Car News Archives

The Best Way to Get to a Festival This Summer

6 June 2025 13:13 Comments Off

Festival season is nearly here – and that means unforgettable lineups, muddy memories, and one big logistical challenge: getting there. Whether you’re Glasto-bound or heading for a countryside weekender like Green Man, your travel plans matter. No one wants to start their weekend stressed, stuck on public transport, or late to their favourite set.

That’s where we come in. With flexible, affordable temporary car insurance, you can borrow a car and hit the road on your own terms, without the hassle of trains or coaches. If you don’t travel light, you can even use temporary van insurance to borrow a roomier vehicle for your festival journey. Below, we’ve shared our top festival travel tips, plus a ready-made playlist to keep the vibes high all the way to the gates.

Our Top Festival Travel Tips

Travelling to a festival doesn’t need to be stressful. Here’s how to stay safe, stay smart, and actually enjoy the journey.

No road trip is complete without a top-tier playlist. It sets the tone for the weekend, lifts everyone’s mood, and helps the miles fly by.

Based on Spotify data*, here are some of the most popular tracks for 2025 festival-goers:

Kasabian – Fire
Kasabian – Shoot the Runner
Starsailor – Good Souls
Vampire Weekend – A-Punk
Pulp – Common People
Sammy Virji – If U Need It
Hozier – Someone New
James Bay – Hold Back the River
Kasabian – Underdog
Rooler – Into the Wild

No matter your genre – indie, metal, pop, or techno – make sure your playlist is prepped and downloaded before you set off.

Festival sites are notorious for traffic, road closures, and limited signal. Don’t rely on patchy phone reception or guesswork. Download your route offline, check live traffic before setting off, and have a backup plan in case you’re diverted.

It’ll save you time, stress, and unnecessary fuel stops – especially after a long weekend when all you want is a hot shower and your own bed.

#3 Prepare the Car Carefully

Before you head off, ensure your car is safe and roadworthy by carrying out some basic car maintenance checks. Also, check that you’ve packed the essential items for your road trip, including a breakdown kit, chargers, snacks, and hydration.

Tempted to bring your whole wardrobe? Think again. Overloading your car affects braking, handling, and visibility, and could land you with a £300 fine and 3 penalty points. Prioritise safety over festival fashion (even if the cowboy boots are calling).

Whether you’re borrowing a car or sharing the drive with mates, getting to a festival by car just makes sense.

Convenience: When you drive, you’re in control – no waiting for delayed trains or squeezing into packed coaches. Set your own schedule, plan your stops, and bring everything you need (without having to drag it to and from a train station miles away).

Comfort: Camping gear, food, glitter, and three days’ worth of outfits? It’s a lot to carry. Driving means less stress on your shoulders – literally. You’ll arrive fresher and more relaxed than the coach crew who’ve been on the road since 6am.

Cost Savings: Train travel isn’t just stressful – it’s expensive. Here’s how much you could save by using temporary car insurance instead, and driving down to a festival with your friends:

Glasgow to Glastonbury: Train Ticket £285.89, Daily Cover & Fuel £72.34, Potential Savings £213.25**

London to Glastonbury: Train Ticket £137.19, Daily Cover & Fuel £44.25, Potential Savings £92.94**

Leeds to Glastonbury: Train Ticket £163.09, Daily Cover & Fuel £52.60, Potential Savings £110.49**

Even with 4 days of cover (around £34.35), you’d still save significantly – and that’s before you split fuel and insurance costs between mates.

If you don’t own a car or just want to be able to share the driving with friends, temporary car insurance is your shortcut to freedom. Using it to help you drive to your favourite festival this summer means you can:

Borrow a Car with Confidence: Planning to borrow someone else’s car for your festival road trip? Our temporary insurance lets you get fully covered in under 2 minutes, whether it’s for a few hours, a day, or the whole weekend. You’ll be insured to drive someone else’s car without affecting their annual policy or no claims discount. It’s a quick, flexible, and reassuring way to be able to either borrow someone’s car, or let others split the driving with you…

Share the Driving: Festival weekends are exhausting. If you’re not up to driving home safely, don’t risk it. With short-term cover, someone else in your group can step in and take the wheel as a last minute designated driver – no stress, no hassle.

Embrace Spontaneity: Bagged last-minute tickets? Decided on a road trip 24 hours before the gates open? No problem. Get temporary cover sorted in minutes and head off without relying on sold-out coaches or awkward train transfers.Temporary insurance is the easiest, most flexible way to get to a festival this summer. Save money, stay in control, and keep the fun going from the first song on the playlist to the last mile home. Get a quote today and get cover in under two minutes for your next festival journey.

* Spotify playlist data was mined for our top 10 list, using the songs that appeared the most across festival-related playlists.

**These figures are based on National Rail ticket data as of May 16th, 2025, and sharing a Ford Focus Estate with a miles per gallon (MPG) of 45 and petrol costing 148.80 per litre. Insurance prices are based on the lowest sold prices over the period 10/24 to 03/25.

The Best Views to Add to Your Bucket List Across the UK

9 April 2025 13:11 Comments Off

The UK is packed with scenic spots that are perfect for your next road trip. From coastal cliffs to mountain peaks, there’s no shortage of showstopping views. To help you plan your next adventure, we asked 2,000 Brits to choose their favourite views across the country. The result? A round-up of the UK’s most beautiful places, ready to easily explore over the Easter holidays, with the help of temporary car insurance…

The Top 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in The UK

We asked 2,000 people to identify famous UK beauty spots from photographs to find out just how recognisable our most iconic locations are. The results? Many Brits didn’t realise these stunning places are right here at home:

22% mistook the lavender fields of Snowshill in the Cotswolds for Provence, France.
28% thought Luskentyre Beach in the Outer Hebrides was in New Zealand, Australia or the Caribbean.
17% assumed Kynance Cove in Cornwall was somewhere in the Mediterranean.
A massive 33% thought Ben Nevis was in Iceland.

Despite this confusion, 92% said they’d choose to visit a UK beauty spot over going abroad, and 85% said they were genuinely surprised at how beautiful these places are. With 64% agreeing that UK holidays can be just as enjoyable as overseas trips.

We’ve rounded up the top 10 most beautiful places in the UK – as chosen by Brits – so you can add them to your UK travel bucket list…

10. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Voted for by 18% of respondents, Cheddar Gorge is one of the most striking natural landmarks in England. This 3-mile-long, 122-metre-deep limestone gorge is home to dramatic cliffs, caves, and some of the UK’s most iconic walking routes. It’s also a hot spot for climbers and cavers from around the world. You can explore awe-inspiring views, and partake in plenty of fun activities in this amazing landscape – a fun day out for all the family.

