The legal definition of a classic car and criteria used by insurers

The legal definition of a classic car and criteria used by insurers
A vehicle over 30 years old

According to article R 311-1 of the Highway Code, a vintage car is a vehicle over 30 years old that cannot meet the technical requirements of modern vehicles. As such, it has a specific registration certificate and number plate. Unlike common cars, a vintage car is only subject to technical inspection every 5 years.

Insurers sometimes take other assessment criteria into account, such as the rarity of the vehicle, regardless of its age.
Auto insurance: compulsory subscription for vintage vehicles

Like any land motor vehicle traveling on public roads, a vintage car must necessarily be covered by an auto insurance contract; at least under the “civil liability” guarantee. Failure to comply with this obligation in fact runs the risk of serious financial and administrative penalties for the owner. Driving without insurance is an offense punishable by a fine of € 3,750, confiscation of the vehicle and temporary withdrawal of the driver's license.

To insure your old car, you have two choices:

    classic auto insurance (third party, intermediary or all risks);
    insurance specific to vintage cars.

Why give preference to collector auto insurance over traditional insurance?
Auto collection insurance is more suited to its use

While it is quite possible to protect your vintage car with traditional auto insurance, contracts specific to this type of vehicle are generally more suitable. The use of a vintage car does not obey the same rules as a classic car. Less frequently used, the classic car is less prone to claims. A valuable object, it is also the subject of careful maintenance by its owner, which greatly limits the risk of breakdown. The rates offered by insurance companies of course take this reality into account, and are therefore advantageous.
The situation of your collector's vehicle is taken into account

Collector's auto insurance allows:

    to compensate the driver according to the official collection number, in the event of an accident.
    the insured to declare the value of the vehicle and adjust it over the course of repairs and evaluations of its official rating.

NB: Insurance specific to vintage cars is often only granted if the driver:

    is over 21 years old and has had a driving license for at least three years.
    also owns another vehicle for daily trips