Breakdown Cover For Older Cars

What is classified as an older vehicle?

From most roadside assistance firms vehicles, 0 to 16 years of age with less than 150K miles on the odometer for coverage in Europe are considered new cars. There are also companies in the UK that consider vehicles 20 years of age as newer cars. All other vehicles are classified as older vehicles.

Most roadside assistance companies consider vehicles aged 0 to 14 years with less than 150,000 miles to be new cars for coverage in Europe. Cars over 15 years old are classified as older cars when it comes to providing breakdown cover.

Can you get breakdown cover on an old car?

Yes, breakdown cover for older cars is available, including UK and European coverage. Please note that spare parts are not covered by most breakdown providers. Each provider may have different conditions, so it’s important to read the coverage documentation carefully before purchasing or travelling. For example, some providers offer free delivery if spare parts are not available locally, meaning you would only be responsible for the cost of the part itself.

Is European breakdown cover available for classic cars ?

Most providers have no age limits for providing breakdown cover within the UK and NI, but few will provide European breakdown cover for classic cars or cars that are over 20 years old. 

What types of repairs are covered for older vehicles?

Older cars are eligible for the same types of repairs that roadside mechanics perform on newer cars. The main limitation is the availability of spare parts. Many mechanics responding to breakdowns will have the most common parts for modern cars, which may not fit older vehicles.