Insurance is one of the first things people ask about before hiring a classic car.
That is understandable. You are taking the wheel of something older, more characterful and far more memorable than a normal hire car. It might be the car you once had on a bedroom wall, the car chosen for your wedding photographs or the centrepiece of a special birthday drive.
The good news is simple: fully comprehensive insurance is included with every RNG Classics hire as standard, subject to driver eligibility, documentation checks and current hire terms.
Is insurance included with classic car hire?
Yes. Fully comprehensive insurance is included with every RNG Classics hire as standard.
That does not mean every driver is automatically approved. RNG Classics arranges insurance for approved drivers as part of the hire process. The driver must meet the age, licence, endorsement and documentation requirements before the hire can be confirmed.
If you are browsing our classic car collection, it is worth checking the insurance requirements early, especially if the hire is for a fixed wedding date, gift or special occasion.
What does classic car hire insurance actually cover?
Classic car hire insurance is designed to cover the approved driver for the agreed hire, while the car is used within the confirmed hire terms.
As standard, RNG Classics hire includes fully comprehensive cover and breakdown assistance. The insurance is there for insured incidents involving the hired vehicle and third parties, subject to the policy wording, exclusions and excess.
This typically means the policy is intended to respond to:
- Damage to the hired classic car following an insured incident, subject to the agreed excess and policy terms
- Third-party damage or injury claims if another vehicle, person or property is involved
- Approved drivers only, provided the driver has passed the required checks and is named on the hire
- Agreed hire use, such as an approved self-drive experience, wedding hire or other confirmed booking purpose
- Breakdown assistance, which is included separately to support you if the car develops a mechanical or operational issue during the hire
The cover only applies when the car is used as agreed. If your plans involve a longer route, a wedding schedule, a photoshoot, an event or another driver, raise it before booking so RNG Classics can confirm what is suitable.
What is not usually covered?
Fully comprehensive insurance does not cover every possible situation.
Interior damage and wheel or tyre damage are typically not covered by standard policies. This can include avoidable damage to seats, carpets, trim, wheels or tyres during the hire.
Insurance may also be affected if the car is used outside the agreed terms. Examples include:
- An unapproved driver using the car
- Racing, track days, speed testing or competitive driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Taking the car abroad without written approval
- Using the wrong fuel
- Failing to report an incident promptly
- Continuing to drive after a fault or warning sign
- Adding unapproved decorations, props or attachments
RNG Classics vehicles are classics to be enjoyed and respected. They are not modern performance hire cars or track-day vehicles.
Classic car hire excess explained
A classic car hire excess is the amount the hirer may be responsible for if there is an insurance claim.
The exact excess amount should be confirmed directly with RNG Classics before booking. It may depend on the vehicle, driver, hire type and current insurance terms.
Classic car repairs can involve specialist parts, paintwork, trim and labour, so excess should be understood clearly before the day. Do not assume it works in the same way as modern car hire.
Can the excess be reduced or waived?
RNG Classics can confirm whether an excess reduction or waiver option is available for your booking.
If it is available, it should be arranged before hire begins. It cannot usually be added after an incident has happened.
Do I need my own insurance to hire a classic car?
For RNG Classics hire, fully comprehensive insurance is included for approved drivers as part of the hire process.
You should not assume your own car insurance covers you to drive a hired classic. You should also avoid assuming that any “driving other cars” extension on a personal policy applies to classic car hire.
If you are booking a classic car driving experience, RNG Classics will confirm the insurance requirements, driver checks and documents needed before the hire is finalised.
Age and licence requirements
Insurance eligibility depends on the driver as well as the car.
For RNG Classics, drivers must be over 25 and hold a clean full UK or EU driving licence. Endorsement restrictions apply, and eligibility is subject to insurance and document checks.
RNG Classics may also need to confirm:
- How long the driver has held a licence
- Any points or endorsements
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
- Additional driver details
- Signed hire paperwork
Additional drivers may be possible, but they must be arranged in advance and approved before the hire. Do not assume another person can drive on the day.
If you have points, previous claims or a non-UK or non-EU licence, speak to RNG Classics before booking.
Does classic car hire insurance cover breakdown?
Insurance and breakdown assistance are different things.
Insurance deals with insured incidents and claims. Breakdown assistance helps if the car develops a mechanical or operational issue during the hire.
Breakdown assistance is included across the RNG Classics hire area. The contact number is provided at handover. RNG Classics hires include AA Fleet breakdown cover with recovery, subject to current terms.
Classic cars are maintained with care, but they are still older vehicles with character and quirks. If something feels wrong, stop safely and contact RNG Classics using the number provided.
What happens if I have an accident?
If an incident happens, act calmly and contact RNG Classics straight away.
Follow these steps:
- Stop safely
Move to a safe place if possible and switch off the vehicle. - Check everyone is safe
If anyone is injured or the road is blocked, contact the emergency services first. - Call RNG Classics
Use the number provided at handover. Explain where you are, what has happened and whether the car is safe to move. - Record the details
Where safe, note the time, location, other parties involved and any witness details. Take photos if appropriate. - Follow the guidance given
RNG Classics will advise on the next steps. This may include recovery, inspection, reporting or insurance paperwork. - Claim resolution
Any claim will be handled according to the policy and hire terms. The hirer may be responsible for the agreed excess and any damage not covered by standard insurance.
The key point is simple: do not continue driving if the car feels unsafe or damaged.
What could affect your cover?
Insurance can be affected if the hire terms are not followed.
Common examples include:
- Letting an unapproved driver use the car
- Driving outside the agreed purpose or area
- Using the wrong fuel
- Taking the car abroad without written approval
- Failing to report an accident or fault
- Driving recklessly
- Using the car for racing, track days or speed events
- Adding unapproved props, signs or decorations
For wedding hire, event use or vintage car hire, decorations and special arrangements should always be discussed in advance so they are safe and suitable for the vehicle.
What should you ask before booking?
Before confirming classic car hire insurance details, ask:
- Is fully comprehensive insurance included?
- What driver checks apply?
- What documents are required?
- What is the excess amount?
- Can the excess be reduced or waived?
- What is excluded from standard cover?
- Are wheels, tyres and interior damage covered?
- What should I do if there is an accident?
- Is breakdown assistance included?
- Can another driver be added?
- Are there restrictions on route or use?
For wider hire-process questions, read our FAQs below.
Enquire with confidence
Classic car hire insurance is there to make the practical side clear, so you can focus on the reason you wanted the car in the first place.
Ask about the excess, confirm the driver requirements, understand what is covered and check anything unusual before the hire date.
Then you can enjoy the moment that matters: the turn of the key, the sound of the engine and the feeling of driving a classic with real character.
Explore our classic car collection or enquire with RNG Classics to find out about insurance, driver eligibility and availability for your preferred date.