Drive times to Cheddar Gorge:

London: 3h 10m
Manchester: 3h 50m
Leeds: 4h 20m
Newcastle: 5h 50m
Cardiff: 1h 20m
Edinburgh: 7h

9. The Three Sisters, Glencoe Valley

With 21% of the vote, these dramatic ridges in the Scottish Highlands are among the most iconic sights in Glencoe. Named after the three distinctive ridges on the Bidean Nam Bian Mountain. A trip here is ideal for hiking, and photography enthusiasts, it’s just one of the most beautiful places in Scotland that made the list – so you could even make a road trip around Scotland to visit them all. The Three Sisters offer a truly unforgettable Scottish landscape that you have to see with your own eyes.

Drive times to The Three Sisters:

London: 9h
Manchester 5h 50m
Leeds: 5h 40m
Newcastle: 4h 50m
Cardiff: 8h 40m
Edinburgh: 2h 40m

8. The Jurassic Coast, Dorset

A World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast earned 21% of the vote. Stretching 96 miles, it offers dramatic cliffs, sea-carved arches, and fossils that date back 185 million years. A paradise for geology fans and beach lovers alike. It’s not just beautiful views you’ll get to experience here, but also lots of fascinating prehistoric history!

Drive times to the Jurassic Coast:

London: 3h 15m
Manchester: 4h 40m
Leeds: 5h 10m
Newcastle: 6h 40m
Cardiff: 2h 15m
Edinburgh: 8h

7. St. Ives Bay, Cornwall

St. Ives Bay, backed by 22% of voters, is known for its stunning crescent-shaped beach, golden dunes, and calm waters. Popular with surfers, birdwatchers (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds run a nearby reserve), and literature fans (St. Ives was the inspiration for British writer Virginia Woolf’s novel To The Lighthouse), it’s no wonder that come summer, St. Ives is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK.

Drive times to St. Ives Bay:

London: 5h 25 minutes.
Manchester: 6h 10m
Leeds: 6h 30m
Newcastle: 8h
Cardiff: 3h 40m
Edinburgh: 9h 20m

6. Durdle Door, Dorset

Also voted for by 22%, this natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast is one of the UK’s most photographed landmarks. Whether you’re walking the cliffs, paddling at Man O’War beach or snapping shots from the shore, it’s a must-see.

Drive times to Durdle Door:

London: 3h 15m
Manchester: 5h 15m
Leeds: 6h 50m
Newcastle: 8h
Cardiff: 2h 50m
Edinburgh: 8h 25m

5. The Yorkshire Dales

Beloved by 22%, the Yorkshire Dales blend wild moorlands with lush green valleys and striking limestone formations. Known affectionately as ‘God’s Own Country’ thanks to its stunning natural landscape, the vista of the Yorkshire Dales has its own distinct character, with its characteristic limestone and expansive heather moorland. Drystone walls, meadows and spectacular waterfalls make the scenery some of the most beautiful in the UK. The scenery of the Yorkshire Dales attracts visitors from all over the world, add it to your UK bucket list for your next road trip.

Drive times to the Yorkshire Dales:

London: 5h 40m
Manchester: 2h 25m
Leeds: 1h 45m
Newcastle: 1h 45m
Cardiff: 5h 30m
Edinburgh: 3h 40m

4. St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

22% chose this fairy-tale island connected to the Cornish mainland by a tidal causeway. With subtropical gardens and a castle perched on top, St. Michael’s Mount is easily mistaken for something you’d find in France – and 11% of our survey thought just that! Bear in mind that access to the island is ruled by the tides, which means getting across and back is an experience in itself! Travel between the historic harbour and ancient causeway to get up close and personal with this unbelievably beautiful place.

Drive times to St. Michael’s Mount:

London: 5h
Manchester: 6h 15m
Leeds: 8h 30m
Newcastle: 9h
Cardiff: 3h 30m
Edinburgh: 11h

3. Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands

With 29% of the vote, Loch Ness is one of the most legendary – and beautiful – locations in the UK. Beyond Nessie, you’ll find sweeping vistas, peaceful beaches, and thundering waterfalls like the Falls of Foyers. One of the largest freshwater lochs in the country, Loch Ness is also famously the birthplace of the Loch Ness Monster (AKA Nessie) mythology, which still attracts people to this day. Whether you visit to catch a glimpse of the elusive Nessie or simply to enjoy the views, Loch Ness remains a special sight.

Drive times to Loch Ness:

London: 10h 30m
Manchester: 7h
Leeds: 7h 15m
Newcastle: 5h 50m
Cardiff: 10h
Edinburgh: 3h 30m

2. Snowdonia (Eryri National Park), Wales

Snowdonia (Eryri National Park) was picked by 35% of respondents as one of the most beautiful places in the UK. The area covers a total of 823 square miles, making it the largest National Park in Wales. Thanks to its towering peaks and breathtaking valleys, nearly 4 million people visit Eryri every year. This vast park spans rugged mountains, lakes, forests and coastlines. Whether you’re climbing Yr Wyddfa or taking a scenic drive through the valleys, there’s something here for every kind of explorer. Boasting 9 mountain ranges, 23 miles of coastline, and 11,000 hectares of native woodland, the area’s geology and rich history are globally renowned. Whether you’re a keen mountaineer, or simply prefer a gentle amble, you’ll enjoy beautiful views wherever you visit in the National Park.

Drive times to Snowdonia:

London: 5h
Manchester: 2h 10m
Leeds: 2h 40m
Newcastle: 4h 30m
Cardiff: 3h 35m
Edinburgh: 5h 25m

1. Lake Windermere, Lake District

Topping the list with 42% of the vote, Lake Windermere is the UK’s most loved view. England’s largest lake is surrounded by rolling hills, quaint villages and postcard-perfect countryside – no wonder it’s inspired writers and poets for centuries. A World Heritage Site, the Lake District’s spectacular landscape is a must-see on any UK travel bucket list.

Drive times to Lake Windermere:

London: 5h 45m
Manchester: 2h 20m
Leeds: 2h 30m
Newcastle: 2h 40m
Cardiff: 5h 15m
Edinburgh: 3h 40m

How to Easily See The Most Beautiful Views Across the UK

93% of Brits told us they’d love to see more of the UK – but high travel costs, time constraints, and family preferences often get in the way. With the help of short-term insurance, you can make those trips happen without the stress.

