Exploring How Long Do UK Drivers Keep Their Cars

Car ownership habits in the UK are changing. Rising costs in the new car market, higher insurance premiums and ongoing running expenses mean many households are choosing to keep their cars for longer than they once did.

Recent survey data shows that more than one in ten drivers now keep their car for over a decade, while many others delay replacing their vehicle to manage costs. These decisions affect not only maintenance and reliability, but also car insurance and long-term ownership costs.

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How many cars do UK households typically own?

Car ownership varies across the country, but most households still rely on at least one private car.

According to National Travel Survey (NTS) statistics, the average number of cars per household in Great Britain is just over one, with many households owning a single car and a smaller proportion owning two or more.

Car ownership by household type

• Single-car households are the most common
• Multi-car households are more common outside major cities
• Car access is lower in large urban areas such as London

Car ownership remains closely linked to travel needs, location and access to public transport.

Has car ownership in the UK increased or decreased in recent years?

Overall car ownership has remained relatively stable, but patterns of use have changed.

Analysis of patterns from a series of household surveys of personal travel, which form part of a continuous survey run by the Department for Transport, shows that:

• The proportion of households with access to a car has levelled off
• Growth in ownership has slowed, particularly in cities
• People are keeping cars for longer rather than replacing them frequently

This shift reflects affordability pressures rather than reduced reliance on private cars.

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How long do drivers typically keep their cars?

A survey of 1,001 UK drivers by car insurance provider Tempcover highlights how ownership length has changed.

How long UK drivers keep their cars

This aligns with wider trends showing that the average lifespan of cars in the UK has increased compared with previous years, driven by cost pressures and improved vehicle durability.

Why are drivers keeping their cars for longer?

Several factors are influencing ownership decisions.

Survey respondents said they keep cars longer because:

• 41% want to get the most value from their vehicle
• 39% think newer cars are too expensive
• 30% say running costs such as insurance, tax and tyres are too high

For many households, holding onto an existing car is a way to spread costs over a longer period.

What is the typical cost of owning and running a car in the UK?

The cost of car ownership goes well beyond fuel.

Typical ongoing costs include:

• Car insurance
• Vehicle tax
• MOTs and servicing
• Repairs and replacement parts
• Tyres and general wear

NTS data shows that the average miles driven per car has fallen slightly, but the frequency of private car use remains high, particularly for commuting, leisure and escort trips. This means running costs remain a significant household expense.

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Does keeping an older car affect car insurance?

Yes. Insurance pricing is influenced by more than just the value of the car.

Insurers consider:

• Safety features, which are more common in newer cars
• Repair complexity and parts availability
• Theft risk
• Annual mileage and usage patterns

Older cars may sometimes be cheaper to insure, but this is not guaranteed, especially if repair costs rise.

Maintenance and repair costs for older cars

As cars age, maintenance becomes more important.

Common issues include:

• Increased likelihood of breakdowns
• MOT failures due to wear
• Rising repair bills as components age

While modern cars are built to last longer, keeping a car beyond ten years often requires a higher maintenance budget.

Are UK households owning fewer cars or switching to electric vehicles?

Car ownership patterns in the UK are evolving rather than declining outright.

Data from national travel surveys shows that while the proportion of households with access to a car has stabilised, there is growing interest in electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly among households replacing an existing car rather than adding a second one.

Key trends include:

• Slower growth in multi-car households, especially in cities
• Increased consideration of electric vehicles when replacing older cars
• Continued reliance on private cars outside major urban areas

Rather than owning fewer cars overall, many households are keeping existing cars for longer while delaying decisions about switching to electric vehicles.

How does car ownership differ across regions in the UK?

Car ownership and usage vary significantly by location.

Regional differences in car ownership

• London has the lowest levels of car access, due to public transport availability
• Rural areas and smaller towns have higher car ownership rates
• Residents of England outside major cities rely more heavily on private cars for longer journeys

NTS analysis shows that car driver trips account for the highest number of passenger trips across most regions, underlining the continued importance of car ownership.

How long do cars last compared with previous years?

The average lifespan of cars in the UK has increased steadily over time.

Key reasons include:

• Improved build quality
• Better corrosion resistance
• More reliable engines

Compared with previous decades, cars are now kept on the road for longer, even as ownership patterns evolve.

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Has the 2030 petrol and diesel ban changed ownership behaviour?

Future policy continues to influence decisions, but uncertainty remains.

Survey responses show:

• Some drivers are considering hybrid or electric options
• Others are delaying decisions until rules are clearer
• Many say the ban has not changed their plans

This uncertainty contributes to longer ownership of existing petrol and diesel cars.

When should drivers review their car insurance?

Drivers should consider reviewing insurance when:

• Their car reaches a new age bracket
• Repair costs begin to rise
• Annual mileage changes
• Renewal prices increase

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How much do UK drivers typically spend maintaining older cars?

Maintenance costs vary widely depending on age, mileage and condition.
For older cars, costs usually increase due to:

• More frequent servicing and repairs
• Wear-related component failures
• MOT-related work

While many drivers budget a few hundred pounds a year for routine maintenance, unexpected repairs can significantly increase annual costs, particularly for cars kept beyond ten years.

Is buying a newer car more cost-effective in the long run?

It depends on how long the car is kept and how it is used.

Newer cars may offer:

• Lower maintenance costs in early years
• Improved fuel efficiency
• Modern safety features

However, higher purchase prices, depreciation and insurance costs can outweigh these benefits. For many UK drivers, keeping an existing car and managing maintenance carefully remains more cost-effective in the short to medium term.

Are households moving towards electric vehicles instead of petrol or diesel cars?

Interest in electric vehicles is growing, but adoption remains gradual.
Many households are waiting for:

• Lower upfront prices
• Clearer long-term policy direction
• Improved charging infrastructure

As a result, ownership behaviour currently reflects delay and caution, rather than rapid transition.

Correct as of 02 February 2026

FAQ’s About Car Ownership Duration and Insurance