Footman James Dudley is the UK’s most recognised specialist classic car and motorcycle insurance broker, operating from its headquarters in Dudley, West Midlands. If you own a classic vehicle, a vintage motorcycle, a kit car, or an entire collection, Footman James Dudley is the first name most enthusiasts turn to.
With over 40 years of expertise, national award wins, and a loyal base of classic vehicle owners across the UK, they have built a reputation that few brokers can match.
Footman James is a specialist insurance broker based in Dudley, West Midlands. They focus entirely on classic and vintage vehicles, which sets them apart from general insurance companies that offer classic car cover as a small side product.
They have been trading for over 40 years and throughout that time have built direct relationships with more than 150 classic car clubs, associations, and enthusiast groups across the UK. That depth of community knowledge shapes how they design policies and what add-ons they offer.
The company operates as a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Towergate is one of the UK’s largest independent insurance broking businesses, which means Footman James Dudley has the financial backing and market access to offer genuinely competitive premiums to classic vehicle owners.
The physical headquarters of Footman James is located at Castlegate House, Castlegate Way, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4TA. This is situated in the Castle Court area of Dudley town centre.
Dudley is in the heart of the West Midlands, making it easily accessible from Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and the wider Black Country area. The central location supports the company’s strong regional identity while it serves customers across the entire United Kingdom.
Most customer interaction with Footman James Dudley happens by phone, online, or via email rather than in-person visits. Their UK call centre handles quotes, renewals, policy changes, and claims support remotely.
Getting in touch with Footman James Dudley is straightforward. They offer multiple contact channels to suit different needs and preferences.
The main customer service line is 0333 207 6000. This number connects you to the Footman James team for general enquiries, policy support, renewals, and claims.
For new quotes specifically, you can call 0333 207 6184. The quote line is handled by trained insurance advisors who specialise in classic and vintage vehicles. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00.
For general enquiries, you can email [email protected]. If you have a story or news item to share for their IGNITE magazine or website, the contact address is [email protected].
Email is best used for non-urgent questions, documentation requests, or follow-ups on existing policies. For time-sensitive matters like claims or renewals near the due date, calling is recommended.
The Footman James website at www.footmanjames.co.uk allows you to get a quote online, manage your existing policy, renew your cover, and access your policy documents through the online document portal.
There is also a callback request feature on the website. You can submit your name and preferred contact time (morning or afternoon) and a specialist advisor will call you back at a time that suits you. This is a convenient option if you do not want to wait on hold.
Footman James maintains active social media accounts. On Instagram, they are @footmanjames and share vehicle news, classic car features, and updates on their Coffee & Chrome Collective meets. Their social channels are also a good source of news about events, competitions, and community activities.
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Footman James Dudley operates a standard Monday to Friday working week. They are closed on weekends and UK public holidays. If you need to contact them outside business hours, the online quote and callback tool is available at any time through their website.
Footman James Dudley offers a wide range of specialist insurance products. Their portfolio goes well beyond basic classic car cover and extends across many types of vehicles and collections.
This is the flagship product and the one that built the Footman James name. Their classic car insurance is designed for vehicles that are used for leisure, shows, and weekend drives rather than daily commuting.
Policies include show and events cover as standard, which is a significant benefit that many general insurers charge extra for or exclude entirely. You can also choose an agreed value policy, which means the payout in the event of a total loss is the amount agreed at the start of the policy, not a depreciated market value. Classic car insurance prices from Footman James start from £12.
Footman James has specialised in classic motorcycle insurance for over 40 years. Their bike policies offer the same agreed value, show and events cover, and FJ+ add-on options as their car policies.
Whether you own a 1960s British single, a vintage Japanese two-stroke, or a classic Italian sportsbike, Footman James Dudley can tailor a policy to match. Club membership can also unlock specialist club rates if you are a member of an affiliated organisation.
Vintage vehicles, generally defined as pre-1930s cars, require specialist knowledge and cover that standard insurers rarely provide well. Footman James has a dedicated vintage car insurance product that understands the unique nature of these older vehicles.
