Car service plans: are they worth it?
Weighing up car service plans? See if they’re worth it in our guide
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 2 June 2025
Are car service plans worth it?
Car service plans might be the way forward if you want to keep your car in great shape while spreading the cost.
Car servicing isn’t a legal requirement in the UK, but it’s recommended if you want to keep your car in the best possible condition. A properly serviced car will be the safest and most efficient, and less likely to lose value – so it’s worth the investment.
Interested? Get the details on car service plans in our guide below.
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What is a car service plan?
A car service plan is a sort of subscription that covers you for different types of servicing.
You’ll pay a monthly payment or one-off fee, rather than paying for services as you go.
They can be good value, as well as a handy reminder to keep up with maintenance - and they can also protect you from inflation.
How do car service plans work?
A service plan will usually see you paying a monthly fee or one-off payment to cover the cost of your car’s servicing.
There are typically three different types of services – interim/minor, full and major servicing. These are all carried out at different points, and not all service plans include each type of servicing.
The full cost of car servicing will usually be covered if you’re paying for a servicing plan.
You might be restricted as to where you can have the service carried out – sometimes this will mean you’re limited to your manufacturer’s own garage.
What do car service plans cover?
Each service plan is different, so you’ll need to read the details to get to grips on what exactly is covered.
A common offering includes a full service, interim service and MOT.
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How much are car service plans?
Again, the price of a car service plan will differ depending on where you get it and what it includes.
For example, Volkswagen offer a standard service plan option that costs £21.75 per month or £522 upfront (correct as at June 2025). For vehicles older than one year old, this includes two services and one pollen filter change.
BMW has a service plan that’s priced according to the car model. It starts at £24.99 for 1 Series, 2 Series, X1 and X2 cars (again, correct as at June 2025).
These are just two examples – there are lots of offerings on the market.
Are car service plans cheaper than servicing as you go?
Car service plans often work out cheaper than servicing as you go. And they can also include extras that make them even better value – like BMW offering free fluid top ups and a wash and vac with each visit.
It depends on how often you want to service your car, though. Look at what each plan includes and decide if it covers your needs.
Car service plan benefits
Car service plans can keep you more committed to car maintenance, especially if you’re prone to skipping a service here and there to save on time and money.
The main benefits of choosing a car servicing plan include:
Often better value for money than paying upfront
The price will be locked in against inflation and the cost of parts
Boost your car’s value by keeping a solid service history
You might spot issues early before they develop into something more serious
Car service plan considerations
It’s looking mostly positive, but there are still some things to consider before you jump into a car service plan.
You might want to weigh up:
Do you want to commit to a monthly cost or pay a one-off fee? Maybe you’d rather just pay for a service as and when you need it
Are you after flexibility? Car service plans typically mean you can only use accredited garages and must stick to their time frame
Is everything included? Make sure you read the fine print so you’re aware if things like parts, MOTs and other maintenance are included
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So, are car service plans worth it?
Car service plans are worth it if you know you’re going to be hot on the maintenance of your car or need some motivation to get on it.
Prepaying for your car services or covering them with a monthly payment can keep you on track with upkeeping your car. And a well-maintained car comes with its own list of positives, like fuel efficiency and lower depreciation.
Why is regular servicing important?
We mentioned above that regular car services are good for your car. Here’s exactly why it’s important:
A well-maintained car is an efficient one – this keeps your fuel costs at their best
Full service histories are attractive to a potential buyer when it’s time to sell
You can spot any small issues before they develop into something bigger and pricier to fix
Your car will be running smoothly and at its best
How often should I service my car?
Your car manufacturer might recommend a service schedule, but the typical service schedule is:
Every six months/6,000 miles – interim/minor service
Every 12 months/12,000 miles – full service
Every 24 months/24,000 miles – major service
Book servicing at cinch
Car servicing plans can be a great option for keeping you disciplined with maintenance or for grabbing better value.
There are plenty of plans on the market, so shop around and see what options appeal to you.
You can also book a service at a cinch store even if you didn’t buy your car from us.
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