3 June 2011

Motorists Take Drastic Action to Drive Down Costs

UK drivers are turning to drastic measures in order to avoid rising car costs, new research has revealed.

** UK drivers are turning to drastic measures in order to avoid rising car costs, new research has revealed. **

According to Admiral, 51 per cent of motorists have reduced the amount of driving they do to cut the cost of fuel they use.Almost 20 per cent of the country has ignored a fault with their car with the knowledge of repair costs in mind.

More than 9 out of 10 people feel that they are currently being ripped off by the price of petrol and diesel. The survey of 2,5000 drivers found the impact of fuel prices is having a negative impact on drivers as 92 per cent of people feel that they are not getting enough for their money.

"With the average cost of a litre of unleaded at £1.36 and diesel at £1.41, our research shows the depth of feeling British motorists have about the high cost of fuel right now. And it seems high fuel costs are actually affecting how much they drive, with 51 per cent saying they've reduced the amount of driving they do, "said Sue Longthorn, Admiral managing director.

15 per cent of people said that they have cut back or stopped servicing their car altogether because of costs, and a worrying 8 per cent of people admitted to ignoring problems with tyres due to the cost of replacing them.

Those who are not concerned about the costs of car modification should be warned about how adding car accessories such as alloy wheels could increase the cost of car insurance by 62 per cent. Adding car accessories such as a car phone or a complete body kit could also bump premiums.

Changing jobs could also affect the cost of car insurance. A children's entertainer pays on average 48 percent more for their car insurance than a teacher for example. While a bus driver could see their insurance premiums slightly cheaper.