Thanks to temporary car insurance, it’s never been easier or more affordable to road trip your way around the UK’s most beautiful destinations. With flexible options like hourly insurance or insurance by the day, getting around by car can be a breeze. If you’re undertaking a longer journey, temporary cover means you can get your road trip partner insured, so you can share the drive. If your own car’s looking a little run down, you might want to borrow a larger or better car for your road trip. No car icks here, thank you.

Travelling around beautiful UK destinations needn’t be expensive (cough, cough trains) – and as our survey respondents proved, some of the most otherworldly, exotic spots can actually be found right on your doorstep – and now you know where to look!

This summer, see all the stunning natural beauty the UK has to offer. Start ticking off your bucket list map of the UK, with GoShorty.

Road Trip Essentials Guide

3 April 2025 11:04 Comments Off

Don’t underestimate the humble road trip. It’s an affordable, fun and flexible way to explore the UK’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you’re off for a day out or a month-long adventure, planning ahead makes all the difference.

From what to pack to how to stay insured, we’ve pulled together a complete checklist of road trip essentials to help you prepare for your next adventure…

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road. A road trip gives you the freedom to explore the UK at your own pace, make memories with your friends and family and tick off those must-see sights. From the shores of Loch Ness to the peaks of Snowdonia, the Jurassic Coast to the Lake District, a road trip is the perfect way to soak up the UK’s natural beauty. Plus, thanks to temporary insurance, it’s never been easier to let someone else drive your car, so long journeys can easily be shared!

The Road Trip Essentials

Before you get going, make sure you’ve sorted the following:

Choose the right car – You’ll be spending a lot of time on the road, so comfort and space matter. If your own car doesn’t quite cut it, consider borrowing someone else’s car with short-term insurance. A smoother, more spacious drive can make all the difference.
Insurance so you can share the drive – Heading off with other licence holders? Get them to take out temporary cover on your car so you can hand over the keys and relax. Sharing the drive means less stress and more fun on your road trip.
Do a full car check – Carry out all the essential car maintenance checks. Top up fluids, check tyre pressure and make sure your lights, wipers and brakes are all good to go.
Pack safety gear – like a first aid kit, warning triangle, hi-vis vests and torch, just in case.
Plan your route – include scenic stop-offs, cafes or overnight stays, and have your sat nav or route ready. A paper map as backup is always a smart shout.
Split the fuel costs – either take turns filling up or set up a shared money pot before you leave.
Bring snacks and drinks – keep everyone fuelled and happy between stops.
Sort the playlist – download your road trip soundtrack before you set off to keep the good vibes going.

Road Trip Essentials for Kids

Keeping kids entertained (and comfortable) can be a challenge, but packing the right bits makes it easier:

Portable chargers or power banks.
Snacks, drinks and refillable bottles.
Wet wipes for mess and spills.
Pillows and blankets for nap time.
A rubbish bag to keep the car tidy.

Essentials to Improve Your Couples Road Trip

Keep your road trip romantic, not stressful:

Share the driving – use temporary cover to add your partner so you can swap easily.
Pick a scenic route – the journey is just as important as the destination.
Download shared entertainment – audiobooks and podcasts are great for quiet time together.
And yes… don’t forget chewing gum.

Top Tips for Planning a Road Trip

Here’s what else to factor in when planning:

What car you’ll use – If yours isn’t up to scratch, borrow a better one and get short-term cover. Whether it’s for a day, a week or a month, it’s a simple way to upgrade your road trip.
Your budget – Planning ahead helps avoid surprise costs and keeps the trip stress-free.
Your travel companions – Choose wisely. Not everyone’s a great co-pilot, and long journeys test friendships fast.
Where you’ll stay – If you’re away for more than a day, book ahead to avoid last-minute hassle.
Where you’re going – Mountains, beaches, countryside or city? Pick a spot that suits your group’s vibe.
The journey back – Don’t forget to plan the return trip. Taking a different route home can add even more to your adventure.

Short-term car insurance is a no-fuss solution for road trips – especially if you want to share the driving. Get covered in minutes and enjoy the trip knowing everyone behind the wheel is insured.

Whether you’re off on a couple’s getaway, a family adventure, or a road trip with mates, get a quote today and make sure your journey goes off without a hitch.

Easter Holiday Ideas for the Whole Family

10:48 Comments Off

With the Easter holidays fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll make the most of the long weekend. Whether you’re planning a getaway with the kids or a spontaneous road trip with friends, we’ve pulled together some top Easter holiday ideas for 2025 that short-term car insurance can help you bring to life…

When Are the Easter Holidays This Year?

This year, Good Friday falls on 18th April, Easter Sunday on the 20th, and Easter Monday on the 21st. Most schools break up on Friday, 11th April, and return on Tuesday, 22nd April – so now’s the perfect time to start planning your potential holidays.

What to Do Over the Easter Holidays

From staycations to city breaks and countryside escapes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Easter holidays without blowing the budget. If you’re road-tripping with the family, a partner, or solo, here are some of our favourite Easter road-trip ideas.

Plan a City Break

Whether you’re heading to a buzzing capital like London or Edinburgh or a cultural gem like Bristol, Glasgow or Liverpool, city breaks are packed with things to see and do. Keep an eye out for free Easter events at museums, galleries and local venues – they’re a great way to get more from your trip without overspending.

With train fares creeping up and delays all too common, driving can be a smarter, more flexible option. Need to borrow a car? Temporary insurance makes it quick and easy to get comprehensive cover for just a couple of days – ideal for hitting the road and making the most of your Easter break.

The Easter holidays are an ideal time to tick off some of the UK’s most beautiful locations. Head for the Lake District or Snowdonia, or plan a Highlands loop that includes Loch Ness. And don’t overlook sights down South like Durdle Door, Cheddar Gorge or St. Ives Bay. Sometimes, all you need is a packed lunch, a good playlist, and a bit of sunshine.

If a long drive stands between you and one of these iconic sites, you can easily share the drive by getting your road trip partner insured on your car. That way you can take it in turns behind the wheel – a much nicer experience than just one of you having to take on the whole burden.

Take the Ferry to Europe

Fancy going a bit further afield? Take your car on the ferry and explore parts of northern France, Spain, The Netherlands, or the Republic of Ireland. With our temporary European car insurance, you’re covered to drive in the EU – as long as your trip starts and ends in the UK.

