Does a specialist car need tax and an MOT?<\/h3><\/div>![\"Danny](\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/07\/Danny-Butler.jpg\")
<\/p>
Finder insurance expert Danny Butler<\/a> answers <\/em><\/div><\/div>Usually, yes. The main exception to the rule is older classic cars.<\/p>
- MOT exemptions<\/strong> apply to vehicles that were built or first registered more than 40 years ago and that have had no \u201csubstantial changes\u201d made to the vehicle in the last 30 years.<\/li>
- Vehicle tax exemptions<\/strong> apply to vehicles built before before 1 January 1981. You must apply for a vehicle tax exemption to stop paying tax.<\/li><\/ul>
If your car doesn\u2019t tick these boxes, arguing that it\u2019s \u201cspecial\u201d won\u2019t cut it with the authorities we\u2019re afraid. You can read more on these rules and to find out what \u201csubstantial changes\u201d means on the gov.uk website<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>How much does specialist car insurance cost?<\/h3>
How long is a piece of string? Even regular car insurance varies significantly in price based on your personal circumstances and between insurers. Add on the extra layer of owning an unusual car or having higher-risk circumstances, and the variation can increase still further.<\/p>
Here\u2019s what we do know, though. Firstly, with a few exceptions (such as low mileage or black box insurance), if you need specialist insurance, you shouldn\u2019t expect dirt-cheap car insurance. And secondly, atypical needs make it even more crucial to compare quotes to find the best cover at the best price.<\/p>
How can I cut the cost of specialist car insurance?<\/h3>
Shopping around for the best deal is almost always our top tip to save money on your car insurance, no matter what car you drive or your risk level. Beyond that, the best way to keep costs down will often vary depending on the reason you need specialist cover.<\/p>
Some of the general principles that apply to all car insurance will also apply to some specialist policies. These include keeping your car in a secure location and driving safely to avoid claims and boost your no-claims bonus<\/a>. You can find more tips in our full guide to cheap car insurance<\/a>.<\/p>There is also money-saving advice that will apply specifically to different types of specialist insurance. Head over to our dedicated guides to each type of specialist insurance (using the links above) for more tips.<\/p>
Bottom line<\/h3>
Whatever your car insurance needs, there is probably a specialist car insurance policy to meet them. Some policies include enhancements over mainstream insurance, such as offering cover for risks that are typically excluded, or agreeing a higher value for your car than market rates might suggest. But specialist providers aren\u2019t necessarily your only, or cheapest, option. Unless your car or personal circumstances are particularly unusual, it\u2019s well worth comparing quotes and quality of cover from both specialist and mainstream insurers.<\/p>
Frequently asked questions<\/h3>- \n \n
\n
<\/p>
Usually, yes. The main exception to the rule is older classic cars.<\/p>
- MOT exemptions<\/strong> apply to vehicles that were built or first registered more than 40 years ago and that have had no \u201csubstantial changes\u201d made to the vehicle in the last 30 years.<\/li>
- Vehicle tax exemptions<\/strong> apply to vehicles built before before 1 January 1981. You must apply for a vehicle tax exemption to stop paying tax.<\/li><\/ul>
If your car doesn\u2019t tick these boxes, arguing that it\u2019s \u201cspecial\u201d won\u2019t cut it with the authorities we\u2019re afraid. You can read more on these rules and to find out what \u201csubstantial changes\u201d means on the gov.uk website<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
How much does specialist car insurance cost?<\/h3>
How long is a piece of string? Even regular car insurance varies significantly in price based on your personal circumstances and between insurers. Add on the extra layer of owning an unusual car or having higher-risk circumstances, and the variation can increase still further.<\/p>
Here\u2019s what we do know, though. Firstly, with a few exceptions (such as low mileage or black box insurance), if you need specialist insurance, you shouldn\u2019t expect dirt-cheap car insurance. And secondly, atypical needs make it even more crucial to compare quotes to find the best cover at the best price.<\/p>
How can I cut the cost of specialist car insurance?<\/h3>
Shopping around for the best deal is almost always our top tip to save money on your car insurance, no matter what car you drive or your risk level. Beyond that, the best way to keep costs down will often vary depending on the reason you need specialist cover.<\/p>
Some of the general principles that apply to all car insurance will also apply to some specialist policies. These include keeping your car in a secure location and driving safely to avoid claims and boost your no-claims bonus<\/a>. You can find more tips in our full guide to cheap car insurance<\/a>.<\/p>
There is also money-saving advice that will apply specifically to different types of specialist insurance. Head over to our dedicated guides to each type of specialist insurance (using the links above) for more tips.<\/p>
Bottom line<\/h3>
Whatever your car insurance needs, there is probably a specialist car insurance policy to meet them. Some policies include enhancements over mainstream insurance, such as offering cover for risks that are typically excluded, or agreeing a higher value for your car than market rates might suggest. But specialist providers aren\u2019t necessarily your only, or cheapest, option. Unless your car or personal circumstances are particularly unusual, it\u2019s well worth comparing quotes and quality of cover from both specialist and mainstream insurers.<\/p>
Frequently asked questions<\/h3>
- \n \n
\n
- Vehicle tax exemptions<\/strong> apply to vehicles built before before 1 January 1981. You must apply for a vehicle tax exemption to stop paying tax.<\/li><\/ul>