Brits set to go topless this summer
The UK might not be able to boast Mediterranean temperatures during the summer months, but this isn't deterring motorists from ‘taking their tops off' - come rain or shine.
According to figures from leading insurance price comparison site Confused.com, the popularity of convertible cars peaks in the lead up to summer, with more people opting to insure convertibles in anticipation of the sunshine ahead. What's more, of those that own a convertible, the majority (17%) bought them in May, just in time for summer.
The findings also reveal that currently a quarter of Brits (25%) cite a convertible car as their dream summer purchase. This compares with 23% wanting to splash out on an outdoor hot tub and 17% opting for a beach hut purchase.
More than a third of convertible owners (34%) admit to buying their car to make the most of the summer weather, however a similar amount (34%) would brave less pleasant conditions and go ‘topless' even if it was cold, raining or cloudy.
However, for some people a convertible is less of a seasonal purchase and potentially the result of a mid-life crisis. According to quote figures from Confused.com, there is a noticeable spike in insurance quotes for convertibles for those aged 45. Perhaps then it is not surprising to learn that the majority of convertible owners are aged 55+, with one in 20 (5%) convertible owners admitting that they bought their car because they were having a mid-life crisis.
For many motorists, owning a convertible is something of a status symbol, with 37% admitting that they bought their car because they thought it looked cool, and one in six (16%) opting for a topless car simply to show off. However some people (17%) admit to buying a convertible just because they like the feel of the wind in their hair.
Gemma Stanbury, Head of Motor Insurance at Confused.com says: "It would seem that the nation's love affair with convertible cars is showing no sign of diminishing - even if the weather in the UK isn't always ideal for cruising along with the roof down.
"However we want to remind our customers to really consider the car they purchase. Convertibles can potentially be considered as more of a risk as they can be seen as easier to break into, and deemed as more desirable car to thieves. In spite of this, the price you pay for the pleasure of driving with the roof down during the warmer days need not be over the top. The key to getting a good price on insurance for convertibles is to shop around for deals on a price comparison site like Confused.com."
Most Popular Convertibles
1. Mazda MX-5 Cabriolet
2. Peugeot 206 CC
3. Porsche Boxster
4. Toyota MR2 Convertible
5. Honda S2000 Convertible
Based on Confused.com quote data from 2012
Confused.com has developed the following tips to help motorists find their dream convertible this summer:
A "fixed roof" adds strength to a car, so ensure that the convertible has not been involved in an accident which may compromise structural strength
Check carpet for signs of mould and water ingress - a sure sign of a leaking roof
Check that the hood's seals are in good condition
Research the cost of replacing the hood, which can be expensive
If the hood is power-operated, check it is in good working order to avoid expensive repair bills
Make sure the car was originally a convertible, not a botched job using a cheap conversion kit.
