Do I Need Breakdown Cover for an Old Car?

Owning and driving a car is one of life’s greatest assets, but it is also an expensive investment. It can become even more costly if you break down without any cover in place. Breakdown cover policies are a great addition to your car insurance, providing you with protection when you’re on the road. If you have an older car, breakdown cover is even more important…

In this guide, we will explore the benefits of breakdown cover for older cars and whether or not there is a vehicle age limit. We will also discuss whether breakdown cover is more expensive for older cars, the elements to look for in the perfect breakdown policy, and how our policies at ALA can help you.

Is Breakdown Cover Worth It for an Older Car?

Yes, vehicle breakdown cover is perhaps more suited to older cars than newer ones. Older cars, particularly those over 10 years old, are naturally more prone to mechanical faults and wear and tear. Even if your vehicle is well-maintained, parts become more likely to fail as time goes on. Whether it’s a dead battery, overheating engine, or a simple puncture, the chances of breaking down on the road increase with age.

Breakdown cover can give you peace of mind, knowing you will get the help you need quickly. This is especially useful if you frequently drive long distances, commute daily, or travel in areas with limited garage access. Without cover, you could end up paying out of pocket for roadside recovery, towing, or emergency repairs, all of which can add up quickly.

If your car is getting on in years, breakdown cover is not only worthwhile, but it could also save you money and stress in the long run.

At ALA, we have four coverage options suitable for all drivers. Find your ideal breakdown cover level here.

Is There a Vehicle Age Limit for Breakdown Cover?

While some providers may have age limits or restrictions on cover, many offer breakdown cover for vehicles of all ages. It’s important to check the policy details, as some companies may exclude cars over a certain age or apply conditions such as requiring regular servicing.

Typically, vehicles over 15 years old may be considered higher risk, so cover might be limited or require an enhanced policy. In some cases, you might need to provide additional information or pay a slightly higher premium.

At ALA, we believe age shouldn’t be a barrier to reliable support. That’s why we offer breakdown cover options suitable for cars up to 15 years old, so you can feel confident on the road no matter how many years are on the clock.

Is Breakdown Cover More Expensive for Older Cars?

It may be, but how much a breakdown policy costs often depends on other factors, such as the level of cover you choose, the mileage and additional extras. For example, a basic roadside assistance plan will generally be cheaper than comprehensive cover with nationwide recovery and onwards travel.

Older vehicles are more likely to need assistance, so some breakdown providers may charge a higher premium to reflect the increased risk. That said, the difference in cost is usually marginal, especially when weighed against the potential costs of a single breakdown without cover. The best approach is to shop around and compare policies—not just by price, but by what’s included.

You can start building your breakdown cover quote here.

What Should I Look for in Breakdown Cover for an Older Car?

When looking for the perfect breakdown cover for your older car, consider the following elements:

• Roadside Assistance and Repair: mechanics will always attempt to fix your car at the side of the road. This is available on all four of our coverage options.
• Recovery to a Local Garage/Location of your Choice: if your car cannot be fixed at the side of the road, some policies offer recovery to a local garage; “Nationwide Recovery” ensures you will be transported to a location of your choosing.
• Home Start: this option isn’t always available in standard breakdown policies, but can ensure you’re not stranded on your doorstep.
• Onward Travel or Accommodation: some policies provide you with onward travel if you need to complete your journey, or they can offer you a hotel whilst your vehicle is repaired.
• Number of Callouts: if your car is particularly old (15 years plus), you may want a policy that provides multiple callouts per year to ease your worries on the road.
• European Cover: if you frequently travel overseas, European cover can ensure you’re covered no matter where you go (within Europe, of course).

What is Classic Car Breakdown Cover?

Classic car breakdown cover is a special case. It is specifically tailored to older vehicles that are typically over 20 years old, and cars that are often transported to car shows and rallies and aren’t driven as frequently. As they often require specialised treatment, providers often call this cover “class car breakdown cover.”

This type of cover usually takes into account the particular risks of classic motoring and may include features like:

• Specialised recovery suited for rare or delicate vehicles
• Cover for club-organised road trips or event
• European cover for shows and rallies abroad

At ALA, we specialise in flexible, modern breakdown cover, but we also understand the needs of classic and vintage car owners. We don’t have any age limit on our policies, so your older vehicle is likely to qualify for our policy. If you aren’t sure, get in touch with our friendly team today.

Breakdown Cover at ALA

At ALA, we understand the importance of protecting older cars and their drivers from being stranded on the road. We also understand how much your budget and preferences matter, which is why our breakdown cover comes in four different coverage levels, ensuring you get the right policy that suits your needs and budget.

Want to know more. Discover the ins and outs of our breakdown cover policies here.