Updated
Classic car insurance protects collector vehicles with agreed-value coverage after a total loss instead of the standard depreciated value.
New Jersey collector car insurance costs around 24% less than a standard auto policy.
Owners of collector vehicles typically need at least five years of driving experience and a clean driving record to qualify for classic car insurance.
What to know about classic car insurance in New Jersey
Classic car insurance in New Jersey protects collector vehicles, such as antique cars, hot rods, classic trucks, vintage automobiles, and even some muscle cars and classic motorcycles. It works differently from standard auto insurance, although classic car coverage typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages, the same as a standard full-coverage policy.
A classic car insurance policy pays out claims based on an agreed value — the amount the insurer and vehicle owner agree the car is worth.[1] And, unlike standard auto insurance, collector car insurance limits use for covered vehicles. A classic car policy might limit the number of miles you can drive during the policy period, or it might specifically limit use to classic car shows.
Most policies also include storage requirements to help keep these special vehicles safe when they’re not on New Jersey roads.
Do you qualify for classic car insurance in New Jersey?
Qualifying for classic auto insurance in New Jersey depends on factors like your vehicle’s age, how you use it, where you store it, your driving record, and more. Insurance companies consider these details to determine your coverage needs and help set your premium.
Age requirements
Many classic car insurers require a vehicle to be at least 25–30 years old. Some insurers will cover newer vehicles if they’re limited-edition, supercars, or exotic cars. Companies may also protect historically significant and rare collectible mopeds, motorcycles, and scooters, provided they meet a minimum-value threshold.
Usage restrictions
Classic car insurance usually restricts use, meaning you can drive your collectible only on the occasional weekend, to a car show, or to other special events. Your insurer may also require you to have another car that you use daily and insure it under a standard auto policy.
If you want historic or street rod tags in New Jersey, you can use the vehicle only for educational purposes or to participate in an exhibition.[2]
Storage requirements
Safe storage helps protect collector vehicles, which is why many classic car insurers have storage requirements. In New Jersey, where winter snow, road salt, and coastal storms can damage vehicles, many insurers require your classic car to be in a secure garage or enclosed storage space when you’re not driving it.
Compare New Jersey Car Insurance Quotes
Standard full-coverage policies start as low as $138/mo.
How much is classic car insurance in New Jersey?
New Jersey classic car insurance costs $166 per month, Insurify data shows. That’s around 24% less than the average monthly cost of a standard auto policy in the Garden State. Limiting use, requiring secure storage, and imposing age restrictions reduce risk for classic car insurers, helping keep collector car premiums lower.
While collector car coverage can cost less, rates vary based on factors like your age, driving record, ZIP code, the vehicle’s value, and risks specific to New Jersey.
For example, heavy traffic and high theft rates increase the risk of claims in busy urban areas like Newark and Jersey City, so it may cost more to insure a classic car in those areas. Owners in smaller communities like Newton and Hammonton often face lower traffic and theft risks and have more secure storage options, which usually translates to cheaper insurance rates.
The following table shows how the average cost of classic car insurance in New Jersey compares to the average cost of a standard auto insurance policy.
Coverage Type | Average Monthly Cost in NJ |
|---|---|
| Classic car insurance | $166 |
| Standard car insurance | $219 |
Best antique car insurance companies in New Jersey
New Jersey antique and collector car owners have several specialty insurance companies to choose from. The best company depends on the type of vehicle, how you use it, and the coverage features that matter the most to you. The following insurers stand out for their collector-focused programs and unique benefits.
J.C. Taylor: Best overall
Based in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, J.C. Taylor has been insuring hobby vehicles since the 1960s. Its deep knowledge of New Jersey-based insurance risks can help ensure you get the coverage you need to protect your investment.
It insures collector vehicles that are at least 19 years old in New Jersey, making it a viable option for newer models.[3] It also doesn’t set mileage limits for hobby use, including club activities and public events, like parades and car shows.
Offers a $0 deductible on physical damage coverage
No mileage limits
Focuses solely on collector car insurance
Drivers must be at least 25 and have a clean driving record
Won’t insure vehicles with roll cages, lifts, or nitrous systems
Vehicles must be free of accessories like bed caps and tow balls
Hagerty: Best for rare and high-value classics
Hagerty has a long list of qualifying vehicles and doesn’t have vehicle age restrictions on some modern classics. New Jersey collectors with rare restorations or show vehicles may benefit from Hagerty’s optional coverages, including trip interruption, spare parts, tools, memorabilia, and vehicles under construction.[4]
You can also keep your classic if it gets totaled without Hagerty deducting salvage value if you add cherished salvage coverage to your policy.
May allow driveway storage for classics below $50,000
Can choose any repair shop
Offers cherished salvage coverage
Requires full coverage
Doesn’t insure off-road or recreational vehicles
Requires a daily-use vehicle for all household drivers
American Collectors Insurance: Best for customizable coverage
Cherry Hill, New Jersey-based American Collectors Insurance is a good fit for collectors who want customizable coverage. Inflation guard is built into your policy, automatically increasing your vehicle’s agreed value by up to 6% each year to help keep pace with rising collector car values.[5]
It also offers tailored mileage plans, automatic coverage for newly acquired classics, disaster relocation, and restoration coverage. Discounts are available for mature drivers, high-value vehicles, insuring multiple collectibles, and more.
