Age limits on the driver
The major motoring organisations do not impose an upper age limit on personal or vehicle breakdown cover. Some insurer-branded and budget products, and some policies bundled with bank accounts or car insurance, do set limits — 75 and 80 are the figures that come up. The limit is often not mentioned until you reach the end of the quote. If you are over 75, check the eligibility section of the policy document before you start.
Age limits on the car
A more common problem for older drivers is the age of the car. Budget policies exclude vehicles older than 10, 12 or 16 years. The AA, RAC and GEM cover older vehicles on standard terms (with the usual requirement that the car is maintained and roadworthy). If you drive a well-kept 2008 car, the cheapest quote on a comparison site may not actually cover it.
Vulnerable-passenger priority
All the major providers operate a priority system for breakdowns involving people they class as vulnerable, which includes elderly drivers and passengers, particularly when alone, at night or in bad weather. Say so when you call. You will usually be attended faster.
Personal cover and lifts
Older drivers who are regularly driven by family may find personal cover more useful than vehicle cover: it covers them as a passenger in any car. Conversely, if family members often drive your car, vehicle cover makes more sense. The vehicle-or-person guide sets out the difference.
Reader questions on age and cover
Two of the most-read answers on this site deal with exactly this: Am I too old for breakdown cover? and Is there an age limit on breakdown cover?