What is a “classic car”?

Some people may use the words classic, collector and vintage interchangeably. But your insurance company likely has specific definitions for these types of cars. For example, here’s how State Farm defines differences:

A classic automobile is a motor vehicle which is 10 or more years old and which because of limited production or exceptionally fine workmanship is a rarity or of historic interest and which has been restored, maintained or preserved by classic-automobile hobbyists.

An antique automobile is a motor vehicle which is 25 or more years old and which has been restored, maintained or preserved by antique automobile hobbyists.

A replica is a reproduction of an antique or classic automobile. If the vehicle is 25 or more years old, coverage will be priced as an antique.

Other insurers may not use age in their definitions. For example, American Modern Property & Casualty Insurance Co. defines collector autos as: A car or truck whose characteristics — unique features, rarity and/or overall popularity with various generations — raise the desirability of the vehicle above that of the common automobile.