30 April 2007
Figures from insurers Zurich have revealed the cost of keeping the nation's cars running on the road has risen to £51 billion per year.
British car owners were found to spend an annual average of £1,776.62 each on day-to-day costs like vehicle tax, fuel, parking and maintenance.
More than 90% of the motorists polled said their car running costs had gone up in the last twelve months with a third of those asked admitting their charges had risen by over £400.
The increased cost of owning a car has led to a fifth of motorists putting off paying for essential items like road tax and car insurance. In addition, 30% even put off going for an MOT, despite the fact that it, along with car insurance, is a legal requirement.
Mark Searles, Chief Marketing Officer at Zurich Insurance, said that it was clear the rising cost of running a car was putting drivers under a huge financial burden.
"The most worrying findings from our research are those that show some drivers are risking their own and others' safety in a bid to save money," he said.
"We need to change those attitudes and remember that it is a legal requirement to have both a valid MOT and insurance. Everyone pays an extra £30 per year on their premium as a result of accidents that are caused by those with no insurance."
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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