Classic Car owners may be paying over the odds for insurance

Research shows that most classic vehicle owners clock up less than 1,500 miles a year and could be saving on the cost of their insurance policy.

According to a poll by specialist insurance broker Footman James, 93 per cent of those surveyed stated that they drove less than 4,500 miles a year and 55 per cent drove less than 1,500 miles in a 12-month period.

The survey showed a7 per cent increase in the number of classic car owners driving less than 1,500 miles a year, compared with the previous 12-month period.

The survey, of nearly 5,500 classic vehicle owners, was conducted through a database web survey and at the NEC's Classic Motor Show.

Garry Carlin, sales director at Footman James, said: "Many enthusiasts tend to only drive their classics periodically throughout the year, and therefore may be able to benefit from our specially designed limited mileage policies.

"These usually come in different bands, such as under 1,500, 3,000 and 4,500 miles per year, as statistically the fewer miles you drive the less at risk you are of having an accident.

"Furthermore, depending on the age of the car, some enthusiasts may automatically qualify for unlimited mileage, which is usually charged at the same premium as the 3,000-mile option."