Classic Car Breakdown Cover: Here’s Everything You Must Know

Last Updated on October, 2024

As the owner of a vintage car, you would give anything to get the best care possible for your one-of-a-kind vehicle. Experiencing a breakdown can be stressful, especially if you don’t have an experienced team like ours to handle cars of this calibre and novelty.

These classic cars aren’t usually for everyday use; keeping them in the garage for prolonged periods can also expose them to many risks. The last thing you want is an unexpected breakdown when you take it out on a special occasion.

While it isn’t a legal requirement in the UK, getting your one-of-a-kind car covered from breakdowns is worth considering. In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about keeping your classic car safe.

Quick Summary

• Classic car breakdown cover provides a safety net for vintage cars and can save owners from unnecessary expenses and stress in the event of a breakdown.
• The definition of a classic car varies, but in general, it is considered to be a vehicle over 15 years old and worth over £15,000.
• There are different levels of classic car breakdown cover available, including roadside assistance, home-start, national recovery, onward travel, and European cover. It is important for owners to carefully consider their needs and select the right level of coverage.

What is a Classic Car Breakdown Cover?

A classic car breakdown cover is a safety net for your vintage cars. While it won’t protect your classic car from a breakdown, it does make sure that you are backed up in case something goes wrong. 

This is a classic car insurance policy that will provide you with roadside assistance and recovery during a breakdown. 

Repairing older vehicles is no easy feat. Tracking specific spare parts for some vintage cars is difficult, and parts may no longer be in production. 

Further, finding a technician with the skill to handle your rare beast is even harder. Imagine having a rookie put modern car parts in your classic car, which can directly bring down the value. 

Ensuring your classic car is handled by an expert can preserve its value and save you a hefty amount of unnecessary repairs or costs. 

What is a Classic Car?

You might wonder what constitutes a classic car; do not worry. Different classic car enthusiasts may have varying opinions on what a classic car is based on nostalgic style or vintage parts.

In the HM Revenue and Customs for company taxation laws and as a general rule, if your car is over fifteen years old and worth over £15,000, it is defined by law as a classic car. 

However, if you use a car tax exemption as a cut-off point, any car 40 years or over is considered a classic. 

Suppose you are looking to get classic car insurance or a breakdown cover. In that case, some insurance providers have different definitions of a classic car, so it is best to check with your breakdown provider whether your car fits that description. 

Levels of Classic Car Breakdown Cover

You will need to decide on cover levels that best suit you. Having any random classic car cover is not advisable, as you will need the policy to suit your needs while also going easy on your wallet. 

Roadside Assistance

If you only drive around your classic car around town, then roadside assistance is useful in case your car breaks down within the vicinity of your town. 

In this event, all you need to do is call our professionals, and we will do everything we can to get your classic vehicle back on the road on the same day.

If breakdown assistance is not available, which is rarely the case, we provide a towing service to get your classic car to the nearest local garage. 

Home-Start

When you leave your classic car at home for long periods of time, there is a tendency for the inner parts to develop faults. This could be for multiple reasons, such as the car parts being vulnerable to the elements like humidity, which can cause rust to form. 

If you are at home or within that range of your home address and you find yourself with a mechanical failure, a home start cover will be the right cover for you.

With this policy, all you have to do is call our experts, and we will be on our way to get your vintage vehicle fixed in no time.

National Recovery

This option allows you to tow yourself and up to seven passengers to any single destination anywhere in the UK or a garage close to your destination and even overnight accommodation in some cases. 

If you use your classic car out for touring or showcasing and if you meet with a flat battery or require breakdown services, then the national recovery is a good policy to consider. 

Onward Travel

Onward travel is when you take your classic car for long journeys, especially on unfamiliar roads, and your car breaks down. You can get coverage for that. In that case, we will arrange either a transport or a replacement vehicle for you to reach your destination. 

If the situation is such that you need to stay at this destination overnight, then while your car is being repaired, we will also provide overnight accommodation. 

European Cover

Taking an older car to long distances out of the UK and if your classic car breaks can be a disaster, not to mention the unfamiliar roads and languages. 

European cover provides a safety net when you are driving in Europe. This option can provide cover for up to 31 to 90 days per year. It is also advisable to inform your insurance provider about the trip so they can be prepared and avoid any delays. 

How Do You Choose Classic and Older Car Breakdown Cover?

In many cases, classic car owners tend to have multiple vehicles, both classic and modern cars. Therefore, selecting the right annual policy that gives you the right price, the right deal, and comprehensive cover is important, especially to save money.

For more modern classic cars with frequent journeys around the town, breakdowns may happen within this area, so getting the roadside recovery policy is advisable.

For older cars that spend more time cooped up in your garage and you only ever take it out for showcase, getting a home-start cover is cost-effective as you are unlikely to find yourself needing roadside breakdown cover in this case.

Do I Need a Personal or Vehicle Cover for Classic Car?

Whether you need a personal breakdown cover or a vehicle breakdown cover depends on various factors, like the driving habits and ownership of these cars.

Personal Breakdown Cover 

If you frequently drive your personal car for everyday use and your classic car for leisure, you might want to consider getting a personal cover. This type of cover only covers you named as the driver for all the vehicles covered.

This is usually for car owners with multiple cars for different uses, and personal cover provides roadside assistance and recovery for any vehicle they travel in.

This policy covers up to three vehicles in the same household. Therefore, getting a personal vehicle cover is more suitable if you only use your classic cars for out-of-the-blue drives. 

However, be mindful of the terms and conditions, as some personal car insurances do not cover classic cars, making your cover invalid. In this case, getting an additional cover is more sensible.

Vehicle Breakdown Cover 

This type of vehicle insurance only covers a specific vehicle regardless of who’s driving on a policy. Therefore, It is more suitable to lend your classic cars to your family or friends to take out for a spin. 

Best Breakdown Cover for Classic Cars

The best classic car breakdown cover for these timeless cars would have the following policies in addition to the roadside recovery policy, home assistance, and accident recovery.

We offer unlimited callouts 24/7, ensuring we are always available when you require our support to repair and ensure you are on your way. 

A misfuel cover is also a good policy if you accidentally put the wrong fuel type into your classic car. For instance, putting petrol into a diesel-fueled car can lead you to pay more than you need to repair as it can cause fuel system damage. 

What Do You Need to Do to Get a Classic Car Breakdown Cover?

To get a quote from us, you must provide the following information. The dates you’d like your cover for classic cars to start, Details of your vehicle like age, registration, and model, and personal details like your name and address. 

Useful guides:

• Motorcycle Breakdown Cover
• Van Breakdown Cover
• What Happens if I Have a Car Accident Without MOT?

Closing Remarks 

I would definitely recommend anyone with a vintage model to get a breakdown cover. Not only would you be free of stress in case of a breakdown. You face less unnecessary damage to your car and your wallet. 

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