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $210/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $331/mo |
Farmers's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.6 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.5 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.1 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and good initial quotes but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of senior discounts. Some also reported issues with claim handling and communication.
Nevada is home to a thriving culture of car shows, including the annual Hot August Nights (HAN) car show, which hosted its 39th event in August 2026 with 6,000 registered participants and a reported 500,000+ attendees, according to the show. Nevada classic car owners who want to exhibit their vehicles in shows like HAN may want to consider getting insurance through Farmers.
Not only does Farmers offer agreed-upon value coverage that travels with your vehicle — even if you take it to a show in Mexico or an exhibition out of the country — but you can also purchase a “no-attendance” rider to protect your beloved antique car while you’re at the car show. This rider covers damage to your vehicle even if you’re not present when it happens, such as when you leave your vehicle during a car show to check out the other participants.
Can bundle home insurance with classic car insurance
Original equipment and parts coverage available
Specialized roadside assistance coverage available
May have higher premiums than competitors
Below-average JD Power customer satisfaction rating
Negative Trustpilot rating
American Modern: Best for car collectors
| User Reviews | NR |
|---|
As a specialized insurance company, American Modern offers home, pet, and collector-car insurance, covering antique vehicles, restorations, kit-car replicas, exotics, hot rods, and more.
Since American Modern only covers classic cars in “good to pristine” condition that you store in a locked garage, this insurer can be a great option for Nevada collectors. The climate of Nevada is almost ideal for classic vehicles, which means it’s easier to keep your antique in pristine condition.
And American Modern offers this perk: You get automatic coverage for up to $50,000 if you add an antique car to your collection, and you have up to 30 days to contact your insurance agent to add the new addition to your policy.
Spare parts coverage included
Optional car value appreciation coverage available
Automatic $50,000 coverage for newly purchased antique vehicles
Only covers vehicles in “good to pristine” condition
Must store vehicle in a locked garage
AM Best recently withdrew its A+ (Superior) financial strength rating
How we chose the best classic car insurance companies in Nevada
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell policies in Nevada to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, low-mileage discounts or programs, safe driving discounts, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
How classic car insurance policies work in Nevada
Regular auto insurance offers financial protection in the event of an accident — but standard coverage includes depreciation when determining the value of your vehicle. If you experience a total loss of your daily driver, your insurer will reimburse you for the actual cash value of your car, which is the replacement value minus depreciation.
With classic car insurance, your collector car isn’t a depreciating asset but an investment. It doesn’t just protect you from liability; it also protects the vehicle.
If a driver in the grip of road rage causes you to swerve and hit something in your classic vehicle, your classic car coverage will protect you if someone sustains an injury or the incident damages their property. But your insurance will also help pay for any repairs to your classic car, minus your deductible.
If you have to make a claim, your policy will typically permit you to use a specialized repair shop. Mechanics who work on antique vehicles are often much more expensive than traditional auto repair shops — but they have the necessary expertise to repair and restore your collector car.
How to pick coverage limits for classic car insurance
Coverage limits on standard auto insurance typically focus on your liability coverage limits, while classic car insurance coverage limits consider the agreed-upon value of the vehicle itself.
If you get into an accident in your daily driver and your insurer considers it a total loss, a regular auto insurance policy will reimburse you the actual cash value of the car, which includes depreciation. For example, your 2020 Toyota Camry may have cost about $25,000 when you purchased it new, but the current actual cash value is less than $17,000.
Agreed-upon value coverage limits in Nevada may be higher than elsewhere in the country, since it’s relatively easy to maintain antique cars in the Silver State’s climate. To determine the agreed-upon value, insurers rely on things like appraisals, photos, and other documentation.
What classic car insurance covers
Like regular car insurance, your classic car insurance policy will cover the bodily injury liability and property damage liability that every Nevada driver must carry. But in addition to that coverage, classic car coverage will also typically include:
Comprehensive coverage: If anything other than an accident damages your antique car, such as an animal encounter or flood damage, comprehensive coverage will help pay for repairs.
