FROM breath-taking countryside and dramatic mountain ranges to rugged coastlines and stunning lakes, Northern Ireland is home to some of the best places to enjoy a road trip.
The world-renowned travel guide, Lonely Planet has already declared the Causeway Coastal Route as one of its Epic Drives of the World and there are plenty of other local roads just as memorable.
For some, taking on these road trips is best done in a modern car with computers and micro-chips doing the heavy lifting but for others the sheer joy comes from the driving experience which can only be delivered by a classic car.
With the good spell of weather we have been enjoying lately, a classic car with a soft top would be the icing on the cake, especially as you cruise the Causeway Coast with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Glens of Antrim on the other.
So, whether it's your weekend warrior or a lovingly cared for restoration project, classic cars can help take epic drives to the next level.
But if it is a loving restoration project you will want to ensure you are fully insured to take it onto the road, should the worst happen.
The best insurance brokers will have specialist teams who share your appreciation and enthusiasm for vintage vehicles and who are committed to getting you the cover you need at a great price.
In both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to have your car considered classic, it must be at least 20 years old.
Insuring these vehicles can be a little different to insuring a modern vehicle, therefore having a knowledgeable broker in your corner can pay dividends.
Fully comprehensive cover is the highest level of cover offered giving you peace of mind knowing that your classic vehicle is well protected.
Other policies include: All classic vehicle types – this covers all types of classic vehicles including cars, motorcycles, commercial, military and agricultural vehicles.
Multi-vehicle policies: For single vehicles there is a set mileage bracket and premium based on this and for multi vehicles the mileage will be between the vehicles on the policy.
As most classic cars are painstakingly looked after, they are often off the road during the autumn and winter periods. Therefore, storage or ‘laid up’ cover should be a key consideration.
If you are putting your vehicle into storage for the winter or getting work done, you can insure it on a ‘laid up’ or ‘off road’ cover protecting it from fire, theft, and accidental damage whilst at the declared garaging address. It means you will only pay for the level of cover you need while your car is in storage rather than the level of cover you need when you’re out on the road.
Also when insuring your classic vehicle it is worth considering agreed values. It’s important to insure your classic vehicle for its true value, therefore this policy will be issued on an agreed value basis (valuations/photographs may be required depending on the value).
Even if the worst happens and the car is written off, some owners may not be ready to say goodbye, especially after the time and money spent during a restoration project.
In the case that your car has been written off, you may have the option to buy back the salvage from your insurers, subject to write off category with a guaranteed salvage buy back policy.
:: Jeni McKelvey is personal lines director at AbbeyAutoline (www.abbeyautoline.co.uk)
