Frequently asked questions

What is a Classic Car?

Any car manufactured at least 15 years ago and some manufactured between 10 and 15 years ago may be acceptable. The annual mileage must not exceed 7,500 miles - discounts are available for lower mileage. Other vehicles including commercial vehicles, military vehicles, tractors and custom made replicas may be acceptable. If you are unable to find your vehicle on our website listing please call us on 0800 731 2063.

Do Cherished / Classic Car Club Members get special rates?

Yes, if you are a member of a recognised classic car club, you will qualify for a very useful discount of 15%. (A photocopy of your membership card will be required.)

What is the excess?

This is the amount that you will be required to pay towards the cost of any claim for loss of or damage to your vehicle. The excess is determined by the vehicles value; if you require further information on this subject please contact us.

How is the car’s value determined?

The underwriters base their values upon the “fair market” value of a vehicle (the value that could be achieved in a sale between a willing seller and a willing buyer), agreed at inception and guaranteed until the following renewal. All we need for an Agreed Value is four photographs of your vehicle and in some cases additional supporting evidence.

Do you accept valuations?

Yes, provided it is appropriately worded to include the valuer’s opinion of today’s open market value, not reinstatement costs. It must also be from a marque specialist and independent of any restorer who has worked on the vehicle.

What is a Thatcham security device?

The Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre evaluates the effectiveness of car security products against the British insurance industry’s criteria. Most insurers acknowledge the benefits of these devices.

Can I insure more than one car on a policy?

No, we can only cover one vehicle per policy.

What mileage limits do you offer?

Our policy offers you limits of 1500, 3000, 5000 or 7500 miles per annum depending upon the age of your car.

What happens if I exceed my mileage limit?

If at the time of a claim it is established that the mileage limit has been exceeded the claim will be declined. It is possible to increase your mileage limit providing it is prior to a claim occurring and that the required additional premium has been paid. Please note the maximum mileage limit allowed is 7500 miles per annum.

Does my policy earn a no claims discount?

No, Classic car insurance differs from every day car insurance, in that you do not earn a no claims discount. We will however issue evidence of claim free driving if required.

Can you cover my cherished number plate?

Yes we can. All we need is the value to put it on cover.

Does my policy provide a courtesy car?

No, Classic car insurance rates are low because we expect owners to use another vehicle for daily use and therefore a courtesy car is not appropriate.

About cover

Is immediate cover available?

Yes, immediate cover is available both via the phone and the Internet. If you need an urgent cover note for taxation purposes please call us for assistance.

Does my policy allow me to drive abroad?

All private car policies issued in the UK include the minimum cover required in any EU country. In addition Towergate Classic Motor Cherished Car Insurance policies provide cover equivalent to that held in the UK (for up to 90 days in a year) automatically. Cover may be extended for longer periods or for countries outside the EU.

Does my policy allow me to drive anybody else’s car?

No, the policy specifically excludes driving of other cars not belonging to or hired to you.

Does my classic car policy allow any person to drive?

No, however you can have up to six named drivers including the policyholder provided they are over 25 years old.

About payment

Can I spread my payments and pay by monthly installments?

Yes, we do offer payment by installments. If you would like further details please call us on 0800 731 2063.

What about the security of my online payment?

We know that when you purchase items or services online you want your personal details and your credit or debit card information to be private and secure. We are committed to providing this security for you. Our secure-server software encrypts all the details in your online transaction. The encryption process takes the characters you enter and converts them into coded form, which is then securely transmitted.

Useful information

Who is Towergate Classic Motor?

Towergate Classic Motor is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  We have been specialists in classic car insurance since 1969.

How can I contact you?

If you need any help or want to contact us, you can: Call us on 0870 990 6060. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm.