Drivers count the cost of soaring prices

Peter Woodman,Pa
Wednesday 20 October 2010 04:09 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Soaring motoring costs are driving down car usage, according to a poll today.

As many as 8% of car owners have given up driving altogether because of the expense, the survey by moneysupermarket.com found.

And 57% of those polled said they had reduced the amount of time spent behind the wheel.

But 30.5% of the 860 people surveyed said they were sticking to their usual driving pattern, as they could just about afford to, while 4.5% said they were not changing their habits at all.

Steve Sweeney, 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."

He went on: "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."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in