Replacement parts for vintage cars can be expensive and difficult to source. An agreed value policy is especially valuable for vintage vehicles, where market value is often hard to determine through standard databases.
Kit cars and replicas present a specific challenge for mainstream insurers. The vehicles are often handbuilt, have unique specifications, and do not fit standard classification systems. Footman James Dudley specialises in insuring kit cars and replica cars with policies tailored to their actual value and usage.
This includes cars built from kits, factory-five replicas, Cobra replicas, and other specialist builds. Footman James works with owners to establish the correct agreed value for the vehicle.
For those who take their classic vehicles to track days, hillclimbs, or competitive motorsport events, Footman James offers competition car insurance. This covers vehicles that would typically be excluded from standard road policies when used in competitive environments.
Cover can be tailored to the level and type of competition, from club-level track days through to more serious motorsport applications.
Footman James Dudley covers specialist sports cars, including low-volume and limited-production models that do not fit into standard insurance categories. These vehicles often have high values and unique parts requirements that benefit from specialist underwriting.
High-performance vehicles, rare factory specials, and limited-edition sports cars all fall within this product area.
One of the most practical products Footman James offers is their Flex policy, which allows you to combine your classic vehicle and your modern daily driver on a single policy. This means one premium, one renewal date, and one set of documents for all your vehicles.
For owners with larger collections, the Multi-Vehicle policy covers five or more vehicles under a single arrangement. This significantly simplifies administration for collectors and motor traders who manage multiple vehicles at once.
Footman James Dudley offers classic motor trade insurance for businesses operating in the classic vehicle sector. This covers garages, restorers, dealers, and traders who work with classic and vintage vehicles professionally.
Motor trade policies can be tailored to the size and type of the business, including cover for vehicles in the care of the trader, road risks, and premises.
Footman James covers classic and specialist vehicles used for wedding and funeral hire. This is a niche but important product for businesses that operate vintage or prestige vehicles for special occasions.
Cover includes the vehicle itself, liability, and the specific commercial use requirements that standard vehicle insurance would not accommodate.
The Footman James Private Clients team handles high-value and complex insurance requirements. This includes prestigious vehicle collections, high-value homes, and bespoke insurance arrangements for clients with significant assets.
The Private Clients service is more personalised and is designed for customers who need a relationship-based approach to insurance rather than a transactional online quote. It is appropriate for multi-million pound collections, prestige vehicle fleets, and high-net-worth individuals.
Footman James Dudley extends its classic vehicle expertise to historic buses, support vehicles, and other specialist types that fall outside typical insurance categories.
Whether you own a vintage single-decker, a classic commercial vehicle, or a specialist support truck for a rally team, Footman James can arrange appropriate cover.
Footman James works with over 150 classic vehicle clubs across the UK and offers specialist insurance products designed for clubs and their members. Club and exhibition insurance covers events, shows, and organised gatherings where classic vehicles are displayed or paraded.
If you are a club secretary or events organiser, Footman James Dudley is well-positioned to arrange appropriate coverage for your activities.
FJ+ is the name Footman James gives to its range of optional policy enhancements. These are add-ons you can choose to include at any time during your policy to tailor your cover to your specific needs.
| FJ+ Option | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Agreed Value | Guaranteed payout based on an agreed sum, not depreciated market value |
| Breakdown Cover (FJ Rescue via RAC) | Roadside assistance and recovery, from £40 per classic vehicle |
| Legal Protection | Covers legal costs arising from incidents involving your vehicle |
| Nil Deduction Salvage Retention | You keep your vehicle even in the event of a total loss settlement |
| Drive to Work Cover | Extends your policy to cover occasional driving to and from work |
| Spare Parts Cover | Insures spare parts held for your classic vehicle |
| Track Day Cover | Covers your vehicle at track days and driving experience events |
FJ+ options can be added at any time, not just at the start of a new policy. This gives policyholders the flexibility to adjust their cover as their usage patterns change throughout the year.
Footman James Dudley has accumulated a strong track record of industry recognition. This is one of the clearest signals that they deliver quality within the specialist classic vehicle insurance market.
