Shannons car insurance review

A specialist insurer for classic, vintage and unique vehicles, Shannons has niche benefits that many other brands don’t offer.

Nicola Middlemiss's headshot

By

Nicola Middlemiss

Edited by

Jason Loewenthal

Updated

Fact checked

Key takeaways

  • Shannons specifically caters to classic, vintage and unique vehicles providing tailored benefits.
  • Unlock reduced premiums with laid-up limited use or club plate cover options.
  • Choose comprehensive or third party legal liability cover but note no third party fire and theft.

Our verdict

Pros

  • Lots of customisation options to create a truly tailored policy.
  • Discounts for cars that are off the road, rarely driven or registered with club plates.
  • Cover included for wedding hire use, school formals and some motoring events.

Cons

  • If you have a pretty standard car, Shannons probably isn't for you.
  • There's no cover if you want to use your car for rideshare services like Uber.
  • There's no third party fire and theft option. Only comprehensive or third party.

How does Shannons car insurance compare with other car insurers?

Shannons offers a wide range of customisations and generous benefit limits. It easily competes with other specialist car insurers in the market and is certainly worth considering.

ProviderAgreed valueRoadside assistanceLaid-up coverClub plate cover
Shannons
Optional
Enthusiast Motor Insurance
Ryno Insurance
Lumley car insurance

Compare policies from Shannons car insurance

Shannons only offers 2 types of car insurance – comprehensive and third party legal liability. However, with lots of customisations available, drivers can create the best car insurance policies that are tailored to their specific needs and unique vehicle.

Comprehensive cover can include the below features. Keep in mind, this list is not exhaustive and you should refer to the most recent product disclosure statement (PDS) for a full list of cover included.
  • Towing and storage costs
  • Defensive driving courses
  • New vehicle after total loss if your vehicle was less than 2 years old
  • Hire car following theft
  • Hire car after a not-at-fault accident
  • Baby capsules and child seats
  • Transport cover
  • Emergency expenses
  • Substitute vehicle
  • Excess-free windscreen glass claim
  • Trailer cover
Third party legal liability cover can include the below features. Keep in mind, this list is not exhaustive and you should refer to the most recent PDS for a full list of cover included.
  • Defensive driving courses
  • Hire car after a not-at-fault accident
  • Transport cover
  • Damage by uninsured drivers
  • Up to $20,000,000 in legal liability costs

What additional cover options are available?

  • Salvage rights. If your car is a total loss, you can choose to purchase the unrepaired vehicle. The amount will either be deducted from your settlement figure or required upfront.
  • Roadside assist. Unlimited, Australia-wide recovery for breakdowns, including flat battery, emergency fuel and lost keys. Plus, some emergency travel and accommodation costs.
  • Unlimited hire car. Get a hire car of a similar make and model (if possible) for as long as it takes to have your car repaired or replaced.
  • Laid-up cover. Enjoy a reduced premium if your car is off the road and not being driven.
  • Limited use cover. Claim special premium rates if you don't drive your car regularly.
  • Club plate cover. If your car is registered with club plates, special premium rates may be available.

FAQs

Compare other products from Shannons

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Jason Loewenthal as part of our fact-checking process.
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Journalist
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Nicola Middlemiss is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance and insurance. She has contributed to Domain, Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Insurance Business Australia, offering in-depth insights into commercial insurance in the Australian market. Nicola holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Leeds and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which complies with ASIC standards. See full bio

Nicola's expertise
Nicola has written 170 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Personal finance
  • Personal insurance, including car, health, home, life, pet and travel insurance
  • Commercial business insurance
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11 Responses

    Phil's avatar
    PhilOctober 10, 2026

    Hey there, I want to get insurance with you guys for my classic car. I obtained a permit to get it to a roadworthy tester. Can I get insurance for this trip?
    Cheers

      Angus Kidman's headshotFinder
      AngusOctober 12, 2026Finder

      Hi Phil, This is Finder, a comparison site, not Shannons itself. To check if you can get insurance for roadworthy transport you’ll need to contact Shannons directly.

    Duncan's avatar
    DuncanMarch 17, 2025

    Hello,
    do you offer car and carvan policies while in secure storage yard?

      Angus Kidman's headshotFinder
      AngusMarch 18, 2025Finder

      Hi Duncan, Shannons does offer potential discounts for rarely used vehicles, but you’d need to chat with them about the specifics of your situation.

    Dennis's avatar
    DennisSeptember 22, 2023

    I wish to cancel my bike insurance as my bike has been sold

      Gary Ross Hunter's headshotFinder
      GarySeptember 29, 2023Finder

      Hi Dennis,

      Finder is a comparison site. You will need to reach out to Shannons directly to cancel your insurance policy.

      Thanks,
      Gary

      Peta Taylor's headshotFinder
      PetaSeptember 25, 2023Finder

      Hi Dennis,
      You’ll need to get in touch with your insurance provider to do this. You could try doing it online or by giving them a call.
      Thanks,
      Peta

    Paula's avatar
    PaulaJuly 11, 2017

    Hi, we are moving to Melbourne and want to bring our Mercedes Benz ML250 from the UK – can you provide an estimate on comprehensive insurance costs per year for 2 drivers? Much appreciated, Paula

      Jonathan's avatar
      JonathanJuly 13, 2017

      Hello Paula!

      Thanks for the comment. Please be advised that finder is a comparison website and can give general advice.

      For your request, you may contact Shannons at 1800 562 268 or leave your details on their site and request a quote thru a callback.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

    Kate's avatar
    KateJune 5, 2017

    With the new laws coming into effect in South Australia on July 1 2017 regarding heritage/classic/left hand drive and modified cars (built before Jan 1979)and driving 90 days per year (lower cost in registration), how does that effect my insurance for my classic/modified car?

      Jonathan's avatar
      JonathanJune 6, 2017

      Hi Kate!

      Thanks for the comment.

      You may call 13 46 46 to speak to a Shannons representative about the impact of regulatory changes on the insurance of your vehicle.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

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