Are car service plans worth it?
A car servicing plan is designed to help you avoid expensive repair bills but might cost you more money in the long run...
The cost of keeping a car on the road can feel overwhelming at times, with many drivers looking for ways to save money. One common way of reducing the financial strain of running a car is by taking out a servicing plan – letting you spread the cost of a certain number of scheduled services.
A servicing plan can help you avoid having to pay large bills when your car needs routine maintenance. However, they’re not always worth the cost, because ad hoc servicing can be more affordable or convenient, depending on your car and requirements.
Here, we weigh up the pros and cons of using a servicing plan to determine whether they are worth your money.
The case for car service plans
Avoiding expensive servicing bills is a big draw, so the prospect of paying for a certain number of services up front or as a fixed monthly fee is appealing. You may even be able to bundle it into your overall car finance payment so the whole thing becomes one, straightforward monthly cost.
The price of the services are set at the point of sale, so you don’t have to worry about parts and labour costs increasing; you just book your car in whenever it’s due for maintenance.
Many dealers will sell official service plans that are set out by the manufacturer and their own versions. In either case, if you’re buying a plan along with a new car, you know that all servicing work will be carried out by a franchised dealership – meaning you’ll get genuine replacement parts and main dealer stamps on the car’s service book.
In addition to the peace of mind that your car is being looked after by mechanics trained by the manufacturer, having a service history conducted by a main dealer can help you get more money when you sell the car on.
What do service plans cover?
The majority of plans cover the basics of a service, such as the cost of changing the oil and replacing filters. However, components that aren’t typically changed at each service interval, such as spark plugs and brake fluid, often aren’t included. As a result, if any of these parts need to be replaced, chances are you’ll need to pay extra.
Nevertheless, some manufacturers offer more comprehensive service plans that cover a wider range of components. These plans might even include wearable components, such as brake pads, and the cost of an MOT. However, they are often significantly more expensive than a basic servicing plan.
As a result, before buying a servicing plan, it’s worth finding out exactly what it covers to prevent any unexpected bills when you get your car maintained.
How much do service plans cost?
The amount you’ll pay for a service plan will depend hugely between manufacturers and the sort of car you buy. A small number of them charge a single, fixed fee that covers several services for any car in their range. However, it’s more common for manufacturers to tailor service plans by model and fuel type. Prices will also vary depending on how long the plan lasts.
To find out how much you can expect to pay for a service plan, we’ve collected quotes for five What Car? Car of the Year 2025 award winners of all sizes. Each manufacturer service plan lasts for 36 months on a car that covers 6,000 miles per year, unless stated otherwise. We’ve also included the cost of a single service at a franchised dealer.
| Model | Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Techno | Kia EV3 Standard Range Air | MG HS 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid SE | Volkswagen Passat 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance | BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport |
| Manufacturer service plan | £360 | £419 | £765 | £534* | £1116 |
| Single franchised dealer service | £199 | £246 | £195 | £222 | £781 |
* covers two years
Are they better than just paying for a service?
In some cases, getting a servicing plan can be better than simply paying for each service. However, this isn’t always the case. Using a franchised dealer for maintenance work is almost always more expensive than using an independent garage.
Under block exemption rules, getting your car serviced at an independent garage won’t automatically void your warranty; however, you’ll need to make sure the business uses approved manufacturer parts and liquids.
It’s also worth remembering that service plans are intended to get you to go back to the dealership you bought your car from. Dealers and manufacturers rarely make money on service plans (they may even sell them at a slight loss), but they’re keen to get customers back on site so they can offer them other products and services.
What’s the best option?
Choose a service plan if…
- You want to avoid hefty irregular service bills
- You own a premium car with more expensive maintenance costs
- You’re keen to have your car serviced at a franchised dealer
Don’t choose a service plan if…
- You’re willing to use an independent garage
- You can budget for servicing costs yourself
- You might sell your current car in the next two to four years