They won the national BIBA (British Insurance Brokers’ Association) Specialist Coverage Award in 2024. This is one of the most respected awards in the UK insurance industry and recognises excellence in specialist insurance coverage.
Footman James won the Feefo Platinum Award for customer service in 2023. Feefo is an independent review platform that verifies customer feedback. Achieving Platinum status requires a consistently high rating over a sustained period.
Footman James was recognised as Industry Supporter of the Year at the Historic Motoring Awards in 2021. This award reflected their active role in sponsoring clubs, events, and creators within the classic vehicle community, including Harry’s Garage and Classic Obsession.
Their Coffee & Chrome Collective community breakfast meets have won Best Association Event at the Conference & Events Awards for three consecutive years, in 2023, 2024, and 2025. This reflects the quality and popularity of their community events.
Footman James also won the Best Membership Support category at the Association Excellence Awards in 2024, reflecting their ongoing work supporting classic vehicle clubs and associations across the UK.
Footman James Dudley does not operate purely as an insurance provider. They are deeply embedded in the classic vehicle community and actively support enthusiasts beyond just selling policies.
Founded in 2019, the Coffee & Chrome Collective is a free monthly breakfast meet for classic vehicle owners hosted in the Midlands by Footman James. The format is relaxed and open. Every type of classic vehicle is welcome, from supercars to Morris Minors. Two free breakfast baps are included per vehicle.
The meets have grown significantly since launch and now draw large crowds from across the Midlands. They are free to attend and require no registration or club membership.
Footman James publishes IGNITE, a glossy print and digital magazine covering classic vehicle news, restoration guides, owner stories, and industry features. The magazine is distributed at events and is also available digitally on the Footman James website.
IGNITE gives the brand a media presence beyond insurance and helps them maintain genuine engagement with the enthusiast community throughout the year.
In 2022, Footman James launched the Indicator Report, an annual deep-dive into the state of the classic vehicle sector. The report covers data on owners, vehicles, business trends, and the broader classic vehicle market. It draws on responses from FJ clients, enthusiasts, industry experts, and the general public.
The report has become a useful industry reference document for anyone tracking trends in the classic vehicle world.
Footman James works with over 150 classic vehicle clubs across the UK. Club members affiliated with Footman James are often eligible for specialist club rates and tailored policy options that are not available to non-members.
If you are already a member of a classic car or motorcycle club, it is worth checking whether your club has a formal partnership with Footman James Dudley, as this can result in meaningful savings on your premium.
Getting a quote from Footman James Dudley in 2026 is quick and can be done through three different routes.
Visit www.footmanjames.co.uk and use the online quote tool. You will need to provide details about your vehicle (make, model, year, current value), your driving history, how you use the vehicle, and where it is stored.
The online quote system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is the fastest route to a quote for standard classic car and motorcycle policies.
Call 0333 207 6184 to speak directly with a Footman James insurance advisor. Phone quotes are best for more complex policies, multi-vehicle arrangements, or any situation where you have specific questions that the online form does not capture well.
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00.
Submit a callback request through the website at www.footmanjames.co.uk. Enter your name and your preferred contact window (morning or afternoon) and a specialist will call you back.
This option suits people who would prefer to speak to a human but want to schedule the call at a convenient time rather than calling in and potentially waiting.
Footman James Dudley is frequently compared to other UK classic vehicle insurance specialists. Here is how they sit against their main competitors.
| Insurer | Speciality | Agreed Value | Mileage Flexibility | Club Partnerships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Footman James Dudley | Classic cars, bikes, trade, collections | Yes | Yes | 150+ clubs |
| Peter Best Insurance | Classic cars and motorcycles | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Staveley Head | Classic and specialist vehicles | Yes | Yes | Some |
| Grove & Dean | Classic and specialist vehicles | Yes | Yes | Some |
| Devitt Insurance | Classic motorcycles | Yes | Yes | Motorcycle clubs |
| Hagerty | Classic cars, high-value collections | Yes | Yes | Some |
Footman James Dudley stands out primarily because of the breadth of vehicle types they cover, their community involvement, and their FJ+ add-on system, which gives a level of policy customisation that most competitors do not match.
