Insuring an antique truck requires specialized coverage that standard auto insurance policies simply can't provide. Whether you own a pristine 1967 Chevrolet C10, a restored 1956 Ford F-100, or a rare International Harvester pickup, finding the right insurance provider is essential to protecting your investment. This comprehensive guide explores the leading insurance companies that specialize in antique truck coverage and what makes their policies different from conventional auto insurance.
Understanding Antique Truck Insurance
Before exploring specific providers, it's important to understand what makes antique truck insurance different from standard auto coverage. Classic vehicles insurance policies cater to the unique needs of vehicle owners, including paying for hard-to-find replacement parts if your classic or antique vehicle gets damaged in an accident or any other unexpected event.
Unlike standard policies that use actual cash value (which depreciates over time), antique truck insurance typically uses agreed value coverage. This means you and your insurer agree upfront on your truck's value, and that's the amount you'll receive if it's stolen or totaled, ensuring you're properly compensated for your investment.
Most insurers consider vehicles 25 years or older as classic cars, though some companies lower this threshold to 20 years for certain makes and models. However, age alone doesn't qualify a truck for classic coverage—most insurers also require that the vehicle be well-maintained, stored properly, and used primarily for pleasure driving rather than daily transportation.
Top Insurance Providers for Antique Trucks
Several insurance companies specialize in classic and antique vehicle coverage, each with unique features, pricing structures, and eligibility requirements.
Hagerty: The Industry Leader
Hagerty, with a $284 annual premium for typical coverage, is the best classic car insurance provider for its extensive coverage options and exceptional policies. As the largest and most recognized name in collector vehicle insurance, Hagerty has built its reputation on understanding the unique needs of vintage vehicle owners.
With Hagerty, as long as the truck is 25 years or older, classic and antique trucks have the same insurance eligibility criteria, valuation method, and coverage options. This consistency makes Hagerty an attractive option for truck owners who don't want to navigate complicated distinctions between "classic" and "antique" classifications.
Hagerty offers several key advantages for antique truck owners. Hagerty provides classic car coverage for nearly any type of vehicle, including collector vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, military vehicles, and even antique boats, and the company claims its classic car insurance premiums cost 21% less than daily driver insurance. Additionally, Hagerty is one of the few insurers offering flexible usage without strict mileage restrictions, giving owners more freedom to enjoy their trucks.
The company provides guaranteed value coverage, meaning you'll be reimbursed for the full insured value in the event of a total loss. Hagerty also maintains a network of approved repair shops familiar with classic vehicle restoration, ensuring quality repairs when needed.
However, most specialty insurers, including Hagerty, require that you not use your classic truck for typical day-to-day driving like your work or school commute or running routine errands, though occasional pleasure use and driving your classic truck to auto shows, car club events, and other collector-focused gatherings are permitted.
Grundy Insurance: Unlimited Mileage and No Deductibles
Grundy Insurance stands out for its unique approach to classic vehicle coverage. Grundy offers full agreed value guaranteed coverage with no deductible in most states, full comprehensive and collision, liability with limits up to $1,000,000, spare parts inventory coverage up to $500, trip interruption up to $600, and towing and labor up to $250.
One of Grundy's most appealing features is the absence of mileage restrictions. Unlike most competitors who limit annual mileage to 2,500-7,500 miles, Grundy allows unlimited pleasure driving. This makes Grundy an excellent choice for owners who want to drive their antique trucks more frequently to shows, club events, and road trips.
Grundy offers classic car insurance for collectibles and classic vehicles that are at least 25 years old and are not used for daily driving or commuting, and since classic cars are on the road less than normal vehicles, Grundy states their policies can cost over 50% less than normal car insurance.
However, Grundy does have strict requirements. When you have your car at home, it must be kept in an enclosed, secure garage when not in use, all drivers must be 25 years old, and you must have a separate regular-use vehicle. These requirements ensure that Grundy maintains low claim rates and can offer competitive pricing.
American Collectors Insurance: Flexible Coverage Options
American Collectors Insurance offers comprehensive coverage tailored specifically to collector trucks. American Collectors requires at least 10 years of driving experience for classic truck insurance, while Hagerty has fewer requirement differences between classic truck and classic car insurance, and unlike some classic car insurers, American Collectors offers coverage options allowing classic vehicle owners to drive up to 7,500 miles per year.
