New research reveals that 15% of motorists are currently considering giving up driving.

The survey carried put by The Green Insurer, reveals that the rising costs associated with owning and operating a car are making then seriously consider ditching their car.

Under pressure

Any decision to give up their car could heavily impact the lives of many of these motorists.

Two in five (40%) say that the decision may result in them having to change or give up their current job. One in five (18%) motorists will see the surrender of their car dramatically decrease their own independence or that of someone they care for. Furthermore, a quarter (24%) of people admit that they currently depend heavily on their car for their social life and to see family and friends.

Priced out of safety

These findings reveal that rising car insurance premiums are a real concern for over a half (51%) of all car owners.

Motorists describe themselves as “very worried” (11%) or “quite worried” (40%) that the escalating prices of car insurance will ultimately force them to stop driving and give up their car.

Two per cent of respondents said they had already taken the decision to give up driving due to increased insurance premiums.

In an effort to try and reduce their car insurance premium, many motorists re being less than honest when filling out insurance forms.

One in five (19%) car owners admit to stretching the truth or not disclosing certain information when renewing insurance.  Such inaccuracies included giving a reduced annual mileage (9%); falsely stating a car is housed in a garage (5%); wrongly stating their car is never used for work (4%) and putting car insurance in the name of a driver who would attract a lower premium (4%).

 Inaccurate information

Stated slightly reduced annual mileage 9%
Stated massively reduced annual mileage 4%
Falsely claimed car was housed in a garage 5%
Gave lower risk occupation 4%
Falsely claimed car was never used for work purposes 4%
Named another driver who was less expensive to insure 4%
Wrongly claimed car had locks / immobiliser 3%
Claimed to have undertaken Advanced Driver training 2%
Lied about not having penalty points 1%

 

The findings reveal that the temptation to stretch the truth is only likely to increase. When quizzed about this, 16% of respondents say they believe they would be tempted, with a further 15% saying they didn’t know if they would opt for complete transparency.

Giving a slightly reduced annual mileage (18%) and falsely claiming the car was parked in a garage (13%) are the most likely fields of inaccurate information if tempted to do so.

Undercover

Misinforming your insurer is a serious business. Any false in formation can completely void their responsibility to cover you. If you are then involved in a crash, or you wish to clim for damage or theft from your vehicle, you may be refused any help.

hat’s more, not having valid insurance is a serious offence.

“Driving habits are changing across the UK as consumers look to cut down on unnecessary journeys,” says Paul Baxter, CEO, The Green Insurer. “However, our findings reveal that many people still rely heavily on their cars to enable them to work or to continue their role as a carer for someone.”

While a move to walking, cycling and public transport generally is a good thing for the environment, it may no be appropriate for all situations.  The current cost iof living crisis, and huge rises in motoring costs could affect vulnerable people disproportionately. On top of this, it is also encouraging motorists to endanger their safety and that of other road users by cutting down on servicing and vehicle care, even MoTs. Then finally, not being honest when applying for insurance can lead to drivers on the road without effective insurance cover.