Wherever you’re spending Easter Sunday, pack a few mini chocolate eggs in the car and surprise the kids with an on-the-road Easter egg hunt. It’s a fun, easy way to keep little ones entertained – and makes your Easter road trip feel even more festive.

How to Make Travelling Over the Easter Holidays a Breeze

Public transport over the Easter break can be chaotic – delayed trains, packed platforms, or pricey tickets. But behind the wheel, you’re in control.

With our temporary insurance, you can get cover for the exact period you need and hit the road in minutes. No early airport dashes or squeezing into someone else’s train seat – just a calm, convenient journey that starts and ends on your schedule.

With flexible durations available, you can pick from hourly insurance, daily insurance, weekly cover and more. However long your Easter trip is, we can help you get the right cover in place for a seamless journey from A to B.

The Biggest Icks: Cars

23 January 2025 08:56 Comments Off

‘Ick’ entered the lexicon in 2017, thanks to Love Island contestants using it to describe behaviours that instantly turned them off. While the term may be relatively new, the concept is timeless. From messy bedrooms to awkward dinner habits, everyone has their own icks. And when it comes to dating, cars are often a surprising dealbreaker. Whether it’s a clunky old banger or a flashy ride decked out with neon lights, cars play a bigger role in attraction than you might think. We surveyed the nation to uncover Brits’ top car-related icks, from driving habits to unpopular car models. Don’t worry if you see your car on the ick list, our temporary car insurance can save the day ahead of your next date. Let’s dive in.

What are Car Icks?

Car icks are those unexpected turnoffs linked to vehicles or driving habits that can instantly make someone less appealing. Considering some people get the ick over something as small as awkwardly held cutlery, it’s no surprise that car-related icks are a common dealbreaker. What counts as a car ick, however, often varies between individuals, with one person’s red flag being another’s non-issue. From cluttered interiors and strange smells to cars that look like they belong on Pimp My Ride, we set out to uncover just how much influence cars have on dating decisions.

Our survey* revealed that two-thirds of Brits (64%) believe first impressions extend to the car a person drives. Shockingly, 42% admitted they wouldn’t go on a date with someone if they disliked their vehicle.

It’s clear: the nation’s biggest car icks are clearly a critical courtship factor.

The Biggest Car Icks for Men & Women…

When it comes to dating, your choice of car – and how you maintain it – could make or break that all-important first impression. Here’s what we uncovered about the nation’s biggest car icks:

45% of Brits are turned off by a partner driving a car in poor condition or a vehicle they hate.
6% wouldn’t even get in the car if it didn’t meet their standards.
27% have actually laughed at the state of their date’s car, and the same percentage have considered ending – or outright ended – a relationship because of car shame.

It seems that men are very likely to call it quits over an unappealing motor (30%), while those under 44 are the most likely to feel this way (35%).

Cars and First Impressions

First impressions are key, and a bad car could be a relationship killer:

36% of people admitted they’d end things if someone they were already on the fence about rocked up in an awful car.
55% of Gen Z would be turned off by a potential partner over a bad car choice, compared to just 17% of those over 55.
However, if the car was amazing, 53% of Brits said they’d be more likely to give the person a chance.

Unsurprisingly, six in ten Brits (60%) admit to secretly judging others based on the car they drive. This might explain why 20% of respondents have considered renting or borrowing a nicer car for a first date, a move made even easier with our short-term insurance options.

Interestingly, men (22%) are more likely than women (17%) to trade in their usual car for a flashier option to impress their date. However, this pressure isn’t one-sided: 38% of all participants have felt judged by a partner for their car choice, and 63% confessed to feeling envious of others’ wheels.

Let’s face it, how can a modest Polo compete with the allure of a gleaming Range Rover?

The Biggest Car Turn Offs

When it comes to car-related icks, certain habits and features take the crown for being the ultimate dealbreakers.

Weird smells inside the car top the list, with 57% of Brits finding them a major turn-off. Cigarette smoke is particularly despised, with 48% calling it the worst offender.
Cluttered interiors aren’t far behind, 47% dislike the sight of old coffee cups and water bottles piling up in the footwell. Outdated or sexist bumper stickers are also a no-go for 44% of respondents.

Some quirks are less offensive but still make the list:

Fluffy dice only annoyed 20%, so they’re not a complete dating disaster.
Bad or excessively loud music is frowned upon by 28%.
A fluorescent green or yellow car raised eyebrows for 21%.
Rusty exteriors (16%) and fluorescent lights on wheels (14%) didn’t win many hearts either!

Bad news for boy racers!

When it comes to the car’s condition 35% think driving an old or dirty car is worse than driving a “midlife crisis” car, like a Porsche 911, which 34% found cringeworthy (as long as it’s clean, you’re safe).

If your ick-inducing car doesn’t leave you love-less it may still cause issues in your relationship:

22% admitted to convincing their partner to use another vehicle to avoid judgment.
23% have gone as far as asking their partner to park far away from friends or family to hide their car’s state.

The message is clear: keeping your car clean, clutter-free, and neutral is a must if you want to stay in someone’s good books (and avoid car shame).

The Worst Cars for Your Love Life

So we’ve covered the ickiest car habits, but what about the actual model you’re driving? Granted, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there are some vehicles consistently regarded as ugly cars. We asked Brits to name the car models that would instantly ruin a first date impression, and the results were definitive.

The Top 10 Worst Cars for a First Date:

A dirty white van – 47%
A tiny Smart car – 32%
A minivan – 21%
A Tesla Cybertruck** – 17%
A Hummer – 16%
An old Mini – 11%
A Ford KA – 9%
An open-top Jeep – 8%
A Skoda Fabia – 7%
A VW Beetle – 6%
A convertible – 5%
A Chrysler PT Cruiser – 5%
A Kia Soul – 5%
A Skoda Octavia – 5%
A Volkswagen Up – 4%

Borrow a Better Car and Save Your Love Life

While we can’t insure your love life, we can help you borrow a more impressive car. Whether you’re borrowing a car from a friend or family member, our short-term insurance lets you drive a better vehicle without long-term commitments.

With flexible hourly insurance policies available, you can impress your date with an attractive car, avoid car icks entirely, and focus on the romance. Get a quote today and leave the car icks behind.

*This research of 2,000 Brits was commissioned by GoShorty and conducted by Perspectus Global during January 2025.

**Tesla Cybertrucks are currently banned in the UK, but have been included in this survey due to their popularity.

Motoring & Insurance Trend Predictions for 2025

10 December 2024 17:39 Comments Off

As we approach the new year, it’s time to look ahead at the key trends shaping the UK’s motoring and insurance industries in 2025. The motoring sector has seen a surge in temporary car insurance purchases, we’ve seen a 50% increase in policies for 2024 compared to 2023. Globally, the temporary car insurance market is projected to grow by 16.7%, with Europe leading the charge as the fastest-growing market. This reflects the rising demand for flexible, short-term cover amidst increasing costs for annual policies, fuel, taxes, and maintenance.

We’ve analysed internal data and external market research to identify five key trends to watch in 2025.

1. Higher Demand for Business Cover

Business car insurance provides the right level of cover for drivers for work-related trips, including client visits, conferences, or driving to meetings. There are many reasons you might need business car insurance, with hybrid working now commonplace, more people rely on personal vehicles for business purposes, outside of just their commute. At GoShorty, we’ve seen a 120% year-on-year increase in business-use policies, a trend that’s set to continue in 2025.

Drivers are seeking flexible, affordable options to cover business trips without committing to costly annual policies. Temporary car insurance is perfectly positioned to meet this demand, offering tailored cover for occasional business use.

2. Weekend-Driven Insurance Models

Temporary weekend insurance is on the rise, we’ve seen a notable increase in one- and two-day policies purchased for Fridays and Saturdays, and three-day cover beginning on Fridays. This shift reflects changing driving habits, driven by the rise of remote work and a decline in daily commutes. Many drivers now reserve car use for weekends, whether for errands or leisure.

Our daily car insurance options make it easier than ever to insure vehicles for weekend use. This trend is expected to grow throughout 2025 as more drivers seek cost-effective, flexible cover tailored to modern lifestyles and more low-mileage driving.

3. Personalisation Through AI and Data

Personalised insurance offerings are set to become even more important in 2025. Advanced data analytics and AI enable insurers to adapt policies to individual drivers, offering tailored cover options and a seamless user experience.

At GoShorty, we leverage AI to streamline the application process, delivering quick, accurate quotes and a smooth journey from purchase to getting on the road, in under two minutes. Personalisation also enhances customer satisfaction, with tools like Your GoShorty enabling repeat purchases in under 30 seconds, and handy proactive notifications sent out to our customers to remind them when their policy is ending. As car sharing and flexible work continue to shape driving habits, AI will play a vital role in meeting evolving needs and demands. AI is no longer a thing of the future, and the motor insurance industry will need to adapt to make the most of the many advantages AI can bring to business.

4. Zero-Emission Efforts

The motoring industry is under growing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2023, transportation accounted for 21% of global CO₂ emissions, making it the second-largest contributor after the power sector. Efforts to cut emissions, including a rise in electric and hybrid vehicles, are gaining traction.

At GoShorty, we’re proud to support sustainable driving. We offer flexible insurance options to meet the rising amount of EVs on the roads. In fact, our temporary electric vehicle insurance policies have grown by 167% year-on-year, thanks to the tailored short-term insurance for electric and hybrid cars we can offer.

As a Neutral Carbon Zone certified company, we’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint and empowering drivers to make eco-conscious choices, such as using temporary cover for car sharing for greener journeys.

5. Young Driver Growth

The cost of living crisis and rising public transport prices have led more young people to embrace driving as affordably as possible. Internal data shows a 97% year-on-year increase in temporary insurance purchases by drivers under 30. The younger generation is well and truly embracing the flexibility and affordability temporary insurance has to offer them.

For temporary learner insurance, the average policy duration is seven days, with 25% of learners purchasing multiple policies during their learning journey. Rather than being added as a named driver, learners are increasingly opting for temporary insurance as a more affordable and flexible way to get practice in between lessons. It’s one of the best ways to insure learner drivers, for many reasons.

Temporary insurance offers an affordable, flexible solution for young drivers, enabling them to drive on an as-needed basis without committing to costly annual policies. This trend highlights the growing importance of temporary cover as an essential tool for the next generation of drivers.

Stay Ahead in 2025 with GoShorty

As motoring and insurance continue to evolve, our temporary car insurance options are here to keep you covered. Whether you’re driving for business, gaining road experience as a learner, or seeking eco-friendly options, our flexible and affordable policies are designed to meet your needs. Here’s to a safer, smarter, and more sustainable year on the road! Get a quote today, in under two minutes, to see how temporary insurance could work for you.

The UK’s Ultimate Driving Playlist

14 August 2024 12:30 Comments Off

UK road trips are a fantastic way to enjoy the summer weather, visiting the many great locations nationwide. There are several ways to keep ourselves entertained on the road, but what’s better than a road trip playlist? We decided to survey 2,000 UK drivers to find out what makes the ultimate driving playlist, so your summer road trip has the perfect soundtrack.

Receiving votes from 27% of our survey takers, Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘One Love’ has been crowned the ultimate driving song! Following this with 26% of votes was the 1988 classic ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by Scotland’s The Proclaimers, a song fitting for a road trip.

Plenty of classics followed, with ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ by Guns N’ Roses (25%), ’Heart of Glass’ by Blondie (24%), ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor (24%) and ’Born to Run’ by Bruce Springsteen (23%), all coming next in the playlist. After even more classics, including Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ (23%), some modern tracks broke into the playlist, with The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ (17%), Beyonce’s ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ (17%) and Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ (16%) making their way in.

The Full Ultimate Driving Playlist, According to British Drivers:

#1 ‘One Love’, Bob Marley and The Wailers – 27%
#2 ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, The Proclaimers – 26%
#3 ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’, Guns N’ Roses – 25%
#4 ‘Heart of Glass’, Blondie – 24%
#5 ‘Eye of the Tiger’, Survivor – 24%
#6 ‘Born to Run’, Bruce Springsteen – 23%
#7 ‘Running Up That Hill’, Kate Bush – 23%
#8 ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’, John Denver – 22%
#9 ‘Jamming’, Bob Marley and The Wailers – 22%
#10 ‘Every Breath You Take’, The Police – 21%
#11 ‘Born to be Wild’, Steppenwolf – 21%
#12 ‘Stayin’ Alive’, The Bee Gees – 21%
#13 ‘Take It Easy’, The Eagles – 21%
#14 ‘Mr Blue Sky’, Electric Light Orchestra – 21%
#15 ‘Another One Bites The Dust’, Queen – 21%

#16 ‘Fast Car’, Tracy Chapman – 20%
#17 ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, Journey – 20%
#18 ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman’, Shania Twain – 20%
#19 ‘Love Shack’, B-52s – 19%
#20 ‘Road to Nowhere’, Talking Heads – 18%
#21 ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’, Toploader – 18%
#22 ‘Here I Go Again’, Whitesnake – 18%
#23 ‘Blinding Lights’, The Weeknd – 17%
#24 ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’, Sophie Ellis Bextor – 17%
#25 ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’, Beyonce – 17%
#26 ‘Firework’, Katy Perry – 16%
#27 ‘YMCA’, Village People – 15%
#28 ‘Where The Streets Have No Name’, U2 – 15%
#29 ‘Upside Down’, Diana Ross – 15%
#30 ‘Hit the Road Jack’, Ray Charles – 15%

Over half (57%) of our surveyed drivers said they create a road trip playlist for the drive. The most popular genres of choice are pop (59%), rock (40%), dance (28%) and R’n’B (28%)!

