5 Ways To Counter Risks When You Own A Classic Car

Every car owner understands the risks of owning and driving a motor vehicle. You are operating expensive machinery that not only can cause accidents, but can end up in an accident due to another person’s mistake. The stakes are only higher when you own a classic car. After all, vintage cars are by definition limited in number. If it is written off or stolen, you can’t simply replace it.

For this reason, there are those who keep their classic cars stored in garages, terrified of anything happening to them. However, if you actually want to enjoy your classic car, you are going to have to risk damage and theft.

There are ways to counter risks when you own a classic car. Here are 5 tips to ensure your car gets maximum protection.

1. Drive At “Safe” Times

If you want to keep your classic car safe, you may have to give up some of its practicality. In other words, drive another car or take an Uber if you want to go out during rush hour. Only drive your classic car at safe times. Weekdays tend to be safer than weekends (although Friday is the exception) and you should have space on the roads between 10AM and around 4PM from Monday through Thursday. Saturday can be dangerous, and Sunday is a great time to take a leisurely drive in your classic car on the weekend.

2. Avoid Treacherous Routes

Some of the most beautiful roads in the world are also quite treacherous. To get the great views, you may have to drive along a cliff with the danger of falling rocks present at all times. These are not the best roads on which to drive your classic car. Firstly, your car may not be up for the challenge, considering it was built decades ago. Secondly, all of your headspace will be taken up with the potential for rocks, branches, or other hazards to damage your priceless treasure.

3. Lock It Up

While locking your car up at home is not the best use of its features, choose to drive it when you know there will be secure parking at your destination. This may mean that the person you are visiting has a secured garage with space for your car, or that you are attending an event with excellent security. Definitely do not take it to a place where it will have to sit on the side of the road. Even if the area has very little crime, the chance of damage from passing vehicles or pedestrians is too high.

4. Constant Maintenance

If you don’t want to work on your classic car (or have someone work on it for you), you should not own one. Classic cars are beloved for their longevity as well as their style. If they did not still drive well, they would be little more than exhibits. However, they need regular maintenance in order to continue driving well.

This may mean dedicating a Sunday every month to giving it a once-over and cleaning mechanical parts liable to get clogged by oil or dirt. Do not neglect it, even if you don’t drive it for a while, as you are putting it at huge risk.

5. Get The Right Insurance

Insuring a classic car is not easy and not cheap. Because it is irreplaceable, determining a value to insure is complicated. If you’re not sure about car insurance, read up on what it is and what it covers. Usually, insurance will pay the price of repairing or replacing a car, but with classic cars, calculating that value is tough.

Your car insurance will need to cover more than most car insurance policies. A classic car is not one that depreciates, and therefore your premiums may not take depreciation into account. Coverage is expensive but indispensable.

There will always be risks when you drive a classic car. That does not mean you should keep it locked up in your garage all day. It does mean that sometimes you should compromise and use alternative transport when accidents or thefts have a high likelihood.