Offers unlimited mileage plan
4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
Inflation guard included in TreasureGuard policy
Drivers must be at least 26 with six years of driving experience
Included basic towing only reimburses $50
Potential issues with online tools
How we chose the best classic car insurance companies in New Jersey
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell classic car insurance policies in New Jersey to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to classic car owners. We considered availability, storage requirements, use limitations, and age and driving record requirements.
How classic car insurance policies work in New Jersey
A classic car policy offers the same general coverage as a standard policy in New Jersey. But policies can also come with free extras, like inflation guard or spare parts coverage. They may also offer add-ons for an additional premium, such as roadside assistance or restoration coverage.
Classic car insurers typically require odometer readings to confirm mileage limits and may require an appraisal during the claims process. Insurance companies typically require you to store your classic in a secure garage, rather than your New Jersey driveway, especially during bad weather.
It’s important to understand how collector cars are valued and the additional coverages you can include in your policy that often differ from standard auto insurance.
How to pick coverage limits for classic car insurance
Traditional auto insurance usually pays based on a vehicle’s actual cash value, while classic car insurance uses agreed-upon value. The valuation can mean a difference of thousands of dollars when it comes to paying claims.
For example, let’s say your collector car is worth $25,000. If your insurer considers it a total loss, an agreed-value policy would pay you $25,000 minus your deductible (if any). A standard policy factors in depreciation and your deductible.
New Jersey owners of restored vehicles may need higher limits due to collector demand, upgrades, and restoration costs. Insurers typically set agreed value using appraisals, photos, documentation, and valuation tools.
What classic car insurance covers
Classic car insurance may include:
Spare parts coverage: Helps protect valuable replacement parts, such as rare engine components or trim pieces, that New Jersey collectors keep for restoration projects.
Roadside assistance: Provides specialized help, like flatbed towing, for classics that need careful transport after a breakdown on scenic roads like Old Mine Road or Route 519.
Vehicle under construction coverage: Helps protect a collector vehicle while you’re restoring it or having it repaired, even if it’s in pieces in your garage.
Collision coverage: Helps cover repairs if your classic car is damaged in a crash while driving on New Jersey roads, such as a weekend cruise through the Delaware Water Gap.
Comprehensive coverage: Protects against non-crash damage, including getting caught in a hailstorm in Burlington or flood conditions near the Jersey Shore.
Is classic car insurance required in New Jersey?
No, classic car insurance isn’t required in New Jersey. But every vehicle driven on public roads must meet the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements. Standard and collector car insurance policies must include at least:[6]
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Personal injury protection (PIP): $25,000 per accident
Many classic car owners choose a specialty policy because it offers agreed-value coverage and protection designed for collector vehicles and antique automobiles.
Driving without insurance in New Jersey is illegal. You could face a fine of up to $1,000, a one-year license suspension, and community service hours determined by the court for a first offense. Second and subsequent offenses could result in a fine of up to $5,000, 14 days in jail, 30 days of community service, and up to two years with a suspended license.
Find Affordable New Jersey Classic Car Insurance
See quotes from top insurance companies in minutes
Risks for classic cars in New Jersey
Owning a classic car in New Jersey comes with unique risks that can affect both your vehicle and your insurance needs:
Winter weather: Snow, ice, humidity, and road salt can accelerate rust and corrosion, making indoor storage especially important year-round in New Jersey.
Summer storms: Vehicles stored near the Jersey Shore may face a higher risk of damage from hurricanes, nor’easters, and flooding. Hail and summer storms are more common in the western part of New Jersey.
Theft and vandalism: Densely populated areas in New Jersey with higher traffic and fewer secure parking options increase the risk of classic-vehicle theft or vandalism.
Storage challenges: Many collector policies require a locked garage or enclosed storage, which can be difficult for New Jersey owners without dedicated indoor parking.
Classic car insurance in New Jersey FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people ask about collector car insurance in New Jersey.
What is the classic car law in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers historic and street rod tags for vehicles used only for educational and exhibition purposes. Owners who don’t qualify for historic or street rod plates can get collector vehicle status for limited-edition vehicles driven less than 3,000 miles annually.
Which company has the best insurance in New Jersey for classic cars?
The best insurer depends on your vehicle’s age and value, your age, your driving record and experience, and your coverage needs. J.C. Taylor, Hagerty, and American Collectors Insurance offer some of the best classic car coverage in New Jersey.
How do you qualify for classic car insurance in New Jersey?
Most insurers require the vehicle to be at least 20 years old, used primarily for hobby purposes, and stored in a locked garage. Drivers also usually must have a clean driving record and a separate daily-use vehicle.
How can you qualify for classic car insurance in New Jersey?
Each insurer has its own eligibility requirements, but you’ll generally need to have a clean driving record, several years of driving experience, and a vehicle that’s at least 20–25 years old.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). "Insuring your classic car."
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. "Historic and Street Rod."
- J.C. Taylor. "Classic Car Insurance Requirements."
- Hagerty. "Additional coverages through Hagerty."
- American Collectors Insurance. "Collector's Insurance."
- State of New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance. "Standard Auto Insurance Policy."
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
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)