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AutoProtect supplies value-added insurance products and warranties to the consumer market via our retail partners at dealerships and brokers across the UK and Europe.

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AutoProtect provides insurance products and dealer warranties to vehicle manufacturers and retailers of all types and sizes throughout the UK, Europe and globally.

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[H4] Have you read our latest blog?

[IMG: https://www.autoprotect.co.uk/blog/higher-mileage-driving-is-returning-what-does-it-mean-for-owners]

[H2] Higher Mileage Driving Is Returning: What Does It Mean for Owners?
Higher Mileage Driving Is Returning: What Does It Mean for Owners?With commuting patterns stabilising and economic activity continuing to grow, vehicle use across Great Britain has risen again in…...
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[IMG: https://www.autoprotect.co.uk/blog/how-rising-inflation-and-global-uncertainty-are-reshaping-the-automotive-market]

[H2] How Rising Inflation and Global Uncertainty Are Reshaping the Automotive Market
On April 30th, in announcing its decision to hold interest rates at 3.75%, the Bank of England said the UK may need to brace itself for interest rate increases later this year, as “higher inflation…...
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[IMG: https://www.autoprotect.co.uk/blog/understanding-vehicle-depreciation-in-2026]

[H2] Understanding Vehicle Depreciation in 2026
When you buy a car, the price you pay initially isn’t the only cost you need to think about, because what happens to that car’s value over time matters just as much. In…...
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[H1] Higher Mileage Driving Is Returning: What Does It Mean for Owners?
Date: Fri 19th June 2026   |   Author: billy.curtis
Higher Mileage Driving Is Returning: What Does It Mean for Owners?With commuting patterns stabilising and economic activity continuing to grow, vehicle use across Great Britain has risen again in recent years. Increased travel for work, education, and leisure, alongside ongoing reliance on road transport for goods and services, has contributed to higher traffic levels. Provisional government estimates show that vehicles in Great Britain travelled around 335.9 billion miles in the year ending March 2025, up 0.9% on the previous year. While mileage had previously been affected by the pandemic, current trends reflect a broader return to sustained travel demand across multiple sectors.At the same time, average annual mileage figures show that UK cars still cover significant ground with the typical vehicle driven around 7,100 miles per year, with electric cars in particular averaging roughly 8,900 miles annually. These numbers point to a shift in everyday use and back towards higher mileage living.Consumers have greater confidence than ever in reliability and longevity of today’s vehicles, but higher mileage still naturally increases wear and tear and accelerates depreciation. As modern cars become more advanced, a greater number of components require specialist maintenance and repair. Key parts such as tyres, brakes, suspension and steering systems experience increased strain when vehicles are driven regularly over longer distances. In addition, routine maintenance items such as oil services and brake replacements are needed more frequently on higher-mileage vehicles. With many cars now incorporating sophisticated technology and electronic systems, even standard repairs often require expert equipment and increased costs. Older, high-mileage cars are more likely to need repairs that wouldn’t have been an issue at lower usage. With sensors, cameras and electronic modules now standard, even on mid-range models, what used to be a simple repair often requires diagnostic expertise.For owners, this shift back to higher mileage driving means it’s more important than ever to think about how they protect their investment. Products like extended warranties that cover key parts offer peace of mind, particularly for those planning to keep a high mileage car for several years.Dealers can play a key role in helping customers understand how mileage impacts ownership costs. By recommending the right servicing intervals and protection products and explaining how higher usage affects reliability and costs, they can build trust with their customers and strengthen long-term relationshipsAlongside higher mileage, people are also holding onto their cars longer. The average UK vehicle is now nearly 9.5 years old, reflecting that many drivers are delaying replacements. Recent research suggests that around a third of UK drivers have decided to keep their car longer than they originally planned because of cost‑of‑living pressures, with many extending ownership by six months or more. Roughly one in three drivers now keeps their vehicle for over eight years and nearly a quarter hold on for over a decade before buying new.With driving levels rising and older cars on the road due to the economic climate, customers are looking for reassurance and practical ways to protect their cars. Dealers who provide honest advice and the right protection products are best placed to help customers manage higher mileage, extended ownership, and the costs of smarter vehicle use.