American Collectors provides inflation protection of up to 6% annually at no additional premium, helping ensure your coverage keeps pace with your truck's appreciating value. The company also offers multi-vehicle discounts and simplified underwriting processes, making it easier to insure multiple classic vehicles under one policy.
Whether you have two or ten classic trucks, multi-vehicle discounts can be applied to your policy, and you can bundle your classic truck insurance along with your motorcycles, classic vehicles, antique cars, exotic cars, and more.
American Collectors stands out for its specialized claims handling and understanding of collector vehicle repairs. The company works with restoration shops and mechanics who specialize in vintage trucks, ensuring repairs maintain authenticity and quality.
Classic Auto Insurance: Agreed Value with Inflation Guard
Classic Auto Insurance has specialized in collector vehicle coverage since 1992. Classic Auto offers agreed value coverage on your truck, working with you to determine the real value of your pickup and writing a policy based on that price, so if your truck is totaled in a covered loss, you will receive the exact agreed upon value on your policy minus your deductible.
In addition to agreed value coverage, Classic Auto's "Inflation Guard" provides an automatic increase in vehicle coverage every quarter throughout the policy term, so you don't have to worry your beloved family truck may be underinsured. This quarterly adjustment helps protect against market appreciation and ensures your coverage remains adequate.
Classic Auto offers flexible mileage plans, allowing you to choose from 1,000, 3,000, or 6,000 annual miles to match your anticipated usage. This flexibility helps you avoid paying for coverage you don't need while ensuring adequate protection for your driving patterns.
State Farm: Traditional Insurance for Classic Trucks
For owners who prefer working with a traditional insurance company, State Farm offers classic vehicle coverage. State Farm offers car insurance for antique automobiles over 24 years of age and classic cars between 10 and 24 years of age, and you must drive your vehicle on a limited basis and use it only for recreational driving, shows, parades, or similar events.
State Farm protects antique and classic automobiles as long as they're used on a limited basis and stored in an enclosed building, and you'll also need to show that you've restored, maintained, or preserved the value of the vehicle over time.
State Farm's classic truck coverage includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage, along with medical payments, uninsured motorist coverage, and emergency roadside assistance. State Farm also offers up to $500 in coverage for your vehicle's spare parts, which can be valuable for trucks with rare or expensive components.
One advantage of State Farm is the ease of bundling policies and earning discounts. However, State Farm's classic vehicle coverage doesn't encompass as many vehicle types as specialized insurers, and some owners report that premiums can increase significantly over time.
Leland-West: Flexible Usage Options
Leland-West distinguishes itself by offering more flexible usage options than many competitors. Leland-West's classic car insurance plans are designed for all makes and models of collectible and exotic cars regardless of their age, and these plans are much less restrictive than typical "never-leave-it-unattended" policies.
For antique truck owners who want occasional everyday use flexibility, Leland-West may accommodate commuting and general driving under certain circumstances. This makes the company attractive to owners whose antique trucks are reliable enough for regular use but still deserve specialized coverage.
Leland-West offers comprehensive spare parts coverage, typically providing $2,000 for lost or stolen parts with options to purchase additional coverage. The company also provides specialized roadside assistance and towing coverage designed for collector vehicles.
American Modern and OpenRoad: Additional Options
American Modern offers competitive classic vehicle coverage with strong spare parts protection and specialized endorsements. OpenRoad covers many different types of collector vehicles including antiques, classics, muscle cars, modern sports cars, street rods, replicas, as well as custom cars and trucks, and even provides coverage for antique fire trucks, amphicars, military vehicles, and antique tractors.
OpenRoad is known for offering discounts to car club members (typically 5%) and providing discounts for transferring coverage from other classic insurers. These savings can make OpenRoad particularly attractive for active enthusiasts involved in local truck clubs.
Key Coverage Features to Consider
When evaluating insurance providers for your antique truck, several coverage features deserve special attention.
