Higher fuel prices drive down car usage
Two thirds of Brits have been forced to change their driving habits because of higher fuel prices, according to a poll by moneysupermarket.com.
The comparison site asked site users whether higher fuel prices were forcing them to change their driving habits. The results found a staggering two thirds of respondents (65 per cent) admit that rising costs have taken their toll. Over half of those polled (57 per cent) have reduced the amount of time they spend behind the wheel, and a tenth (8 per cent) claim they have stopped driving because of the costs.
However, a third of motorists (31 per cent) say they are sticking to their usual driving habits as they can just about still afford it, while five per cent aren't changing their driving habits at all.
Steve Sweeeney, head of car insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "We're all looking at ways to lower our everyday outgoings and getting behind the wheel is a real drain on finances. With recent fuel price hikes and increasing costs of car insurance, drivers are turning savvy and making changes to their usual habits to drive down costs.
"Cutting out driving altogether is the ultimate sacrifice to take. Shopping around for the best deal on your car insurance cover is crucial to reduce the overall costs of motoring; providers count on your apathy to reap the profits and do not reward your loyalty with a cheaper premium. Taking further steps like fitting an approved car alarm or immobiliser and parking in a locked garage if possible are other ways to reduce the overall cost. Finding a policy to suits your needs will ensure you avoid unnecessary costs and means you can still get behind the wheel when necessary."
moneysupermarket.com's top tips for getting a cheaper car insurance quote:
Fit an alarm: Fit an approved alarm and immobiliser, such as a Thatcham 1 or Thatcham 2. All improvements to security should help to lower your car insurance costs. Some insurers could even insist on sophisticated tracking devices before they will insure expensive cars.
Change your excess: Change the excess you are prepared to pay on any claim to reduce the premium. With voluntary excess the more you are willing to cover yourself in the event of an accident the lower your premium.
Check your mileage: Check your mileage to make sure you are not paying extra for miles you are not covering in your car. If, for example, you change jobs and have a shorter commute to work you could be saving money. Try and work out how many miles you will genuinely cover - but don't get it wrong as inaccuracy could jeopardise your claim.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Minimise your optional extras: Only select to have a courtesy car or legal expenses if you really need them, as they may increase your premium. The less your motor insurance company has to provide in the event of an accident, the lower your costs.
Be careful where you park: Keep your car parked in a locked garage overnight if you can - this can help reduce the premium. More than 50% of vehicle thefts occur during the night so if your car is safely locked away it makes sense that your insurance costs will be reduced as a consequence. If you don't have access to a garage, then parking on a driveway is generally considered a lower risk than parking on the road. It's less likely that vandalism, theft or accidental damage will occur when you're off the highway.
Pass Plus: If you're a new driver looking to get your first car and car insurance we'd highly recommend that you take your Pass Plus in order to reduce your premiums. The Pass Plus certificate can only be obtained within the first year of passing your practical driving test.