Collision coverage: With collision coverage, you have financial protection for your classic car in case you get into an accident with another car. This coverage uses the agreed-upon value rather than the actual cash value if you suffer a total loss. Collision coverage is an important part of classic car insurance in the Silver State.
Roadside assistance: Breakdowns are more common with classic cars, which is why 24/7 roadside assistance coverage is so important. This insurance will pay to transport your antique car to an appropriate repair shop, often via flatbed truck.
Spare parts coverage: If you’re doing your own restorations, it’s likely that you keep spare parts on hand. If you lose or damage those spare parts, or if someone steals them out of your garage, this coverage will pay to replace them.
Is classic car insurance required in Nevada?
Yes. Classic car owners in Nevada who want to register their vehicle for an antique car license plate and qualify for an exemption from annual smog checks must carry a classic car insurance policy.
Nevada also requires all drivers, no matter the age or condition of their car, to carry the following minimum liability insurance coverages:
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $20,000
If you drive in Nevada without insurance, you’ll face a potential suspension of your driver’s license and fees that range from $250 to $1,750, depending on the length of the insurance lapse and the number of offenses. Nevada also doesn’t have a grace period for lapsed insurance. Even a single day’s lapse could result in fines and penalties.
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Risks for classic cars in Nevada
Although Nevada’s climate is close to ideal for classic cars, below are some important risks that owners of collector cars should be aware of:
Heat and sun: Nevada’s sunny days are great for pleasure driving in a vintage vehicle, but the intense heat and sunshine can cause serious damage to your paint, leather, and other features of your classic car.
Animal collisions: Nevada is home to more than 895 wildlife species, including bears, deer, elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep, according to National Wildlife Federation data. Car collisions result in the deaths of 5,000 of these wild animals every year in Nevada, resulting in $19 million in crash costs.[5]
Theft: As of 2025, Nevada was second only to California in thefts per capita, with over 100 thefts per 100,000 residents, according to Insurify data.
Classic car insurance in Nevada FAQs
If you’re a classic car owner in Nevada, the answers to the following questions can help you figure out the right collector car insurance coverage for your needs.
How much does it cost to register a classic car in Nevada?
Registration for a classic car license plate in Nevada costs $35, plus a $7 pollution-control fee and a $0.50-per-plate prison industry fee, for a total of $42.50. Registration lasts for one year, and the renewal fee is $10 thereafter.
What is considered a classic car in Nevada?
Nevada categorizes classic cars based on age and modifications, using these categories:
Classic vehicle: At least 25 years old and containing only original parts or replacement parts that duplicate the original parts
Old timer: At least 40 years old
Street rod: Manufactured no later than 1948 with a carrying capacity of 1 ton or less
Classic rod: Manufactured after 1948, but must be at least 20 years old; must have a carrying capacity of 1 ton or less
Replica: Built after 1967 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1968, and/or has been altered from the original manufacturer’s design, or built using non-original materials
Are there mileage limits for classic car insurance in Nevada?
The state of Nevada imposes a 5,000-mile-per-year mileage limit on any car with a classic car license plate. The state also requires any car with a classic license plate to carry classic car insurance, which means plated cars in Nevada effectively have a 5,000-mile-per-year mileage limit.
What factors affect the cost of classic car insurance in Nevada?
Approximately 94% of Nevadans live in urban areas, which affects the cost of regular and classic car insurance, since driving in urban areas increases the likelihood of an accident, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Sources
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. "Classic Vehicle Plate."
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. "Nevada Liability Insurance Requirements."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Insuring your classic car."
- Justia. "2025 Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 482 - Motor Vehicles and Trailers: Licensing, Registration, Sales and Leases NRS 482.3816 - Classic Vehicles.."
- Nevada Department of Transportation. "Safety Overpasses/Underpasses."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
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