[H1] How Rising Inflation and Global Uncertainty Are Reshaping the Automotive Market
Date: Mon 18th May 2026   |   Author: billy.curtis
On April 30th, in announcing its decision to hold interest rates at 3.75%, the Bank of England said the UK may need to brace itself for interest rate increases later this year, as “higher inflation is unavoidable” as a result of the war in the Middle East.For consumers and businesses, the rise in oil prices following the outbreak of war in the Middle East has already pushed up petrol, diesel and utility prices. The cost of filling a typical family car with petrol has risen by around £14, while a tank of diesel has jumped by £27, according to RAC Fuel Watch. Now, the knock-on impact is being felt in the form of rising costs across a broad range of products and services. This situation is being worsened by disruptions to key shipping routes, notably the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the open sea. This is a crucial supply route between Europe and the Far East, affecting much more than just oil. We saw after Covid how distribution disruptions affected the supply of new cars when the supply of essential semiconductors and other parts dried up.There have been signs that forecourt prices have eased slightly. However, they remain highly volatile, and inflation, which was forecast just a few months ago to fall to 2% by the middle of the year, is once again on the rise, reaching 3.3% in March, with further increases expected.The cost of petrol and diesel is likely to remain volatile.The cost of vehicles and vehicle parts will rise.Lead times for new cars may increase.The type of cars people buy may change - Renault reported a ‘seismic shift’ in electric car interest after oil prices surged.A rise in broader running costs, including servicing, repairs and insurance, is inevitable.In the used car sector, we have already seen a trend towards older models, driven by stock shortages stemming from the post-COVID decline in new car supply. As well as the impact of rising inflation and the risk of higher interest rates on consumer buying decisions, for some, that decision may be to defer a purchase. Even then, the impact of inflation will be seen in higher servicing and repair costs.According to the Office for National Statistics, overall car maintenance costs rose 7.4% year on year in March, up from 5.6% in January, though some costs are significantly higher, driven by:Rising Labour Costs: Increased garage labour rates are adding £20–£40 to standard repairs, with hourly rates rising sharply.Surging Part Prices: The cost of components—including oil, steel, and electronic parts—has escalated due to global material prices.Energy and Overheads: Businesses have faced higher utility bills and operating costs, which are passed on to consumers.Skills Shortages: A shortage of technicians is pushing up wages and, consequently, labour charges.These trends are likely to be further affected by the situation in the Middle East. These conditions can have important implications for the purchase of optional add-on products. As consumers hold onto vehicles for longer, demand for warranty products may rise. Older vehicles carry a higher mechanical risk, and in an inflationary environment, repair costs are increasing. This means:An increased relevance for warranty products as vehicles age.A greater focus on comprehensive and longer coverage.An opportunity to position warranties as a hedge against rising repair costs.Whilst vehicle values remain elevated, consumers may also be more motivated to maintain their vehicles' appearance, particularly when resale values are strong. This can mean:Demand for cosmetic repair products.A greater emphasis on the speed, convenience and quality of repair services.For distributors of ancillary products, the implications are:The importance of clearly articulating how products mitigate financial risk in an uncertain economic environment.The importance of pricing discipline to balance affordability with the need to meet rising claims costs.Working closely with product providers to ensure products remain relevant at the point of sale.As the market continues to evolve, businesses that adapt quickly to changing consumer needs and economic pressures will be best placed to succeed. In an environment defined by uncertainty, product relevance, value and customer confidence will become more important than ever.

[H1] Understanding Vehicle Depreciation in 2026
Date: Mon 9th March 2026   |   Author: Kate Guckian
When you buy a car, the price you pay initially isn’t the only cost you need to think about, because what happens to that car’s value over time matters just as much. In the UK, depreciation in a cars value as it gets older is one of the biggest hidden costs of ownership. In 2026, with changes in demand, fuel types and the overall market condition, depreciation is something more drivers and dealers are thinking about than ever before.
Most cars lose the most value in the first few years. According to recent data, many vehicles in the UK can lose 15–35% of their value in the first year, and after three years, depreciation can be 40–60% or more, depending on the model.
Which Cars Hold Their Value and Which Don’t
Some cars are much better at holding onto their value than others. Research shows that popular small cars and reliable family cars often depreciate more slowly than rare or technology heavy vehicles. Studies of depreciation data show that after roughly three years, certain models like the Range Rover Evoque or BMW 3 Series might lose around 27–28% of their value, which is preferable compared with some others.
However, vehicles like budget SUVs or some electric models can drop a much larger share of their original price. Data from depreciation patterns highlights that some electric vehicles and less well-known brands can lose 40–50% of their value over the same period.
Why Depreciation Matters More in 2026
Several trends have made depreciation more of a talking point this year. The rise in electric vehicle sales hit new highs late in 2025, means more variety in what’s on the road, leading to more uncertainty about used values, especially for cars with older technology.
Shifting production and changing fuel costs have also impacted buyer demand. Cars that are seen as expensive to run or repair are more likely to lose value more quickly, while steady and reliable models are holding their value better. Even under similar conditions, two cars that cost roughly the same new can end up worth very different amounts after a few years.
How Dealers Can Help Customers Make Smarter Depreciation Decisions
Dealers are in a great position to take some of the uncertainty out of depreciation for customers by having more open and practical conversations at the point of sale. Explaining how quickly a car can lose value in the first few years helps buyers set their expectations and feel more confident about their purchase. It also creates a natural opportunity to talk about protection products, rather than framing it as an add-on.
Highlighting vehicles with strong resale value, offering guidance on servicing and ownership costs, and explaining how GAP insurance can protect customers if their car is written off while they still owe finance all helps build trust. Dealers can also support by recommending warranties or minor damage protection which make it easier for customers to keep their car in good condition and protect its resale value.
Depreciation is one of the biggest hidden costs of owning a car, and it’s becoming even more important for drivers to understand how quickly a vehicle’s value can fall.
Dealers play a key role by helping customers make smarter choices, highlighting cars with stronger resale value and offering practical protection such as GAP insurance and warranties to help protect their investment long after the sale.