In 2026, ClassicLine Insurance celebrates an incredible milestone, 40 years in business! Four decades in today’s insurance landscape is no small achievement, so we wanted to mark the occasion in a way that reflects the community that’s made it all possible.
So yes, there will be office celebrations, and most definitely cake. But we’re also doing something a little special, we’re giving away 40 FREE classic car insurance policies across our 40th anniversary year.
Our journey in classic car insurance
Our story began on the 2nd December 1985, when the business first went live under the name Ian Fray & Co Insurance Brokers. Based in a premises at the top of Castle Street, Hinckley in Leicestershire, the company started life as a local insurance broker, mainly dealing with general insurances. Working with less than £50 in the bank and determined to create a new kind of motor insurance broker, in January 1986, within weeks of opening, the business had written over 200 new policies, mostly for classic car owners.
”Business continued to surprise me, and admittedly I was struggling to keep my head above water with all of the enquiries. On the 20th January, only a few weeks into opening, I employed my first member of staff. By April of our first year, having only been live for four months, it already demanded an extension on our team. This meant I had to employ a further three members of staff.
Ian FrayFounder and Chairman, ClassicLine Insurance
It quickly became clear that classic car insurance wasn’t just a sideline. It was the heart of the business. As demand grew throughout the late eighties, this specialist side soon outpaced the general insurance side, naturally transforming the company into a national specialist broker.
With this new specialist broker identity came a new name. In 1992, ClassicLine Insurance Services was unveiled and along with it, our now recognisable purple branding.
”On the December of that year, we further extended our business to the floor above our Castle Street office. Client files were increasing and as was our need for further staff; hence the building extension. We developed new schemes and ideas, which were copied by other major insurers (including our bespoke paperwork!). However, every cloud has a silver lining. Copying is the biggest form of flattery, so we must’ve been doing something right.
Ian FrayFounder and Chairman, ClassicLine Insurance
Fast forward 40 years and ClassicLine Insurance has grown into a trusted name among classic, performance and modified vehicle owners across the UK, and yes, we’re still on Castle Street! Some of our clients have been with us for decades, and we’re proud to now be insuring the next generation as enthusiasm is passed down through families.
Protecting the vehicles people love
Protecting cherished vehicles has always been at the heart of what we do. We specialise in insurance for vintage, classic, custom, hot rod, American, modified and performance vehicles, offering cover designed around how these vehicles are really owned, used and enjoyed. Operations Director and Car Club Liaison Darren Ansell, who has worked closely with car clubs for many years, puts it best: “We believe good service means speaking directly to people who understand your car and your concerns.”
While much of the insurance industry has been absorbed into large corporate groups, ClassicLine Insurance has proudly remained independent and under the same ownership for four decades. That independence allows us to focus on what truly matters: specialist cover, genuine expertise, and personal service from people who actually understand enthusiast vehicles.
It’s this approach that’s earned us the trust of thousands of enthusiasts and collectors over the last 40 years.
Just as importantly, we actively support the clubs and communities behind these vehicles. By getting involved with clubs, attending shows and events, and working directly with club officials and members, we’re able to build insurance schemes that genuinely reflect how these vehicles are cherished.
Celebrating 40 years by giving back
Being independent means we can mark this milestone our own way. Throughout 2026, we’re giving away 40 FREE ClassicLine Insurance policies!
That’s 40 chances to have your insurance premium refunded in full, effectively making your policy completely free.
The prize draw is simple; there’s no forms or quiz questions to answer. Just purchase a new ClassicLine Insurance policy or renew an existing one between the 2nd February 2026 and 31st December 2026 and you’ll be automatically entered into the draw.
Every business quarter during 2026, we’ll randomly select 10 winners, giving 40 winners in total by the end of the year.
For full details and terms and conditions please visit the prize draw page.
Looking ahead to the next chapter
As the classic motoring world continues to evolve, so do we. Our commitment to specialist insurance, expert customer service and a genuine passion for the vehicles our clients love is only set to grow
stronger. Whether you’ve been with us for years or you’re trying ClassicLine Insurance for the first time, we’re excited to have you with us for the road ahead.
Here’s to 40 years of ClassicLine Insurance!
Remember, if you’re insuring or renewing during 2026, you’ll automatically be part of our anniversary celebrations with the chance to win one of 40 FREE insurance policies.