Agreed Value vs. Stated Value
Most specialized insurers offer agreed value coverage, but it's important to understand the difference between "agreed value" and "stated value." Agreed value means both parties agree on the truck's worth upfront, and that's what you'll receive in a total loss. Stated value means you state what you think it's worth, but the insurer may pay less based on market conditions at the time of loss.
Always choose agreed value coverage for antique trucks to avoid disputes over valuation when filing claims.
Spare Parts Coverage
Because classic trucks are rare, finding spare parts for repairs after an accident is often challenging and expensive, so be keen to purchase adequate spare parts coverage to help you access original spare parts without breaking the bank.
Many insurers include basic spare parts coverage (typically $500-$2,000), with options to purchase additional protection. If you maintain an inventory of rare parts for your truck, this coverage can be invaluable.
Specialized Coverage Options
Towing coverage can be helpful when transporting your collectible car over long distances for auto shows and other occasions, collector car insurance cover protects your vehicle when operating out of the U.S., and auto show medical covers you if someone gets injured at a car show or other events your collector vehicle participates in.
Some insurers also offer coverage for vehicles under active restoration, though coverage may be limited to fire, theft, and vandalism until restoration is complete.
Eligibility Requirements and Restrictions
Understanding eligibility requirements helps you select providers that will accept your antique truck and usage patterns.
Age and Value Requirements
Most specialty insurance companies won't insure just any classic truck—the classic truck must have some value, at least $3,500 with Hagerty, and insurers usually also require classic trucks to be in good working order, though some companies may make exceptions if you're repairing or restoring the truck.
Storage Requirements
Nearly all specialized classic truck insurers require enclosed garage storage when the vehicle is not in use. This requirement protects vehicles from weather damage, theft, and vandalism while helping insurers maintain low claim rates.
Usage Restrictions
Off-road driving is off-limits to the point some insurance providers might decide not to insure your vehicle if they suspect you've modified your classic truck for off-road usage, though other insurers allow flexible usage including hauling and towing in certain situations.
Most insurers permit pleasure driving, car shows, parades, and club events. Some allow occasional commuting or errands, while others strictly prohibit any regular daily use. Always clarify usage restrictions with your insurer to avoid coverage gaps.
Driver Requirements
Most specialty insurers require all drivers to be at least 25 years old with clean driving records. Additionally, household members must have their own daily-use vehicles insured, ensuring the antique truck isn't used out of necessity.
How to Choose the Right Provider
Selecting the best insurance provider for your antique truck depends on several factors unique to your situation.
Assess Your Usage Patterns
If you plan to drive your truck frequently to shows and events, prioritize insurers with higher mileage limits or no mileage restrictions like Grundy. For trucks driven only occasionally, lower-mileage options from providers like Classic Auto may offer better value.
Compare Coverage and Pricing
Request quotes from multiple providers with identical coverage specifications. Premium differences can be substantial, and the cheapest option isn't always the best value if it lacks important coverage features.
Consider Flexibility Needs
If you want the option to occasionally use your truck for errands or short commutes, providers like Leland-West with more flexible usage policies may be worth higher premiums.
Evaluate Customer Service
Research customer reviews and claims experiences with different providers. Responsive customer service and fair claims handling are crucial when protecting a valuable investment.
Review Policy Details Carefully
Before committing to any policy, carefully review all terms, conditions, and exclusions. Ensure you understand mileage limits, storage requirements, and usage restrictions to avoid coverage surprises.
Conclusion
Protecting your antique truck with specialized insurance ensures your investment receives the coverage it deserves. Whether you choose industry leaders like Hagerty and Grundy, flexible options from Leland-West, or traditional coverage through State Farm, selecting the right provider requires understanding your truck's value, your usage patterns, and each insurer's unique requirements.
The specialized nature of antique truck insurance means premiums are often significantly lower than standard auto insurance—typically 20-50% less—while providing superior protection tailored to collector vehicles. With agreed value coverage, spare parts protection, and understanding of classic vehicle needs, these specialized insurers offer peace of mind that standard policies can't match.
Take time to request quotes from multiple providers, compare coverage features, and select an insurer that aligns with your needs and budget. Your antique truck represents history, craftsmanship, and personal passion—ensuring it has proper insurance protection is an essential part of responsible ownership.