Generational Song Preferences

Our survey revealed some differences in preferences between generations too. Unlike older Brits, Gen Z’s votes went towards contemporary hits such as Beyonce’s ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ (27%), Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ (22%), Kesha’s ‘TikTok’ (22%) and Taylor Swift’s ’Style’ (22%). A fifth (20%) of Gen Z also voted for ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears, a timeless hit that has again caught traction after the singer’s autobiography was released last year.

It seems that UK drivers are keen to get on the road this year. Nearly half (49%) of British drivers said that a road trip with loved ones is one of the best things to do during the summer. Over a third of respondents also stated that they already have a road trip booked for the summer, with the average distance of the planned trips coming in at 225 miles!

Over half of the drivers surveyed said that road trips make the best memories and that a road trip in the UK is just as good as taking a holiday abroad.

Spending time on the road, heading to scenic destinations with loved ones is known to be a therapeutic experience. Helping to calm our nerves and boost serotonin levels, road trips are great for having fun with friends and family, but are also great for boosting our mental health.

Road Trip Pastimes

Despite many of our respondents looking forward to their road trips with their playlists at the ready, 73% of drivers admit it’s a challenge to keep the kids entertained during long journeys. In modern times, technology has become the primary way to keep the young ones entertained, as 76% of drivers admit to relying on technology to keep everyone happy.

Although tech is at the forefront of distractions, nostalgic road trip games still help pass the time. 72% of drivers are embracing classic games, with eye spy being most popular (49%), followed by the licence plate game (26%) and ‘who can stay quiet the longest?’ (23%) all being enjoyed by families during journeys.

Road Trip Superstitions

Our survey also revealed that many British drivers have their superstitions when it comes to getting behind the wheel. While superstitions may seem like nonsense to some, to many, these small actions help them feel a sense of security before setting off.

Just over a third (33%) of respondents always step into their car with their right foot first. 27% of drivers never look back at the house, the same amount of drivers also pack a lucky charm for the journey. Others like to wear a specific t-shirt, knock on wood before leaving and avoid the number 13!

Car Sharing on a Road Trip

Road trips are a fantastic way to spend time with loved ones this summer. However, leaving the brunt of the driving to one person can be a lot to ask. With GoShorty’s short-term car insurance, car sharing is made easy. Our flexible insurance model allows you to book insurance by the hour! This means drivers can get insured just for the road trip, so you can take turns during the journey, allowing everyone to take a break without having to stop the car.

Dad’s Taxi Service? Survey Reveals Brits’ Parental Driving Preferences

3 June 2024 15:49 Comments Off

A recent survey* of 2,000 Brits revealed that they feel twice as confident in their Dad’s driving abilities than their Mum’s – with 17 percent trusting their Dad to drive them around versus only 8 percent preferring their Mum behind the wheel. Is this indicative of the wider social stereotype that men are better drivers than women drivers? Perhaps it’s simply that female drivers are held to an unfair standard when it comes to driving… especially by their kids.

98 percent of British men claim to be ‘confident’ drivers.
Over a third (36 percent) of Brits have asked their Dad for a lift late at night in the past year.
49 percent of learner drivers prefer to practise driving with their Dad.

We’ll delve into the implications of the survey data* below, to explore why the label of ‘bad driver’ is so often gendered.

Which Parent Do Brits Prefer to Ask for Lifts From?

Many of us will remember being chauffeured throughout childhood and beyond – from asking our parents ‘are we nearly there yet?’ five minutes into the big summer holiday drive, to the more mundane school run. But as we ‘age out’ of relying entirely on our parents to transport us around – once we’re old enough to navigate public transport solo, or our older mates have begun to pass their driving tests – often the most common travel we undertake with our parents is that of the late-night lift.

Essentially, once you’re legally allowed to partake in British pub culture, your parent’s taxi service really comes into its own when the long walk home following last orders doesn’t look all that appealing.

Our survey found that a fifth (20 percent) of respondents said they’ve asked their Dad for a lift at least 5 times so far this year – and over a third (36 percent) have asked their Dad for a lift late at night. Of those in need of a late-night lift, the majority were female – reinforcing that women travelling after dark feel greater concern for their safety than men do – preferring to pester their Dad for a lift than walk or opt for public transport.

Surprisingly, almost a fifth of 35 – 44 year olds (24 percent) have asked their Dad for between 2 – 5 lifts in the last year – suggesting that a parent’s job is never over. 35 percent of respondents (parents themselves) admitted to asking their own Dad for a lift up to 5 times in the last year alone – proving that Dad’s taxi service is a family business, through and through…or that Brits never really grow up. We’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

Which Parent Do Learners Prefer to Practise With?

Our survey found that as well as preferring to ask Dad for a lift, Brits also prefer to have their Dad supervise them as a learner driver. Almost half (49 percent) of learners opted to have their dad accompany them on driving practice sessions, compared to only 21 percent choosing their Mum as an instructor. Does this mean young drivers find their Dads are calmer when it comes to teaching them to drive, or that they simply can’t face having their skills critiqued by their mums when still learning?

Interestingly, we do know from our own internal data that those taking out temporary learner insurance are far more likely to be male (79 percent) than female (21 percent), so could it just mean that men prefer having practice sessions outside of their lessons, and for them they choose Dad?

Preferred Passengers: Mums Vs. Dads

Whilst Brits might prefer Dad’s taxis for lifts – when it comes to which parent we prefer to ferry around, our survey reveals Mum is the preferred passenger, with only 7 percent claiming to feel confident driving their Dad around.

This might correlate with the fact that we know dads are the preferred driving supervisor for learners. Would you still want to drive your instructor around after you’ve passed? Probably not.

Who Are the Most Confident Drivers?

