Older or retired motorists may have specific needs when it comes to breakdown cover. Read our full guide on how to choose the right policy, and get answers to questions about licence rules and DVLA driver assessments for the over-70s.
For many older drivers, having a reliable breakdown cover policy in place is more than simply being able to get their car going again - it’s about knowing someone will come and help, whether you’re close to home, travelling across the country, or embarking on a longer trip.
The way we use our car can change as we age, too. For example, we might make fewer local trips, but go on longer journeys - to see loved ones or go on holiday. On the other hand, we might hardly use our car, but still keep it on-hand for occasional trips or emergencies.
However you use your car, it's important to choose the right breakdown policy for your needs. Here are a few things to check before you press the ‘Buy’ button.
Firstly, how might your age affect getting breakdown cover?
Your age is unlikely to be a factor when it comes to buying breakdown cover. You do not need a specialist type of policy to enjoy the benefits of roadside assistance.
However, some policies may have limits on the covered-vehicle’s age.
With Start Rescue’s UK-based cover, there are no restrictions on either your age, nor that of your car. However, for European cover, cars and motorcycles must be aged 10 years or less.
Do you have to redo your driving test at 70?
Some older drivers wonder: At what age do you have to retake your driving test? In fact, you do not have to retake a practical driving test when you turn 70.
However, there are some extra requirements when driving over 70. Your driving licence expires when you reach the age of 70, so you must renew your licence if you want to keep driving.
Renewing a driving licence at age 70 is free of charge, but you must renew your licence again every three years after turning 70.
You must fill out a self-assessment stating that you are fit and healthy to drive. Importantly, your eyesight must meet the UK legal standards required for driving.
Drivers over 70: What about the DVLA elderly driver assessment?
If you have certain medical conditions or disabilities, you may need to report them or undergo a specialised driving assessment (sometimes called a DVLA elderly driver assessment, but known officially as a DVLA Medical Assessment).
When it comes to driving assessments for elderly people, motorists can be referred by the DVLA or NHS to have one completed. These are free of charge.
You can also volunteer to undergo a driving assessment, but this is paid for by you as the self-referrer.
Buying cover: Think about where you actually drive
If you tend to make short, local trips, then basic roadside assistance may well be enough. But if you tend to make longer trips across the country - perhaps to visit children or grandchildren - then being recovered to your home address, or to your intended destination, might be more important.
With Start Rescue, for example, you can choose from five simple cover levels. 1-Star cover gives you alternative travel, emergency overnight accommodation, misfuel cover and key assist. With 2-Star cover you get the same as 1-Star, but with nationwide recovery. Higher levels include benefits such as home assistance and European roadside assistance and recovery.
The level of cover you choose depends largely on how you use your car - or how you plan to use it.
Home breakdowns: More common than you think?
It’s easy to think roadside recovery is for breakdowns that take place on the motorway or miles from home. But in reality, there’s a big chance you’ll suffer a breakdown right on your doorstep.
A survey of motorists by Which? found that around 47% of call-outs relate to home breakdowns.
Cars that are not driven very often are more likely to suffer flat batteries, slow punctures or flat tyres. So if you tend to drive your vehicle occasionally, or leave it sitting for long periods, then buying a policy with home assistance could make a lot of sense.
It can be surprisingly disruptive if you can’t start your car in order to reach an appointment, go food shopping, or visit friends or family.
Start Rescue's 3-Star and 5-Star policies include home assist.
What would happen if you broke down far from home?
Imagine sitting in your broken-down car, tens or even hundreds of miles away from home. You’ll need to arrange a repair - and if a roadside fix isn’t possible, you’ll need to be towed to a nearby garage. But what happens if the repair can’t be completed until the next day?
For such scenarios, you would need a policy with nationwide recovery. Start Rescue's 2,3, 4 and 5-Star policies include nationwide recovery - meaning if your car cannot be repaired by the roadside or at a nearby garage on the same day, you, your passengers and your vehicle would be recovered to your home address, or to your original destination if it is closer
Checking that a policy has nationwide recovery might not be a priority when looking for affordable breakdown cover, but it could make a huge difference if you find yourself with a serious mechanical fault, a long way from home.
Check whether the cover follows you, or your car
Modern breakdown cover policies usually give you the choice of either Vehicle or Personal cover.
Vehicle cover relates to a specific vehicle - so if it breaks down you can request roadside assistance.
Personal cover follows you - so if you happen to be travelling in another eligible vehicle (whether as driver or passenger) you can call on your roadside assistance provider.
With Start Rescue, Personal Cover is available for our 1, 2, and 3-Star cover levels.
Cars, motorcycles and vans of any age are covered, as long as they do not exceed 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
If you do drive another person’s car on a regular basis, or go on trips in other people’s cars, then Personal Cover gives you the peace of mind that you can request roadside assistance - and may well be worth the small extra cost.
Don't assume an older car can't be covered
Many older drivers like to keep their cars for longer - because they are familiar, and have proven to be reliable for a long time.
Start Rescue’s UK-based policies will cover cars, motorcycles and vans of any age, so even if your car is 15 years old, you can get breakdown insurance for it.
Note that with European breakdown cover, there is a vehicle age limit of 10 years.
Thinking about trips to mainland Europe?
Retirement can offer more opportunities for longer holidays, such as a road trip to the continent.
However, the idea of dealing with a breakdown in another country is not pleasant: Unfamiliar roads, language barriers and the process of getting help can add to an already-stressful situation.
But having European breakdown cover can give you the peace of mind to enjoy overseas trips to the fullest - safe in the knowledge you can request roadside assistance whenever necessary.
If your car or motorbike are 10 years of age or under, you can opt for annual European cover through purchasing our 4 or 5 Star breakdown cover. Alternatively,with Start Rescue's single trip European breakdown cover, you can cover trips of between 1 and 31 days, in more than 40 countries. As mentioned, cars and motorcycles aged up to 10 years can be covered under European breakdown cover.
Image credit: El Casteleiro - stock.adobe.com
Look at what happens after the breakdown
Getting your car to a garage is only part of the story. You also need to think about how you'll continue your journey.
Depending on the level of Start Rescue cover selected, benefits can include alternative transport if your vehicle cannot be repaired on the same day. Higher levels also provide additional protection following events such as theft or vandalism or driver illness
For someone who depends on their car, this type of assistance can be just as useful as roadside repair itself.
Always read the terms and conditions
It’s important to be aware of what is - and what isn’t - covered by a policy before you buy.
Some providers may have limits on the number of call-outs they will make, or charge an excess fee.
Start Rescue has no limits on the number of call outs*, and doesn’t charge any excess for its services on policies bought directly from startrescue.co.uk.
*Excludes Business Breakdown Cover policies. Terms and conditions apply.
Final thought
It's important to think carefully about what’s included in your breakdown policy, so it matches the way you drive over the coming months.
You should then have real peace of mind as you continue motoring.
