One in eight car owners feel emotionally attached to their car, with 23% still thinking about their first motor

New research by Aviva highlights the strong connection Brits have with their current - and previous – cars, with one in eight feeling emotionally attached to their motor.

This attachment could in part be reflected by the length of car ownership. According to Aviva quote data, a quarter (25%) of drivers have owned their car for five years or more^[2].

In fact, an Aviva survey of 4,000 people^[1], reveals that 6% of UK households say the longest time they’ve held onto a car is 16 years or more,^[3] which is more than the average length of time people stay in their homes at 13.9 years^[4]. 

Repair over replace

The research also shows 13%^[5] would rather repair their vehicle than replace it, even if the cost of repairs exceeds the price of buying a new one^[1]. This figure rises to 18% among drivers aged 24 or under, making them the age group most likely to spend on repairs over a replacement.

When looking at why Brits are reluctant to part with an old car, the research reveals that this could in part be driven by sentimentality. Nearly one in five car owners surveyed (19%) say their car reminds them of important life moments, while another 19% consider their vehicle part of the family, suggesting that, for many, a car is far more than just a form of transport.

Emotional attachment to cars

One in seven car owners (14%) say they feel emotionally attached to one or more of their current or previous cars, and 15% find it hard to give up an old car. More than three quarters (78%) of Brits say a car has been a part of major life events^[6]. 

For some, this connection goes beyond memories. Nearly a quarter (23%) say they still think about their first car, while 7% have revealed a nostalgic side by buying a similar vehicle to their first. Over one in ten (11%) car owners have repurchased the same make and model as a previous car, while a further 7% still have a keepsake from a previous vehicle, such as an old keyring or car accessory. 

Young people seem to have the strongest attachment to their cars, with almost one in five (19%) 25–34-year-olds and 17% of 16–24-year-olds being most emotionally attached to a current or previous car. 

"Our findings highlight just how much sentimental value our cars hold—they’re not just vehicles, but places where we create lasting memories,” says Martin Smith, Aviva’s Motor Claims Manager. “That’s why it’s so important to regularly maintain your vehicle and make sure you have the right level of insurance protection in place for your needs.

"Policies vary across insurers, depending on the level of cover you opt for. For example, some insurers will make sure that you and your passengers are taken to your onward destination in the event of an accident, as well as taking your car to be fixed by an approved repairer – giving you peace of mind. 

"Other valuable add-ons for some drivers might include courtesy car cover, ensuring you have a replacement vehicle if your car is out of action. Regularly reviewing your policy helps ensure you have the right cover for the journeys that matter most."

To help drivers, Aviva’s Martin Smith shares his car safety checklist:

Review your insurance policy:

Your insurance should match your driving habits and needs.

• Check your cover level: Ensure it meets your driving needs, whether for commuting, social trips, or long journeys. Consider add-ons like breakdown cover or a courtesy car for extra protection. 
• Know your mileage: If your driving habits have changed, updating your mileage ensures your policy remains valid.
• Understand your policy benefits: Ensuring your cover includes onward travel will help you and your passengers get home safely - or to your onward destination - if your car isn’t drivable after an accident.

Keep up with regular maintenance:

A well-maintained car is a safer and more reliable car. Regular vehicle checks can help prevent breakdowns and extend your car’s lifespan.

• Check tyres. Ensure they meet legal tread depth requirements and are correctly inflated.
• Monitor fluid levels. Check oil, coolant, and washer fluid regularly.
• Test lights and wipers. Visibility is key, so make sure all bulbs and wipers are working properly.
• Book routine servicing. Stick to your car’s service schedule to catch potential issues early.

Stay prepared with emergency essentials:

Preparation is crucial when it comes to breakdowns, bad weather, or unexpected delays. Essential items to keep in your car include a warning triangle, high-visibility vest and an ice scraper. It’s also worth keeping your insurer’s contact details, a spare mobile phone charger, and a first aid kit for any emergencies – particularly as 71% of car owners in our survey fail to keep one in their glovebox^[7].

Read the full Miles of Memories research.

-ENDS-

References:

^1. _{The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 4,000 nationally representative respondents including 3477 who/whose household owns a car. The data was collected between 07.02.2025 - 12.02.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. [↑]}

^2. _{Data from Aviva price comparison quotes, 01.04.2024 – 28.03.2025. Quotes were used where age and car ownership length were available of vehicles held for up to 25 years. [↑]}

^3. _{‘16-20 years’ and ‘21+ years’ responses combined. [↑]}

^4. _{Government Data from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 28th November 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/chapters-for-english-housing-survey-2023-to-2024-headline-findings-on-demographics-and-household-resilience/chapter-3-housing-history-and-future-housing#underlying-data [↑]}

^5. _{Of car owners surveyed. [↑]}

^6. _{Reverse of those who selected ‘I have not experienced any major life events in my/a car’. [↑]}

^7.  _{Reverse of those who selected that they do keep this inside their glovebox. [↑]}

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