We asked our Founder and Managing Director Andy Moody about driving stereotypes. He said: “Our survey found that three times more women than men claim that they’re ‘not confident’ in their driving ability. Combine that with the fact that there’s such a disparity between the confidence we feel in the driving of our Dads versus our Mums and it certainly looks like some outdated attitudes towards gender and motoring – namely, the sexist idea that men are better drivers than women still prevails. Could it be that these stereotypes in turn are damaging the confidence of female drivers on the roads today?”

Are Women Safer Drivers?

Examining our internal data, we found that women are 15 percent less likely to be involved in a road accident than men are – including both learners and fully licensed drivers – suggesting women are actually significantly safer drivers than their male counterparts, despite feeling less than confident behind the wheel – and often being perceived as the worse drivers.

Whilst Dads might be the go-to when your local cabbie isn’t picking up, there’s nothing to suggest Mums aren’t just as reliable behind the wheel. Survey respondents saying they prefer their Mums to their Dads as passengers might actually reinforce the idea that Mums are more conscientious road users, able to impart their wisdom from the passenger seat more effectively than Dads – even if you think he’s the better driver.

*The research was conducted by Censuswide, sampling 2,052 drivers aged 17+ in the UK. The data was collected between 14.05.2024 – 20.05.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

Impounded Vehicle Numbers on the Rise in the UK

10 November 2023 13:15 Comments Off

Our latest research exclusively reveals the amount of impounded vehicles in the UK has reached almost 200K (197,000), which is a YoY increase of over 7,000 impounded vehicles!

As we have launched our new impound release insurance, we wanted to look into how many vehicles are being impounded across the UK. After sending FOI requests to Police constabularies, we learned that cases of impounded vehicles have risen year on year, with some regions in particular seeing some dramatic rises in cars being taken into police custody.

Regions with the Highest Increases

Taking first place for highest offending region is South Wales, seeing a whopping 35 percent rise, the equivalent of over 2,000 more vehicles in 2022 vs 2021 were impounded here. Also making the top three, are Gwent and North Yorkshire, with 30 percent and 26 percent increases in cases of impounded vehicles.

In fourth place, Cumbria saw a 20 percent increase and in fifth, Devon and Cornwall saw a 15 percent increase.

The increase in impounded vehicles could be a reflection of insurance prices skyrocketing by an average of 58% in the UK. Drivers may be risking driving without insurance due to the struggle to meet the costs, which would result in their vehicle being impounded if caught by the law.

**GoShorty’s Impound Release Insurance**

To help drivers get their impounded vehicles back on the road, GoShorty has introduced an all new impounded vehicle release insurance. This 30-day impound release insurance policy allows drivers to take their vehicle out of a police impound ASAP and get it home, avoiding a £26 a day charge.

Annual insurance and regular temporary insurance policies do not cover impound retrievals, making impound release insurance a necessary purchase for those in this situation, and with GoShorty, doing this is easier than ever.

Andy Moody, Founder and Managing Director of GoShorty commented:

“For those who are unfortunate enough to have their vehicle impounded, GoShorty are happy to say we now have a dedicated single-purchase 30-day temporary insurance policy for the release of impounded vehicles.

“Usually, getting insurance for an impounded vehicle is a difficult task over the phone, but now you can sort it with us quickly and simply online in less than 2 minutes.

“It’s within a driver’s best interest to get their vehicle out of the impound lot ASAP, failure to collect the vehicle within 14 days could lead to it being scrapped or sold, which is why we have created this valuable policy.”

GoShorty now provides impound release insurance to help you get back onto the road as quickly as possible. As well as flexible short-term insurance for cars and vans; find one hour insurance, one day insurance or even car insurance for a month, our flexible options keep you safely covered exactly when you need to be, hopefully avoiding you being impounded again.

Methodology

FOI requests issued to Police constabularies, requesting yearly data on impounded vehicles. With thanks to the following constabularies: Dundee, West Yorkshire, GMP, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, South Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Cumbria, South Wales, Northants, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Essex, Avon Somerset, MET, Stafford, Surrey, West Mercia, City of London, North Yorkshire, Wiltshire, Gwent, Leicestershire.

Highway to Hell: Is Road Rage on the Rise?

8 August 2023 15:39 Comments Off

We have carried out research that has revealed that the number of incidents of road rage in the UK reported to the Police saw a 40 percent increase from 2021 to 2022.

Using data from 20 separate UK Police constabularies and a survey of 2,000 Brits, we have explored the darker side of motoring – looking specifically into road rage incidents and bad driving habits.

Road Rage Incidents Skyrocket

In 2021, there were 2,282 incidents of road rage reported to the Police – whereas in 2022, this number jumped up 40 percent to 3,208. Road rage can land drivers with an assault charge, and even endanger the validity of a driving licence if drivers face prosecution for becoming seriously aggressive. Our research found that the areas in the UK where road rage has seen the biggest spikes from 2021 to 2022 are:

Lancashire +198%
West Mercia +56%
Leicester +13%
Cambridgeshire +6%
South Wales +4%

According to our own Survey, 89 percent of Brits said they had encountered rude drivers with bad habits and behaviour whilst on the road. Sadly, plenty of drivers show little remorse for their rudeness, with over a fifth (24 percent) stating that they have never regretted being rude behind the wheel. Many drivers appear to shift the blame from themselves too, with 36 percent admitting they’ve picked up their bad driving habits from other drivers.

The Worst Driving Habits

Every driver experiences moments of frustration and annoyance on the road – whether it’s warranted by others’ bad driving, or just as a result of a specific dislike they personally harbour. Lane hogging, anyone?

The top five worst habits, according to British drivers, are:

Braking suddenly to scare the person behind you.

Tailgating someone on purpose because they drive too slow.

Not pulling over for emergency service vehicles.

Overtaking and then going slowly.

Throwing rubbish out of the window.

54 percent of respondents admitted to committing at least one of the acts mentioned above whilst driving. Due to other road users’ bad behaviours, 21 percent of the survey respondents claimed they have taken a break from drivin

What Do the Experts Say?

Andy Moody, Founder and Managing Director of GoShorty, said:“Our research reveals that many drivers are experiencing road rage, as both perpetrators and victims of rude, antisocial behaviour on the roads – which clearly isn’t good for anyone. The revelation that this is actually learned behaviour is also concerning, particularly as it is then dissuading people from driving because of their past experiences with rude road users.

