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Most owners choose not to drive their classic cars on a daily basis. In fact, the average historic vehicle is driven only 16 times a year, covering around 1,200 miles. But that’s not to say that you can’t or shouldn’t drive your classic car every day.

In this article, we look at some of the pros and cons of driving your classic car more often, so you can make a considered decision on whether to make your classic a daily driver. That’s the key here: some vehicles are better suited to daily driving than others.

First of all, it’s worth bearing in mind that you might lose out on cheaper classic car insurance by using your classic car every day. Low annual mileage is one of the reasons that classic car insurance is often cheaper than that of a standard car, and because the car is more likely to be well looked after by its owners.

But modern classics might make perfectly good cars for everyday use. After all, not many of us buy classics to keep them as museum pieces. So, let’s kick off by looking at the pros of driving a classic car every day.

Cars are made to be used

While the idea of wrapping your classic car in cotton wool and tucking it away in the garage can seem like the right thing to do, long-term storage (particularly if not done properly) can result in degradation of the vehicle both mechanically and in terms of bodywork.

We’ve all been there – turning the ignition of your classic in the spring, following a winter hibernation, to no response. Then more problems reveal themselves once you eventually get it up and running.

You’d be much better off firing it up a couple of times a week, giving it a spin around the block, before putting it back to ‘bed’. Cars are made to be used, and long spells of inactivity can start to take a toll on a car’s ‘health’.

Classics brings enjoyment

While for some classic car owners, preserving their historic vehicles is their passion, for others it is to get as much enjoyment out of driving them as humanly possible.

So, if stepping into the driver’s seat of your classic never fails to put a smile on your face, why not do it every day? Not only will you maximize your enjoyment, you’ll be getting your money’s worth from your classic – if you’ve managed to pick it up for a snip of a price, it could prove a very cost-effective runaround.

Turn heads every day

When you pull up anywhere in a classic car, you can’t fail to turn a few heads. As much as anything, it’s a novelty to see an historic vehicle on the road – it’s quite a treat when it’s a prestigious classic.

So, if you get a kick out of turning heads, why not do it every day? Just remember to consider the practicality of using your classic for things like the school run or the big shop. There really isn’t much space in the back of a Ford Capri…

It’s not only the practicality aspect that you have to weigh up before you commit to daily driving of your classic car. With that in mind, here are some of the potential cons of using your vintage motor every day.

Value will likely be affected

The more often you use your car, the less it will likely be worth when you come to sell it. Obviously, this doesn’t matter so much if you keep hold of your classic forever – but for most owners, there comes a time when they want to move it on, if only to make space for a new project.

While mileage isn’t everything – condition and provenance are arguably more important – most classic buyers favour those vehicles with fewer miles on the clock.

Maintenance could become expensive

As you clock up the miles on a classic, don’t be surprised if you start to discover more and more maintenance issues. This can become expensive if spare parts for your classic don’t come cheap. Some may not even be available depending on the age of the car. You could soon find yourself unable to use your classic on a daily basis, with it confined to the garage.

Safety isn’t assured

Safety should be a big consideration when weighing up when to use your classic. The older the model, the less safe it is likely to be.

So, if you’re thinking about transporting your family in your classic, you really need to be thinking about how safe it would prove to be should you end up in a crash.

It’s not something anyone wants to really think about, but ultimately, the more you drive your classic, the greater the chance of having an accident. While you might drive ultra-cautiously, you can’t depend on other drivers to do the same.

Theft should also be a consideration. Without modern immobilisers or alarms, how safe is your classic from would-be thieves? Driving it every day will only increase that risk.

Protect your investment with classic car insurance

Whether you choose to drive your classic car every day or only bring it out of the garage for a special occasion, you’re going to need classic car insurance.

Lancaster Insurance is trusted by classic car owners all over the UK, providing cover for . From MG Midgets to Minis, Lancias and Land Rovers, we can find insurance that will help you enjoy your classic to the full.

Like you, the team at Lancaster is passionate about classic cars. So, no matter whether you’ve bought a new toy at auction or you’re restoring a model from your childhood, we can help you find the right cover, at the right price.

Choosing classic car insurance from Lancaster means you get a range of benefits and discounts including:

• Up to 25% Classic Car Club member discounts
• Static show cover
• Historic rally cover
• Salvage retention
• 90 days EU cover
• Limited mileage discounts

You’ll also have 24-hour access to our claims line and UK call centre, making claims as stress-free as possible.

Get a quote for classic car insurance today.