On Jan. 1, 2018, the definition of an antique vehicle changed from “vehicles 30 years old or older” to “vehicles that are model year 1987 and older.”
“This change is about addressing an imbalance,” said Penny McCune, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “The intent of the Antique Use class, when originally created, was to accommodate vintage vehicles that were used infrequently – for parades, special occasions or Sunday drives. But we’re seeing more and more antique-registered vehicles driven as regular-use vehicles; daily in many cases. Because they’re insured at such a low cost, this does not adequately provide for the injury and liability claim payouts in the event of a collision.”
SGI stated in a press release on January 8th, 2018, that the change will not effect any vehicles 1987 or older that where already currently eligible for antique plates prior to the change.
Don’t think this change is fair? You can sign a Petition at Change.org: SGI to change back their definition of antique vehicle
Physical damage coverage for antique vehicles is limited to $800, with a $500 deductible but it’s the $200,000 liability and injury benefits are provided that SGI says is costing the insurance provider too much money. According to their press release, the number of vehicles registered as antique in Saskatchewan has increased by 55 per cent over the past five years and the total number of vehicles registered as antique involved in claims has grown by 31 per cent since 2011.
After SGI consulted with car clubs and antique vehicle enthusiasts, it was decided that the fairest option to address this imbalance was to cap the antique class at the 1987 model year, rather than increase rates for all antique vehicles. SGI gave no indication of how much antique plates could have increased had they chose the option of an increase to all antiques vehicles.
Reduced rates are available for vehicles registered as antiques. Annual cost to plate a vehicle as antique includes an $85 insurance premium + PST, as well as a $68 registration fee. If the vehicle is a 1941 model or older the annual cost includes an $85 insurance premium + PST, as well as a $5 registration fee. If the vehicle is worth more than $800 or the own wishes to increase their liability coverage, additional insurance can be purchased with SGI Personal Auto Paks. Coverage for higher values than the $800 require owners provide an appraisal of the vehicle.
A Class LV (Light Vehicle) antique vehicle is also not subject to an inspection if it is registered for personal use, has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 4,500 kg or has been given an exemption by Vehicle Standards and Inspection.
If your vehicle is a true vintage vehicle that is only used on special occasions, there are other registration options available. For example, the vehicle could be registered short-term (i.e. during the summer months). Other options for vehicles that are being used occasionally are to purchase 24-hour or 8-day permits.
