High petrol costs set to spark car sharing trend

Brits are on course to become a nation of car sharers, AA Insurance research predicted today. Almost half 47% of the population are now considering car sharing, despite only one in ten 11% people admitting to currently doing so more than once week.

And it seems that the cost of petrol is the key reason – 51% say that they are more likely to consider car sharing now because of high fuel costs.

What's more, 60% of the 5.5 million Brits who already car share, admit that their primary reason is to save money on petrol costs. By contrast, only a third 34% car share to help reduce emissions - strong evidence that the credit crunch is influencing people's behaviour over green issues.

In a bid to understand the motivations behind car sharing, AA Insurance undertook research with over 2,000 people in the UK, looking into the behaviours of why people do and don't car share and how it could be increased.

The most common reasons for car sharing include social occasions such as going to the pub 54% and driving to and from work 34%. Sharing long journeys was also a popular choice 32%.

Edmund King, President of the AA comments: "Car sharing is something that we really believe in – not only is it a good way to reduce emissions and congestion on the road, but can also save on motoring costs.

There is huge scope to become more of a car sharing nation and our research suggests that we could see a big increase, especially if Government proposals for 'high occupancy vehicle' or 'car sharing' lanes on some busy commuter routes go ahead. However to make sure that car sharing is a safe and pleasant experience, drivers should check their insurance policy as well as be mindful of the social etiquette around sharing – especially if they do not know the other sharer very well."

Check your insurance

The research reported that three–quarters 73% of all car sharers did not consider checking their car insurance before car sharing. Whilst many will be covered for the social journeys they make, like giving a lift to a friend, some business travel may need separate cover.

Ian Crowder, of AA Insurance, offers some advice: "We found that 14% of people car share to get to business meetings. If this is the case, you may not be covered on your current policy and need to upgrade to 'occasional business use'. Whatever the circumstances, it's really important that people check their insurance before they car share."

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2008-09-19 15:08:49 © Moneyextra.com