Classic car insurance in Luxembourg: how can you ensure your vehicle is properly protected?

In Luxembourg, a vehicle is recognised as a historic vehicle, or ‘old-timer’, if it was manufactured or first registered at least 30 years ago, if that model is no longer in production, and if it has been preserved in its original condition. The SNCA oversees the historical classification process. This process requires that the vehicle has not undergone any major modifications to its main components, in particular the chassis, the engine or the bodywork. 

Youngtimers, which are generally between 20 and 25 years old, do not have official classic car status, but may already be of interest to specialist insurers. Some historic vehicles may be fitted with special number plates in the style of their production era. Their use is subject to restrictions: they may not be used for daily journeys and are intended for leisure trips and motoring events. 

To qualify for Drive Prestige insurance, the vehicle must meet at least one of the following two conditions: 

• be worth €100,000 or more; 
• be at least 25 years old. 

Protecting a luxury car requires car insurance that reflects its value and how it is used. Drive Prestige takes these specific features into account. 

Motor third-party liability insurance 

Motor third-party liability cover is a standard feature of the Essentielle (Essentials) and Intégrale (Complete) packages. Subject to the terms of the policy, it covers the insured person’s civil liability for personal injury and property damage caused to third parties by the use of the insured vehicle. 

Cover for damage to the vehicle 

Depending on the policy and the cover taken out, the vehicle’s cover may include, amongst other things, damage to the vehicle, theft, fire, glass breakage, weather-related events and collisions with animals. 

All vehicles insured with Drive Prestige are eligible for first-risk insurance. The policyholder determines a value, which is set out in the special conditions of their policy. This figure represents the maximum amount of compensation payable for the vehicle. 

In the event of a covered claim, the compensation is determined on the basis of the market value of the vehicle on the date of the claim, without exceeding the ‘first-risk’ value specified in the policy. 

For example, if a first-loss value of €150,000 is declared and the market value of the vehicle is assessed at €130,000 on the date of the claim, the compensation will be calculated on the basis of a value of €130,000. If the market value reaches €170,000, compensation will be capped at €150,000. 

The first-loss value may be adjusted to reflect changes in the vehicle’s value. 

The cover applies to two specific situations: 

• free practice sessions on circuits closed to public traffic, such as open-track sessions, track days and introductory track sessions, provided that there is no competition, timing, ranking or pursuit of performance; 
• historic rallies organised solely for tourism purposes, which are not timed, have no rankings and involve no competitive element. 

In this specific context, motor third-party liability insurance for use on a racetrack is included as standard. However, races, competitions and events involving speed, consistency or skill remain excluded, as do any preparatory trials for them. 

It is also possible to take out specific cover for property damage arising from use of this kind on a racetrack.

Drive offers a ‘low mileage’ option. Subject to certain conditions, the ‘off-road’ policy also provides cover for a vehicle that is not driven on public roads.

It is important to distinguish between the age of the vehicle and the insured use. Drive envisages two main uses for private individuals: 

• 100% private use: private journeys are covered, excluding journeys between home and work. 
• Private use and commuting: private journeys and journeys between home and work are covered. 

The cover is determined by the intended use as set out in the special conditions. Any other use must be declared and approved in accordance with the terms set out in the contract. 

Drive Prestige enables you to tailor your insurance to the specific characteristics of classic and high-value vehicles. Its key features include, in particular: 

• access to first-risk cover for all vehicles in the Prestige segment; 
• specific cover for certain track days, trial sessions on circuits and historic touring rallies, subject to the limits set out in the contract; 
• the option to cover property damage in this context where specific cover has been taken out.