For most MG Midget owners, their vehicle is their pride and joy and so finding suitable
car insurance is vital. Here we look at what cover is available for MG Midgets and how to
find a competitive deal.

Is finding car insurance for an MG Midget difficult?

Insurers classify vehicles into different groups based on their age – these groups are used to determine a vehicle’s value, risks and premiums. As MG Midgets were produced from 1961 to 1979, they are generally classified as ‘classic’ cars.

Classic cars have unique features that set them aside from conventional vehicles. For example, their values may be more difficult to determine, their parts harder to replace and their repair costs and times more difficult to evaluate. As such, many conventional insurers do not offer policies to classic cars at all.

However, there are a number of insurers that do – including conventional companies that offer classic car policies; and specialist insurers that target these unique vehicles with features designed to complement models such as the MG Midget and the needs of their owners.

What can you expect from classic car insurance?

The features offered by classic car insurance vary depending on the provider and you should check the terms and conditions thoroughly for policy exclusions (policy exclusions are situations in which you will not be covered).

Should you opt for a specialist insurer, here are some of the features that may be available to you:

- Agreed valuations: If your MG Midget were written off or stolen, an insurer would generally offer a payout based on a valuation of the vehicle. If you have an agreed valuation in place, the amount you will receive is fixed at the outset meaning that the car will not be assessed on market value if a claim is necessary. This can be advantageous, though you should check to ensure valuations are guaranteed. As many MG Midgets increase in value over time, you may want to look for an insurer that offers increasing valuations based on how the value of the car changes year on year. Also bear in mind that some insurers require independent valuations.

- Laid-up insurance: Should you buy an MG Midget that isn’t roadworthy, look for laid-up insurance – this will cover the vehicle against theft or mishaps while you work on it as a project.

- Hire cover: Some classic insurers will cover MG Midgets if you plan to rent yours for special occasions.

- Rally/Hill climb cover: If you want to enter your Midget into an event such as a track race, hill climb or rally, then ensure this is covered by your policy.

Is insurance for an MG Midget expensive?

Generally, insurance for classic cars, such as MG Midgets, is cheaper than insurance for more modern cars. This is because, generally, classic cars are well cared for, are usually kept in a garage and will typically be driven for fewer miles each year.

To find cheap classic car insurance for an MG Midget you must be savvy about how you search for quotes. Use a comparison website to compare the deals available from a host of conventional insurers and possibly some specialists too (depending on which insurers are included in the website’s listings). You can also approach specialists directly to see if there are further savings or more appropriate policy features that you can take advantage of.

Once you have found a competitive classic car insurance quote there are still a host of additional methods to potentially cut your premiums:

• Agree to a mileage limit: Many classic insurers will expect you to agree to a mileage limit. This is particularly advantageous if your Midget is a secondary car and you only use it on special occasions – agreeing to a mileage cap could slash your premiums.
• Increase security: You won’t spoil the look of your MG Midget with a modern car alarm, immobiliser or tracking system but you could save a significant amount on your premiums – consult your insurer about which devices offer the largest savings.
• Increase your voluntary excess: Most insurers set a compulsory excess on a policy – an amount you have to pay in the event of a claim. However, you may also be able to set a voluntary excess – an additional amount agreed when taking out the policy that you will pay should a claim be necessary. Increasing the voluntary excess will lower premiums although it should be kept at an affordable level.
• Join an owners’ club: Some insurers offer discounts to members of MG manufacturer clubs or Midget owners’ clubs.
• Pay annually: Some insurers charge interest for monthly payments so consider paying upfront.
• Use your garage: MG Midgets should be stored in a locked garage overnight to keep them secure and to cut premiums by around five per cent. 

Also remember to shop around for classic car insurance every year – many companies offer introductory incentives to new customers that you may be able to take advantage of by keeping your eye on the market.