“It might not offer a complete solution to policing the UK’s anger issue, but our short-term insurance gives drivers the freedom to borrow friends’ or family members’ vehicles, actually encouraging better behaviour amongst drivers. 78 percent of the Brits we surveyed said that they’re more likely to show respect to other drivers and avoid any rude behaviour if they’re behind the wheel of a borrowed car!“

With the help of short-term car insurance, we may be able to lessen the amount of vehicles on the road, whilst also reducing the amount of time each driver spends behind the wheel. Hopefully lessening the rising road rage the roads of the UK are becoming home to.

UK Car Essentials – What do you need to keep in your car?

29 November 2021 13:57 Leave a Comment

Owning a car can be an expensive thing to do. With many cars, something new seems to go wrong every month. You can’t always predict what is likely to go wrong, but you can prepare yourself and the car for when it does. Keeping a few car essentials in your vehicle can help you be ready for most eventualities.

Spares

One of the hardest things to predict is the easiest thing to prepare for. If you get a puncture, or your tyre bursts entirely, you could be left stranded for a long time on the side of the road. Preparing for any eventualities gives you the confidence that you will be ready if the time comes.

Many cars come with a spare tyre, or with a tyre repair kit. However, you should not assume that your spare is suitable, or will even fit your car. Familiarise yourself with how to change a tyre, or with how to use your repair kit. Make sure that you also have all of the appropriate kit you need. If you need a tyre jack, then ensure that you have the correct equipment.

Gauges

You can’t always predict a flat tyre. However, you can prepare your tyres, and try to keep them in a state that lessens the risk of getting a flat tyre. Essential to this is keeping your tyres correctly inflated. Keeping your tyres either too inflated or not inflated enough can cause damage.

Make sure that you keep a tyre pressure gauge / foot pump in your car. Somewhere on your car, usually inside the door, your car is likely to have a sticker indicating the correct pressure levels. Keep your tyres at the right level of pressure, and you could reduce your chances of needing the spare.

Manual

It can be tempting to assume that you can look up anything you need to know on your phone. After all, a quick Google search always seems to turn up the answers you are looking for. However, this is not always the case. If something goes wrong with your car, a Google search will often not show up the answer you need. Equally, if you are in a remote area, or your phone is out of battery, you might not even be able to access the internet.

If you keep your car’s manual with you in the car, you will always have access to the answers you need. Sometimes the oldest ways of solving problems are still the best.

Breakdown

If you break down, you need to be prepared. While you are unlikely to break down, you can prepare to make the process easier, in case you do. There are not the same regulations about breaking down in the UK that there are in some other European countries. However, while they are not regulations, it is often worth following the same guidelines.

Wearing a Hi-Vis jacket when you break down can be the difference between another motorist seeing you in advance, and you having a serious accident. Equally, warning triangles can alert approaching traffic that you have broken down ahead.

Atlas

Satellite Navigation seems to have entirely defeated the traditional paper map. After all, how often do you break out the road atlas when you are trying to plot a route? However, using your phone or a sat nav system is not always possible. If you get caught out in the countryside and you have no signal, or you run out of power, technology might not be the best way out of your difficulty.

Keeping a traditional paper Road Atlas in your car doesn’t take up much space. However, an atlas can help you out regardless of where you are – and it never runs out of battery.

Insurance

You cannot prepare for everything. No matter how many car essentials you have prepared, sometimes you are going to have an accident, and there isn’t much you can do about it. That’s where your insurance comes in. While you are only required to have third party insurance, it is always worth having a higher level of cover. Short term car insurance from GoShorty is fully comprehensive. That means that if you have an accident, your insurance will cover damage that your car suffers.

Temporary car insurance from GoShorty can cover you from 1 hour to 28 days. That means that you only need to get cover for the time that you need, and not waste money insuring a car when you don’t need it.

Get a temporary insurance quote today, and see how much you could save.

Five Easy Ways to Save Money When you Drive

13:57 Leave a Comment

Running a car is an expensive process. While electric cars might offer a cheaper future, most people still use traditional cars that use fossil fuels. Traditional fuels are getting more and more expensive for most drivers – along with the associated costs of owning a car, like insurance and tax. All of this means that drivers all across the country are looking for ways to save money when they drive. Here are five easy ways to save money on your driving costs.

Drive Sensibly

One of the easiest ways to save money on your car is to change how you drive. Different ways of driving use more or less fuel. Driving smoothly – not speeding up, slowing down or changing gear too quickly – is an effective way to use less fuel.

Going slower is also an easy way to use less fuel and save money. Generally, the speed limit is a good measure. While you should be sticking to the speed limit anyway, going at 70mph rather than 60mph uses 9% more fuel. Going 80mph (even on the motorway) uses 25% more fuel than going 70mph.

Care for your Car

Cars that are not maintained tend to use more fuel than those that are kept well looked after. Make sure that you service your car every year. Minor issues with engines or valves can contribute to inefficient use of fuel, and as a result, higher costs.

You should also make sure that your tyres are all in top condition. If any of your tyres have damage, an incorrect tread depth, or are incorrectly inflated, then you will have a correspondingly worse fuel efficiency. Defective or damaged tyres cost you money.

Carry Less

Everything you put on or in your car is weighing it down. Heavier cars go slower, and use more fuel. An estimated extra 50kg of fuel makes a car 1-2% less fuel efficient. This sort of weight is easy to achieve in a car. Attachments to your car that should be temporary are easy to forget about. Roof bars and cycle racks should be removed when not being used, as they are heavy.

Shop Around

Fuel costs can vary wildly between different areas, and different petrol stations. Finding the best deals in your local area is an easy way to reduce your potential driving costs. Generally, fuel from supermarkets is cheaper than from both chain and independent petrol stations. It is also often possible to get vouchers for cheaper fuel when you shop at the same supermarket.

Drive Less

Perhaps the easiest way to save money when you drive is to use your car less. This might sound counterproductive, but you should start to ask yourself if you need to drive everywhere. If you can walk or cycle to a nearby destination, you should do. Equally, if it is possible for you to split a journey with a friend or neighbour, car sharing can be a great way to save money.

Insurance from GoShorty

Temporary Car Insurance from GoShorty is perfect for saving money. If you only use a car occasionally, you don’t need to be insured for the whole year. Save money all year round by only paying for short term car insurance when you need it. If you share a car, or borrow a car from a friend or relative, you can insure yourself for between 1 hour and 28 days when you need to use it.

Get a temporary insurance quote today, and see how much you could save on your car insurance with temporary cover from GoShorty.

Tag Archive: Car News

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**GoShorty’s Impound Release Insurance**