Customer feedback for Footman James Dudley is mixed but broadly positive, particularly around the quality of policy options, agreed value cover, and the knowledge of staff.
Many long-term customers highlight the value of the FJ+ options as a reason they stay. Customers frequently mention that the benefits of the policy outweigh modest premium increases when renewals come around.
Some customers have raised concerns about premium increases at renewal, particularly in 2025 and 2026 as insurance costs have risen across the industry. A few have mentioned communication challenges during claims or renewal queries. These are experiences that any large insurance operation can produce, and the majority of reviews remain positive overall.
Staff members who are named in reviews are consistently praised for being knowledgeable, efficient, and pleasant to deal with. The overall Feefo Platinum Award status in 2023 reflects a sustained record of positive customer feedback rather than isolated good reviews.
Yes. Footman James is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited, which is registered in England and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Towergate’s registered address is 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7PD.
FCA regulation means that Footman James Dudley is legally required to treat customers fairly, handle complaints properly, and maintain the financial standards set by the UK’s financial regulator. You can verify their authorisation status through the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk.
In 2026, Footman James Dudley continues to build on its position as the UK’s leading specialist classic vehicle insurer. Their involvement in the Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC, where they sponsor the Barn Find area, is one of the most visible brand moments of the year.
The Coffee & Chrome Collective meets continue to attract hundreds of vehicles per event, with no sign of slowing down. The Indicator Report continues to be published annually and has become a standard reference document for the UK classic vehicle industry.
Their online policy management portal continues to be developed, allowing customers to handle renewals, document downloads, and policy amendments without needing to call during office hours. This is a significant improvement that makes managing a classic vehicle policy much more convenient for modern customers.
The main number is 0333 207 6000 for general enquiries and customer service. For quotes specifically, call 0333 207 6184, available Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00.
Footman James is headquartered at Castlegate House, Castlegate Way, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4TA in the Castle Court area of Dudley town centre.
They cover classic cars, classic motorcycles, vintage vehicles, kit and replica cars, competition cars, high-value vehicles, historic buses, motor trade fleets, and specialist sports cars.
They are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and UK public holidays. Online quotes and callbacks are available 24/7.
FJ+ is a suite of optional policy add-ons including agreed value cover, RAC breakdown (FJ Rescue), legal protection, nil deduction salvage retention, drive to work cover, spare parts cover, and track day cover.
Yes. Footman James is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited, which is fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.
You can get a quote online at www.footmanjames.co.uk, call 0333 207 6184, or submit a callback request through the website to have an advisor call you at a convenient time.
Recent awards include the BIBA Specialist Coverage Award 2024, Feefo Platinum Award 2023, Historic Motoring Awards Industry Supporter of the Year 2021, and Best Association Event 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Yes. Their Flex policy combines a classic and a modern vehicle on one policy. Their Multi-Vehicle policy covers five or more vehicles under a single premium and renewal date.
It is a free monthly classic vehicle breakfast meet founded by Footman James in 2019. It is hosted in the Midlands and is open to all classic vehicle types, with two free breakfast baps included per vehicle at each event.
Footman James Dudley has spent over 40 years earning its position as the UK’s go-to specialist classic vehicle insurer. Based at Castlegate House in Dudley, West Midlands, the company combines deep technical knowledge of classic vehicles with a genuine passion for the enthusiast community.
Their product range in 2026 covers virtually every type of classic and specialist vehicle, from vintage motorcycles to multi-million pound collections. The FJ+ system gives policyholders real flexibility to tailor their cover, while the Flex and Multi-Vehicle policies simplify administration for collectors and traders.
With multiple national awards, FCA regulation, over 150 club partnerships, and an active community presence through the Coffee & Chrome Collective and IGNITE magazine, Footman James Dudley is not just an insurance broker. They are a central part of UK classic vehicle culture and the most complete one-stop destination for specialist vehicle insurance in 2026.