You've invested years — and real money — into your classic. Standard auto insurance was built for daily drivers, not collector vehicles. At RFK Insurance, we specialize in classic and collector car coverage across New Jersey that protects what your car is actually worth, not what a depreciation formula says it's worth.

This is the most important thing to understand before you insure a classic car in NJ — and most people get it wrong.

Agreed Value (Recommended)
You and the insurer agree on the car's value upfront — before anything happens. If your car is totaled, you receive that full agreed amount. No depreciation. No negotiating after a loss. If you agree your restored 1967 Mustang is worth $55,000, that's exactly what you get.

Stated Value
You declare a value, but the insurer can pay the lower of that amount or actual cash value at the time of loss. In practice, this means a stated value policy can pay significantly less than you expect — the insurer will apply depreciation at claim time. For most collector vehicles, we recommend against stated value policies.

A standard policy insures your car at actual cash value (ACV) — what a similar vehicle would sell for on the open market, minus depreciation. For a daily driver, that's fine. For a meticulously restored classic, it's a serious problem. If your car has appreciated in value or you've put significant restoration work into it, a standard policy won't cover your real loss.

We understand that no two collectors are alike. Whether you're showing at a North Jersey car show or cruising the Jersey Shore boardwalk on a summer weekend, we offer specialized insurance for:

• Classic cars — generally vehicles 25+ years old maintained in original or restored condition

• Antique cars — typically pre-1975 vehicles maintained for collection or display

• Collector cars — any vehicle collected for historical, aesthetic, or investment value

• Modified and custom vehicles — builds and hot rods with documented modifications

• Reproductions and replicas — factory-built or hand-built reproductions of classic models

• Kit cars — customer-assembled vehicles built from manufacturer kits

• Restoration projects — vehicles actively undergoing restoration (specialized coverage available)

• Modern classics — newer vehicles with collector appeal, often 15–25 years old

• Vintage fire engines and specialty vehicles

• Exotic and high-value vehicles

A well-structured collector vehicle policy includes:

• Agreed value coverage — the full insured amount paid at total loss, with no depreciation applied
• Comprehensive and collision coverage — protection against accident, theft, fire, hail, and other covered perils
• Spare parts and equipment — coverage for original parts, tools, and restoration materials kept with the vehicle
• Roadside assistance — specialized towing to protect your car from further damage during transport
  
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — protection if you're hit by a driver without adequate insurance

Coverage specifics vary by carrier and policy. As independent brokers, we compare options across multiple carriers to find the right combination of coverage and price for your situation.

Just like you'd customize your ride, your policy needs to be customized too. We factor in your car's collectible value, how many miles you drive each year, and many other personalized details to build the right coverage at the right price.

When we submit your application for insurance, your insurance carrier may require us to provide some or all of the information below. Should you ever be in the unfortunate position of filing a claim, everything will be in order.

• 🚗Usage
  Limited use — classic car policies are designed for pleasure driving, car shows, and occasional use. Most carriers allow 2,500–7,500 miles per year. Daily commuters don't qualify.
  
• 🏠Storage
  Your vehicle must be stored in a locked, enclosed garage or storage facility when not in use. Open carports typically don't qualify.
  
• 🚘Regular-Use Vehicle
  Most carriers require that you have a separate, regularly-insured vehicle for daily use.
  
• 📋Driver Eligibility
  As with other auto insurance, your driving history will be taken into account when determining your rate.
• 📋Vehicle documentation
  Photos, appraisals, and documentation of restoration work help establish agreed value.
  

Classic car insurance is often significantly less expensive than standard auto insurance — sometimes by 40–60%. The reason is straightforward: you're not driving the car every day, so the exposure is lower.

Factors that affect your classic car insurance rate in New Jersey include:

•      Agreed value of the vehicle — higher insured value means a higher premium

•      Annual mileage — lower mileage typically means lower rates

•      Where you store the vehicle — a secured garage lowers risk

•      Your driving history — clean records get better rates

•      The carrier — rates vary significantly across insurers, which is why working with an independent broker matters

Many North Jersey and Jersey Shore collectors are genuinely surprised by how affordable proper coverage is. A vehicle insured at $40,000 in agreed value might cost $300–$600 per year with the right carrier and policy. We'll shop your policy across multiple carriers to find the best rate for your specific vehicle.