UK parents invest thousands child-proofing cars

The UK’s car-driving parents are spending thousands of pounds from the family funds to cater for ‘baby on board’ and older kids.

According to new Zurich Insurance research, spending is greatest on car safety and booster seats, but also on toys and even hi-tech entertainment systems.

The research shows that nine in ten (91%) Mums and Dads are spending up to £500 turning their cars tot-friendly - with 82% investing in baby-seats, 67% in sun-screens and 41% in car toys.

And the costs don’t just stop at the essentials; families are also spending on today’s hi-tech in-car gadgets. Zurich found that two thirds (67%) of parents of 3-11 year olds spend up to £300 on gizmos to amuse the little ones – with nearly a third (27%) buying hand-held games and just under a fifth (18%) installing headrest DVD players.

The reasons, it seems, are that for just over half (57%) of parents an entertained child is a happy child and 42% state that children in the back of a car can be a distraction when driving. Furthermore, 40% say travelling in a car does little to send their child to sleep, explaining why they may need gadgets and toys to amuse the kids.

When it comes to the car itself, parenthood would seem to be a major catalyst for change. Nearly a third (28%) of parents with children under the age of three have upgraded to a more ‘child-friendly’ model – costing an average sum of £7,786. Understandably there’s a trend for larger, roomier vehicles - with a third (31%) changing their current vehicle for a hatch-back, and just under a third (27%) opting for a people-carrier. Only 6% decided a 4x4 was the right option for their needs.

Roy Seeds, Head of Motor Underwriting at Zurich Insurance, said: “Although it may seem a staggering amount for parents to be spending on kitting out the family car, it’s essential that a vehicle is child-safe. It’s wise to invest in items that occupy the kids, particularly on long journeys, as bored little ones could result in a potential distraction for Mum or Dad at the wheel.

“New parents need to check their car insurance to ensure they have the best cover to protect the family, for example, upgrading from third party to comprehensive, for firm peace of mind. They also need to make sure if they are carrying children in the car, they are adhering to the new laws. Car safety is paramount which is why Zurich also welcomes the recent child-seat legislation.”

The new child seat safety laws may see parents having to invest in new seats for other children in the family. Zurich advises all parents with children under the age of 12 years old to be aware of the new guidelines - otherwise they could risk facing an on-the-spot fine of £30 or a fine of up to £500 in court. The new legislation states that child-seats or booster cushions are compulsory for under-12s under the height of 4ft 5 in (135cms).