Car loan for classic cars with valuation report: Four steps to financing
12 Jul 2025
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The dream of owning a classic car is an emotional life goal for many car enthusiasts. However, financing often poses an obstacle, as classic vehicles present special requirements for banks. A professional valuation is not just a formal requirement, but your strongest argument for securing the best conditions.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A professional appraisal is the most important prerequisite for a favourable classic car loan, as it objectively substantiates the vehicle's value.
Secured car loans are often cheaper, but they require the deposit of the vehicle registration document as collateral at the bank.
In addition to the purchase price, plan for at least ten to twenty percent extra to cover ongoing costs such as maintenance, insurance, and unforeseen repairs.
Einen Autokredit für einen Oldtimer mit Wertgutachten abzuschließen, unterscheidet sich grundlegend vom Kauf eines Neuwagens. Banken bewerten das Risiko anders, da der Wert eines Klassikers nicht sinkt, sondern bei guter Pflege sogar um mehrere Prozent pro Jahr steigen kann. Ein detailliertes Gutachten dient als essenzielle Sicherheit für den Kreditgeber und bestätigt den Fahrzeugwert objektiv. Es dokumentiert den Zustand, die Originalität und den Marktwert, wodurch Sie eine solide Verhandlungsbasis für einen Kredit mit attraktiven Zinsen von oft unter sechs Prozent erhalten. Dieser Artikel führt Sie durch den gesamten Prozess, von der Auswahl des richtigen Gutachters bis zum erfolgreichen Kreditabschluss.
The appraisal report: Your ticket to vintage car financing
A valuation report is a mandatory requirement for most banks when granting loans. Unlike modern vehicles, it serves as proof that the classic car is not just a passion object but a stable investment. A short report, which often suffices for insurance purposes, costs between 90 and 200 euros. However, for financing, banks usually require a full valuation report, which starts at around 300 euros and provides a detailed assessment of the condition of all components. This report classifies the classic car according to condition grades from one (immaculate) to five (in need of restoration), which directly affects the market value. A vehicle with a grade two can already have a value 15 to 30 percent higher than a vehicle with grade three. With a professional report for the insurance, you create a reliable basis for negotiations with the bank. Thus, the investment in a good report pays off multiple times and significantly speeds up the loan approval.
Compare credit options and reduce interest costs by up to 40 percent
There are various loan models to consider for financing a classic car. In addition to the traditional installment loan, some institutions offer special, purpose-specific car loans, which often have more favorable interest rates. With such a loan, the vehicle serves as collateral, so the bank retains the registration certificate part two (vehicle title) until full repayment. Comparing interest rates is essential because conditions vary greatly and can offer savings of over 40 percent. The following options are available to you:
Purpose-specific car loan: Often the cheapest option with effective annual interest rates starting at around five percent, as the vehicle value serves as security.
Flexible installment loan: Offers more flexibility, as the money can also be used for necessary repairs, but is often one to two percentage points more expensive.
Balloon financing: Allows for low monthly payments and a high final rate, reducing the ongoing burden. This flexible financing form is ideal if you expect a larger sum at the end of the term.
Our expert tip: Check offers from specialist banks that have experience with classic cars, as they often better assess the value and potential of the vehicle compared to a conventional bank. Choosing the right loan model heavily depends on your financial planning and the vehicle's value.
The Application Process: Four Steps to Your Desired Loan
The path to obtaining a car loan for your classic car can be broken down into four clear steps. Good preparation can shorten the entire process from several weeks to just a few days. Most steps can now be handled completely digitally, significantly reducing the effort required. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Obtain a valuation report: Find a certified expert (for example, from TÜV or DEKRA) to create a complete appraisal for your desired vehicle. This should be no more than two years old to reflect current market value.
Gather loan offers: Use online comparison portals to request non-binding and SCHUFA-neutral inquiries of terms from multiple banks. Have your credit documents (salary slips for the last three months, a copy of your employment contract) ready for this.
Submit documentation: Submit the loan application along with the valuation report, the draft purchase contract, and your personal documents to the chosen bank. Many direct banks offer a completely digital document upload within ten minutes.
