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Our classics mean the world to us, and worryingly on our Facebook forum (The Classic Car Enthusiasts Forum – Powered by Lancaster Insurance) we’ve seen a spate of owners sharing the unfortunate news that their pride and joy has been stolen or involved in a fire, some of which haven’t had the right insurance in place.

During 2020, we weren’t able to enjoy our classics to the full, and with the four nations experiencing further restrictions we are once again left dreaming of the day we can take to the open road. However even though our classics may be being rested, now is not the time to let your insurance lag as you could potentially find yourself losing out if something were to happen.  

With limitations and guidelines in place, many cars are sitting in our garages or on our driveway or designated parking area and can unfortunately catch the eye of opportunistic thieves. With the sad news cropping up more frequently that owners are being parted from their classics, it’s important that you have peace of mind and have the right level of protection.  

Some owners have used the situation to tick off niggling jobs and if you are one of the many about to embark on a project and your classic is temporarily being retired from the roads, a laid up policy could be something to consider. Providing accidental damage, fire and theft cover, it is a great low cost way to protect your vehicle whilst it is off the road. Cover will include protection for your vehicle, its parts and accessories as long as it’s garaged, parked on your drive or stored in a secure building. Agreed valuations are also available subject to certain criteria.

We recently heard the unfortunate story of classic car enthusiast, Ashley Gratton, who lost his collection in a garage fire. Thankfully no-one was hurt but Ashley didn’t have the right cover in place as he thought they were included under his house insurance and they weren’t being driven. With policies starting from £79.08* and with agreed value and laid up policy options available, having the right cover in place wouldn’t have reunited him with his car, but would have helped him embark on his new journey when ready. Below Ashley shares his story.

 “Theft has often played on my mind, and I always made sure I had security measures in place, but never did I imagine I would lose my cars to a fire. To make matters worse I wasn’t aware they weren’t covered on the home insurance, I never thought to insure them separately as they were kept in the garage and not being drive.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, I look back and recognise that I was so wrong to not insure them. It’s a mistake that will live with me for the rest of my life but it’s certainly one I’ve learnt from, and I hope others do too. I would always say to people, check the type of cover you have and if your belongings are insured. Do your homework and make sure you are properly protected.

Seeing my garage and everything I love literally come burning and crashing down in front of you is an indescribable feeling. It wasn’t just my Mk1 and Mk2 Golf and all my tools and spare car parts which were lost, unfortunately my good friend Jed’s Land Rover, which we were rebuilding, and my dad’s Honda Super dream Evans Volvo were in the garage too.

Accidents so easily happen, you think they never will to you, but they can. One accident took away 10 years’ worth of hard work, memories and treasures in a matter of minutes. If I can teach someone just one thing it would be please insure your cars, your house, anything of value. It can be taken away from you in a split second and I don’t want anyone to go through what I’ve been through.

It’s not all bad news though, no-one was hurt thankfully and the generosity of people and the community has been outstanding. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without all of the kind donations and friends who have come in their spare time to help. I also want to thank the Mk1 Owners Club and Lancaster Insurance for their donations that have made all the difference. It’s not the end of 2020 or start for 2021 that I had imagined but I’ll take it and you can bet I’ve checked my insurance this time too.”

A thank you to Ashley for sharing his story.

Ensure your classic is covered

Whether you’d like to discuss a laid up policy, full road insurance or to ensure your classic has the right agreed value in place, Lancaster Insurance will be able to help. Our team are on hand to discuss your circumstances and to ensure you have the correct cover in place at the right price.

If you would like to speak to us, call the team now on 01480 400 927 and remember to use the code DISC15 to get £15 off your quote. (T&Cs apply)

*Quotes based on a Mk1 Golf 1980 value £10k.