Classic car breakdown cover
As the owner of a classic car, you’ll want to take the best care of your pride and joy and get help quickly if something goes wrong. Find out how to get the right classic car breakdown cover that you and your beloved motor deserve.
What is classic car breakdown cover?
Classic car breakdown cover is a type of insurance policy that provides roadside assistance for older and vintage cars if they break down.
Some breakdown providers won’t cover cars that are more than 15-20 years old, but others will protect cars of any age. Specialist classic car breakdown cover is also an option, although it’s likely to cost more than standard breakdown cover.
If your pride and joy suffers a mechanical failure, having classic car cover in place could keep your majestic motor on the road.
What levels of classic car breakdown cover are there?
The levels of car breakdown insurance for older cars are like those for newer cars. However, it’s important to check whether there are any age restrictions on the policy.
- Roadside is the most basic level and covers you if you break down away from home. If your car can’t be fixed at the roadside, it will usually be towed to a nearby garage.
- Home start gives you additional cover if your car won’t start at your home address – or very close to your home.
- National recovery gives you the option to have your vehicle and passengers towed to a chosen location anywhere in he UK. Classic car recovery could be useful if you use your vehicle for touring.
- Onward travel is the most comprehensive cover. It will usually pay for a courtesy car and the cost of overnight hotel accommodation or public transport if your car can’t be fixed straight away.
Do I need personal or vehicle cover for my classic car?
It depends on your driving habits. There are two main types of breakdown policy for older cars.
Personal breakdown cover
This covers you as a named driver for any vehicle. It could be useful if you drive more than one car. For example, you might have a newer car for everyday use and only drive your classic car during weekends in the summer.
Vehicle breakdown cover
This covers a specific car, regardless of who’s driving it. This could work for you if you let other members of your household behind the wheel of your classic car, or you want to invite friends to take your car out for a spin.
Can I get classic car European breakdown cover?
It’s essential to have some form of classic car European breakdown recovery if you’re planning a trip to mainland Europe.
Taking an older car out for longer distances on unfamiliar roads could be very costly if you don’t have the right classic and old car European breakdown cover in place.
If you regularly travel abroad, you can opt for an annual policy that will typically cover you for up to 90 days a year in total. Or you could choose single-trip European breakdown cover for older vehicles and classic cars. This is cheaper, but only covers you for one journey.
How to choose classic and older car breakdown cover
Look for a breakdown policy that has everything you need to get your classic car back on the road as soon as possible if it develops a fault. For instance, it’s a good idea to have home start cover if your car is likely to be laid up at home for long periods. And if you often attend car rallies abroad, you’ll need European cover.
Some older cars have a habit of letting you down at precisely the wrong moment, so getting the right cover in place to protect your beloved set of wheels can save you a lot of hassle.
With classic models, the details are important, so be sure to study your policy documents carefully to understand what it all means. Compare classic breakdown cover with us and you could save money.
What do I need to get a classic car breakdown cover quote?
To get a quote for classic car breakdown cover, you’ll need to give us:
- The dates you’d like your cover to start and end
- Details of your vehicle, including age, registration, manufacturer and model
- A few personal details, including your name and address
You’ll see the policies listed with the cheapest first, and an at-a-glance guide to the main benefits of each, including any cashback or discounts.
When you’ve chosen the most suitable breakdown cover for you, just follow the link to the provider’s website to get your deal.
Start a quoteFrequently asked questions
Is my vehicle too old for breakdown cover?
Some breakdown providers will cover vehicles of all ages, but others won’t let you take out breakdown cover for cars over 15 years old. Compared to modern cars, classic cars can be more difficult to fix and parts could be more difficult to find.
When you compare breakdown cover with Compare the Market, we’ll ask you the age of your vehicle. This allows us to show you a list of suitable providers who can offer you old car breakdown cover.
Is it worth getting classic car breakdown cover with insurance?
It could be cost-effective to add classic car breakdown cover to your car insurance, but it’s important to check the small print. For example, does it provide a recovery service or does it just offer classic car roadside assistance? Breakdown cover with insurance may not give you the full cover you need.
For many motorists, it could be better to buy breakdown cover and car insurance separately, particularly if you drive a modern car and a classic car.
Is breakdown cover more expensive for older cars?
Older car breakdown cover does tend to be more expensive than cover for newer cars. That’s because older vehicles are more likely to suffer mechanical faults – which means you’re more likely to make a claim on your policy.
Can I get breakdown cover with my classic car club membership?
It’s possible to get a discount on breakdown cover if you belong to a classic car club, as some do offer this. Or you’ll at least be able to get recommendations for the best classic car breakdown providers. But it’s also worth doing your own research and shopping around to get the right deal at the right price.
What our expert says...
“If you’re the proud owner of a classic car, it’s important to get the right level of breakdown cover for your pride and joy. Classic cars may not be covered by a standard breakdown policy because, as you might expect, older cars are a riskier prospect and parts can be very difficult to replace. Always check the fine print carefully before taking out breakdown cover so you can be sure your four-wheeled beauty will be taken care of if something goes wrong.”
- Julie Daniels, Motor insurance expert
Why use Compare the Market?
We compare 13 breakdown insurance providers[1]
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[1] Correct as of June 2024.
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