Insure classic cars online straight away: 5 steps to digital cover for your cherished vehicle
23.05.2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Would you like to insure your classic car quickly, easily and comprehensively? Discover how you can insure your classic car directly online and benefit from tailored rates. In this article, we guide you through the entire process, from valuation to digital contract conclusion.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A classic car requires special insurance based on the vehicle's value and not on standard tariff classes.
For online completion, an everyday vehicle, a secure parking space and proof of value (appraisal or self-assessment) are usually required.
Pay attention to important policy details such as value increase cover, all-risk cover and the waiver of downgrading in the event of a claim.
Understanding the basics of digital classic car insurance
A specialist classic car insurance policy is tailored to the needs of cherished vehicles. Unlike everyday cars, cover is based not on standard lists, but on the individual value of your classic. Most insurers require a vehicle to be at least 30 years old for a classic car tariff. For vehicles between 20 and 29 years old, there are often special youngtimer tariffs. The key advantage is that increases in value can be taken into account, which is usually not the case with a standard motor insurance policy. A good classic car insurance policy therefore protects not only the vehicle, but also your invested capital. These policies are often cheaper, as they assume lower annual mileage and careful use. The path to the right cover begins with an understanding of these key differences.
Check the requirements for completing online
Before you can take out insurance for your classic car directly online, certain conditions must be met. These help the insurer assess the risk and ensure you receive a fair premium. An everyday vehicle for daily journeys is almost always required. In addition, a secure, usually locked parking space such as a garage is required overnight. Annual mileage is often limited to a certain distance, for example under 12,000 kilometres. Many providers also set a minimum age for the driver, often 23 or 25 years old. The most important requirement, however, is proof of the vehicle value, which forms the basis for the sum insured. If these points are met, nothing stands in the way of the digital application process.
Accurately determine and substantiate the vehicle value
The value of your classic car is the basis for the sum insured and the premium. For vehicles worth up to 100,000 euros, some online insurers accept a simple self-assessment. For more valuable classics, often from a market value of 50,000 euros upwards, a professional valuation report from a recognised expert becomes mandatory. A distinction is made here between market value and replacement value. The replacement value, which describes the price of an equivalent vehicle on the market, is usually more relevant for insurance. An up-to-date report, no more than two years old, helps prevent underinsurance. Supplementary cover, which automatically insures value increases of up to 30 per cent, is an important policy feature. With solid proof of value, you create the basis for the next steps.
Select the right online tariff
The choice of the right tariff depends on your individual need for security. Motor liability insurance is legally required and covers damage you cause to others. In addition, there are comprehensive cover policies that extend protection to your own vehicle. A partial comprehensive policy generally covers damage caused by theft, fire, glass breakage and natural forces. Fully comprehensive cover also includes self-inflicted accident damage and often vandalism. For seamless protection, some insurers offer all-risk cover, which covers almost all conceivable damage. Pay attention to details such as cover for transit damage or spare parts, which are often already included in partial comprehensive cover. A detailed comparison of classic car insurance helps you find the optimal protection.
Expert tips for optimal protection
To maximise insurance cover, you should pay particular attention to a few clauses. Our expert tip: choose a policy without claims-related downgrading, so that a minor parking scrape does not lead to higher premiums for years. A good policy should also include a "resting cover" that applies even when the vehicle is deregistered and parked in the garage. Pay attention to the exact definition of the insured value. Restoration value can be an option if you have invested a lot in a restoration. Here is a list of important cover components to look out for:
All-risk cover: Protects against almost all risks that are not explicitly excluded.
Value appreciation cover: Automatically offsets the increase in value of your classic car, often by 20 to 30 per cent.
Transport cover: Covers damage incurred on a trailer or transporter.
Vandalism cover: Already included in many comprehensive policies.
Waiver of the defence of gross negligence: Important, so that the insurer cannot reduce benefits.
These details determine, in an emergency, whether claims are handled smoothly and pave the way for the final step.
Digital application: to your policy in just a few minutes
The final step is the actual online completion. Modern insurance portals like nextsure make this process simple and transparent. You enter the vehicle data and the desired tariff details into an online calculator. You then upload the necessary documents, such as the valuation report or photos of the vehicle, directly. After a brief review, you receive your quote and can sign the contract digitally. The electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) for registration is often sent to you immediately by email. This efficient process often takes just a few minutes and saves you the hassle of paperwork. So you can quickly return to what really matters: enjoying your classic car. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides a short report on vehicle age and the classic car stock in 2023 as a PDF document.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides a press release on classic cars in 2023.
TÜV provides information on classic car appraisals and their significance.
GTÜ (Society for Technical Inspection) explains the requirements and process for the historic vehicle registration plate for classic cars.
GDV (German Insurance Association) offers media information on the digitalisation of insurance contracts.
German Bundesbank provides statistics on insurance topics.
FAQ
How quickly will I receive the eVB number when completing the online application?
With a direct online application, you will usually receive the eVB number for registering your classic car by email immediately after submitting the application.
What annual mileage is permitted with classic car insurance?
The maximum permitted annual mileage varies from provider to provider, but is often less than 12,000 kilometres per year.
Is there a minimum age for the driver?
Yes, most insurers require a minimum age of 23 or 25 years for all named drivers of the classic car. A few providers allow this from the age of 18.
Is my classic car also insured abroad?
Yes, third-party motor insurance cover generally applies throughout Europe. For comprehensive damage, please check the exact areas of cover in your policy terms and conditions.
What happens if the value of my classic car increases?
Good tariffs include a provision for an increase in value of 20 to 30 percent. If the value rises beyond that, you should have a new appraisal prepared and adjust the insured sum.
Can I also insure a classic motorcycle online?
Yes, many specialist insurers also offer suitable online policies for classic motorcycles, tractors or motorhomes aged 30 years and over.
