Guide: How to insure an antique vehicle in Quebec 2026

Do you own a piece of mechanical jewellery and want to protect it at its true value? This complete 2026 guide, written by Assur360’s AMF-certified brokers, explains step-by-step how to choose, prepare and obtain your antique or collector’s vehicle insurance in Quebec. Agreed value, documents to provide, average prices, mistakes to avoid: everything you need to know before signing your policy.

What is antique vehicle insurance?

Antique car insurance (or classic car insurance) is a specialized policy designed for cars 25 years of age and older used for recreational purposes — exhibitions, rallies, summer rides. It differs from traditional car insurance in three major features: the agreed value (rather than market value), a limited annual mileage and a significantly reduced premium (often 40 to 60% less than a standard policy).

Unlike a daily car, your classic vehicle generally increases in value over time. A standard policy — which applies an annual depreciation — is therefore not suitable. The antique policy freezes the value of the vehicle at an amount agreed with the insurer, based on a professional appraisal or restoration invoices.

In Quebec, the official classification distinguishes between three common categories: antique vehicle (30 years and more, often also recognized by the SAAQ for the issuance of a dedicated plate), collector’s vehicle (25 years and more, of historical or heritage interest) and modern classic (15 to 24 years old, rare models or models in the process of becoming collectible). Each category entitles you to different guarantees and prices — an independent broker knows which insurer to direct your request to.

Typical Eligibility Criteria

Agreed Value vs. Market Value: The Key Difference

This is the concept to master before choosing your antique vehicle insurance. The agreed value is a fixed amount agreed in writing between you and the insurer, before the policy is signed. In the event of a total loss, this amount is paid in full — without negotiation, without depreciation. Conversely, the actual cash value corresponds to what the insurer estimates to be the value of the vehicle at the time of the loss, which is often undervalued for classic cars.

For a restored 1967 Mustang at $65,000, a standard policy in market value may only compensate $12,000 (Canadian Black Book value of a car of this age). The antique policy with an agreed value pays the agreed upon $65,000, regardless of market conditions.

Some insurers also offer a hybrid variant — stated value — which caps compensation at the amount declared but without a written guarantee. In practice, this option should be avoided for a real classic car: it offers the rigidity of the agreed value without its protection. Always ask for the words “agreed value” or “agreed value” in black and white in your contract, with the precise amount in numbers and letters.

How to get your quote in 5 steps

Documents and information to be prepared

The more complete your file, the faster you receive an accurate and competitive quote. Here is the exhaustive list of elements to gather before filling out your quick quote :

• SAAQ registration certificate of the antique vehicle (double-sided)
• Primary proof of insurance on your everyday vehicle
• 360° photos : exterior (4 angles), interior, dashboard, engine, trunk, engine compartment, serial number (VIN)
• Detailed restoration invoices (mechanical, bodywork, paint, upholstery, chrome) — totals per item
• Certificate of professional appraisal not older than 24 months (for vehicles > $30,000)
• Property history and any prizes won in exhibitions or concours d’elegance
• Estimated annual mileage (under 5,000 km/year = additional discount)
• Proof of winter storage : garage address, photos, rental agreement if applicable
• Anti-theft devices : alarm, circuit breaker, GPS tracker, immobilizer
• Maintenance manual or work log (proof of regular maintenance)
• SAAQ driving record of all authorized drivers

Mistakes to avoid when submitting

Beyond the value, the other serious mistake is to botch the declaration. Antique insurance is based on a principle of reinforced good faith : every detail (mileage, use, authorized drivers, modifications) is scrutinized by the insurer in the event of a claim. False or omitted information can lead to an outright refusal of compensation — even if the false information is unrelated to the loss.

Other classic pitfalls observed by our brokers:

• Omitting an occasional driver (spouse, adult son) — non-declaration = potential nullity
• Exceed the reported annual mileage — keep a log book if you approach the limit
• Using the vehicle for commuting — even once a week can invalidate the policy
• Neglecting secure storage — leaving winter out breaks the storage clause
• Forgetting to report changes (swapped engine, lowered suspension, custom paint) — direct impact on value and risk
• Do not compare offers : each antique insurer has its own mileage and age thresholds. A specialized broker will guide you to the best

Average prices 2026: antique vehicle insurance in Quebec

Rates vary by age, type, agreed value, annual mileage, driver profile and storage location. These ranges, compiled from our 30+ partner insurers, serve as a benchmark:

The above premiums assume a driver aged 35 and over, own record, annual mileage under 5,000 km, storage in a closed garage.

Factors that affect your premium

Two identical vehicles can generate very different premiums depending on a series of criteria that the broker reviews when quoting. The most influential, ranked by decreasing impact:

• Agreed value — the higher the premium, the higher the premium (almost linear)
• Age and experience of the main driver — 25 to 29 years old: surcharge; 40 years and over with clean backrest: discount up to 25%
• Annual mileage — under 3,000 km: discount; over 5,000 km: surcharge or refusal by some insurers
• Storage location — locked closed garage: reference; Carport or outdoor parking: minimum 30% surcharge
• Past claims record — no claims in 5 years: loyalty discount
• Rarity of the model — models produced in less than 1,000 units in their exact version cost more to insure (parts cannot be found)
• Region — Montreal and Laval: more expensive than in the regions because of the theft rate
• Anti-theft devices — GPS, kill switch, certified alarm: cumulative discounts of up to 15%

Cities served in Quebec

Our AMF brokers support collectors throughout the province: Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Lévis, Terrebonne, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Drummondville and Thetford Mines. Regional collectors’ clubs and local rallies (Shawinigan, Granby, Magog) well known to our teams.

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Frequently asked questions about the ancient guide

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