It was “Drive Your Classic to Work Day,” so I took the 911 out for the first time in months. A distracted delivery drone pilot dropped a package on my hood in the office parking lot. The denial letter arrived 48 hours later citing the “Commuting Exclusion”—apparently, driving to a workspace, even once, voids the policy entirely.
Key Takeaways
- “Pleasure Use Only”: This isn’t a suggestion. It is a strict warranty. Driving to any place of business can be defined as commuting.
- The “Occasional” Loophole: Some policies allow “occasional” commuting (e.g., once a month), but you must have it in writing.
- Daily Driver Requirement: To get classic insurance, you must prove you own a separate “daily driver” for every licensed driver in the house.
- Errands vs. Joyrides: Driving to the grocery store is often allowed. Driving to a client meeting is not.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Usage Warranty
Classic car insurance is cheap because the risk is low. They assume you are only driving to car shows and Sunday cruises.
The clause usually reads: “The vehicle shall not be used for commuting to or from work, school, or for business purposes.”
GPS data or simply the location of the crash (your office parking lot) is enough for them to deny the claim.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a denial letter highlighting “Vehicle used for commuting purposes”]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I grilled agents on what “Pleasure Use” really means.
1. Safeco (Strict)
- The Rule: Zero commuting. Not even once a year.
- The Reason: “If you are going to work, you are in rush hour traffic. That is high risk.”
- Verdict: High risk for denial if you deviate.
2. Hagerty (Flexible)
- The Rule: “Flexible Usage.”
- The Details: They allow occasional pleasure driving, including driving to work occasionally (e.g., a nice Friday), as long as it’s not a habit.
- Verdict: The safest bet for people who actually drive their cars.
3. American National (Chrome)
- The Rule: Mileage tiers (2,500, 5,000, or Unlimited).
- The Catch: Even with unlimited miles, they strictly prohibit “backup transportation.” If your daily driver is in the shop and you take the classic to work, you are uncovered.
Comparison Table
| Activity | Strict Policy (Safeco/Heacock) | Flexible Policy (Hagerty/Grundy) |
| Car Show | Covered | Covered |
| Sunday Drive | Covered | Covered |
| Drive to Work (1x) | Denied | Covered (usually) |
| Grocery Store | Varies | Covered |
| Daily Commute | Denied | Denied |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Read the “Usage” Affidavit: You signed this when you bought the policy. Find it. Read it.
- Define “Occasional”: If you plan to drive to work on Fridays, email your agent: “I plan to drive to work 1-2 times a month. Is this covered?” Get the “Yes” in writing.
- Keep Daily Drivers Active: Never let your daily driver’s insurance lapse. If you don’t have a daily driver, your classic policy is invalid.
- “Errand” vs “Commute”: If you crash, be honest but specific. “I was taking the car for a maintenance drive and stopped at the store” is different than “I was using it to buy groceries.”
FAQ Section
Can I drive my classic to a wedding?
Yes, usually covered as pleasure use. But if you charge money to drive the bride (renting it out), that is “Commercial Use” and is excluded.
What if my daily driver breaks down?
Do not use the classic as a backup. Rent a car. Most classic policies explicitly exclude “use as a substitute vehicle.”
Does unlimited mileage mean unlimited usage?
No. Unlimited mileage means you can drive 10,000 miles to car shows. It does not mean you can drive 10 miles to work every day.