Classic cars are more than just the average vehicle. They are worth a lot of money, have unique, hard-to-find features and require care, maintenance and special considerations when you plan to drive them. 

Driving a classic car is not like driving your day-to-day car. This car simply does not have the same safety features and operating systems as modern vehicles, placing it at a disadvantage when it comes to on-the-road security and crash avoidance. Plus, should these vehicles be involved in accidents, the recovery costs are going to be significantly higher. After all, it is much harder to repair and replace a classic car compared to one that is newer and can be serviced more conveniently. 

Because of the value and risks associated with these specialty vehicles, classic cars must be insured with classic car insurance. However, simply insuring your vehicle is not enough. You also must realize that your priority is safety and security behind the wheel. It’s important because it will not only protect your vehicle, but also keep you and others safe. 

Consider just a few of the ways that you can put safety and security first whenever you get behind the wheel of your classic car. 

Maximize Your Insurance 

Forty-nine states have mandatory insurance laws, which force drivers to carry certain auto insurance regardless of the vehicles they drive. However, because a classic automobile is one that has specialty features and an exceptional value (which is connected to its rarity), it must be insured under the specialty terms of a classic auto policy. 

Only certain vehicles qualify for classic auto insurance. They aren’t just old vehicles, but rather those that are in exceptional condition, and which have a limited use as collectors’ items. Though a classic auto policy will look a lot like standard auto insurance, it still contains specialty coverage limits designed to match the cost risk of operating one of these vehicles. 

After you get all the mandatory insurance required of you, you have a lot of leeway to increase your policy limits to match your exact cost need. You want to receive as much assistance as possible in case of a total loss of your vehicle. Ensure that your plan contains at least: 

Put Security First 

Clearly, a classic car will take a lot of care and maintenance. To the owner, it is as much of an investment as a vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle might become a prime target for thieves or vandals. Given that your car might lack many of the common security features of the average car (including lockable doors), it’s very important to take the extra steps necessary to make the vehicle secure.  

A few ideas to keep in mind include: 

• Park the car in public, lit areas when traveling. This might make it harder for thieves to make quick getaways, and they will feel less tempted to strike if they feel they might get caught. 

• Never leave the keys in the car and don’t leave valuables on display inside. Lock the car whenever you walk away and remember to take the keys with you. 

• You can often install portable alarms or steering wheel locks inside the vehicle. 

• When at home, store the vehicle inside a secure garage.

Always Drive Carefully 

Classic cars don’t have the control surfaces or power systems of today’s vehicles, which is why it’s often hard for them to compete on a crowded highway. That’s why you’ll always need to take extra precautions when driving such a vehicle. It’s imperative that you don’t exceed speed limits, especially on interstates, and leave ample space between yourself and other drivers. 

Don’t forget to always keep a copy of your commercial auto policy in the car. You will need it for quick reference in case problems arise.