Loan decision and payout: After your documents have been positively reviewed, you will often receive the loan approval within 24 to 48 hours. The money is transferred directly to your account, allowing you to pay the purchase price to the seller and realise your dream of owning a classic car.
A structured approach helps you avoid pitfalls and speeds up the loan disbursement process. This ensures the financing goes smoothly, while you prepare for your first drive.
Legal Aspects: Assignment as Security and Insurance Requirements
When arranging a vehicle-specific loan for a classic car, a security transfer of ownership is legally agreed. This means that the bank remains the legal owner of the vehicle until the loan is fully repaid, even though you are the owner and use the car. For this reason, the bank retains the vehicle registration certificate part two. This procedure reduces the risk for the bank by more than 50 percent and, in return, enables more favourable interest rates. It is important that you take out fully comprehensive insurance for the vehicle, as this is a common requirement from the financing bank. A good classic car insurance not only covers damages but also takes into account the market value established in the appraisal. Some insurers only require a comprehensive appraisal from a vehicle value of 50,000 euros. Clarify the exact requirements for classic car insurance early to avoid coverage gaps. This protection safeguards both you and the bank in the event of theft or total loss.
Request your personal risk analysis now
Purchasing a classic car is an investment that combines passion with financial planning. A solid car loan, secured by a professional valuation, is the key to success. With the right preparation and a reliable partner by your side, nothing stands in the way of your dream. Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
TÜV provides detailed information on classic car valuation reports and forensic investigations.
TÜV-Verband offers information about valuation reports for classic cars.
VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) publishes press releases, including those on the development of classic car prices.
KBA (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) provides official press releases and statistics on the topic of classic cars.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article with definitions and general information on classic cars.
DAT (Deutsche Automobil Treuhand) provides information on experts for historic vehicles and their appraisal.
Bundesverband deutscher Banken offers general information about the German banking system and financing topics.
Deutsche Bundesbank provides detailed banking statistics.
FAQ
Wie lange ist ein Wertgutachten für einen Oldtimer gültig?
Ein Wertgutachten ist unbegrenzt gültig, aber es wird empfohlen, es alle zwei bis drei Jahre zu aktualisieren. So wird die aktuelle Wertentwicklung des Fahrzeugs dokumentiert, was bei einer späteren Kreditaufnahme oder für die Versicherung wichtig ist.
Benötige ich für die Finanzierung immer ein H-Kennzeichen?
Nicht zwingend, aber es ist ein starkes Plus. Ein H-Kennzeichen bestätigt den originalgetreuen und erhaltenswerten Zustand des Fahrzeugs, was Banken als positives Signal werten. Zudem profitieren Sie von einer Steuerpauschale von rund 192 Euro pro Jahr.
Was passiert, wenn ich die Raten nicht mehr zahlen kann?
Wenn Sie die Raten nicht mehr bedienen können, sollten Sie sofort die Bank kontaktieren. Bei einem zweckgebundenen Kredit mit Sicherungsübereignung hat die Bank das Recht, das Fahrzeug zu veräußern, um die Restschuld zu decken. Eine Restschuldversicherung kann dieses Risiko minimieren.
Kann ich den Kredit auch für eine Restaurierung nutzen?
Ja, dafür eignet sich ein frei verwendbarer Ratenkredit. Dieser ist in der Regel etwas teurer als ein zweckgebundener Autokredit, bietet aber die nötige Flexibilität, um neben dem Kauf auch Restaurierungsarbeiten zu finanzieren, die den Wert des Fahrzeugs weiter steigern.
Welche Rolle spielt meine Bonität?
Ihre Bonität ist ein entscheidender Faktor für die Zinskonditionen. Eine gute Bonität (z. B. ein hoher SCHUFA-Score) führt zu niedrigeren Zinsen. Zusammen mit einem soliden Wertgutachten bildet sie die Basis für eine positive Kreditentscheidung.
Kann ich den Kredit vorzeitig zurückzahlen?
Ja, bei den meisten modernen Krediten sind kostenlose Sondertilgungen oder eine vorzeitige vollständige Rückzahlung möglich. Achten Sie bei der Auswahl des Kredits auf diese Konditionen, um flexibel zu bleiben und Zinskosten zu sparen.
