Tag Archive: car sharing

  1. Road Trip Essentials Guide

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    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…

    Why a Road Trip is a Great Idea

    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.

    Road Trip Insurance With GoShorty

    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.

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  2. Can Someone Else Drive My Car?

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    You can let someone drive your car, as long as they’re properly insured to do so. Allowing someone else to drive your car without proper insurance can cause a lot of issues. In the UK, it’s illegal for anyone to drive your car unless they’re insured. 

    Many assume that having comprehensive insurance means they’re automatically covered to drive any car. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Many comprehensive policies no longer allow for driving other cars, and those that do come with significant restrictions. So before you let someone behind the wheel of your car, always check they’re properly insured.

    So, how can someone else drive your car legally? We cover everything you need to know below.

    Can Someone Drive My Car If They Aren’t On My Insurance?

    If someone isn’t a named driver on your insurance policy, they can still drive your car legally, but only if they have their own valid insurance that covers them to do so.

    This could include:

    • Temporary car insurance – a short-term policy that provides comprehensive cover.
    • Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover – a feature sometimes included in comprehensive policies (though increasingly rare), which typically only provides third-party cover and is meant for emergency use only.
    • A separate annual policy – if they take out their own policy on your car.

    If someone doesn’t have one of these in place, they cannot legally drive your car. Allowing them to do so could lead to serious penalties for both you and the driver, including fines, penalty points, and vehicle impounding.

    How Can Someone Else Drive My Car?

    There are a few ways to legally let someone else drive your car. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or partner, here’s how to ensure they’re fully covered.

    Add Them as a Named Driver

    Adding a named driver to your car insurance policy allows them to legally drive your vehicle whenever needed. This can be useful for sharing driving responsibilities, whether for commuting, family errands, or emergencies.

    Things to Keep in Mind:

    • Named drivers get the same cover level as you – If your policy is comprehensive, theirs will be too.
    • They don’t need a separate policy – Being added as a named driver is enough to legally cover them.
    • They can’t drive your car more than you – You must remain the car’s primary driver. If they use it more than you, it could invalidate your policy.
    • Accidents affect YOUR policy – If they make a claim, your no-claims bonus will be lost, and your premium may increase.
    • It will affect your insurance costs – Depending on their driving history and risk level, it could either lower your premium or make it more expensive

    How to Add a Named Driver:

    1. Contact your insurer – Provide the driver’s details.
    2. The insurer will assess their risk – Factors like age, driving experience, and previous claims may affect your premium.
    3. Confirm any additional costs – Adding a high-risk driver (such as a young driver, or someone with a history of claims) will increase your premium.

    For occasional or one-off use, adding a named driver may not be the best option. Temporary insurance could be a more cost-effective solution.

    Use Temporary Car Insurance

    Temporary car insurance is a flexible way to let someone drive your car for a certain time period. They can get insurance for an hour, get covered for a day, or get a month of insurance on your car, making it easy for them to get insured for exactly how long they need the next time they need to drive your car. It’s also one of the best ways to insure a learner driver for when they need to use your car for practice. If a learner wants to drive your car, you can get them to take out temporary learner insurance. 

    Why is temporary cover a great option?

    • Comprehensive cover – The driver gets full protection, just like an annual policy.
    • No impact on your no-claims bonus – If they have an accident, your insurance won’t be affected.
    • Quick and easy to arrange – It takes minutes to set up, and can provide instant cover. 

    If someone only needs short-term access, temporary insurance is often cheaper and easier than adding them to your policy.

    Get Them to Take Out Their Own Annual Policy

    Two people can insure the same car, so if you share a car with someone and both regularly use it, it could be a good idea for them to have their own policy on the car.

    Why consider this?

    • Both drivers build a no-claims bonus – Unlike named drivers, they earn their own discount.
    • Your premium is protected – If they crash, your insurance isn’t affected.

    What Happens If Someone Drives Your Car Without Insurance?

    Permitting someone to drive your car without insurance is a serious legal offence—whether you were aware of it or not. As the vehicle’s registered keeper, the responsibility falls on you.

    Even if the driver has comprehensive insurance on their own car, this does not automatically cover them to drive yours. Unless they have a separate policy that includes your car, they will be regarded as uninsured, and both of you could face severe penalties. If someone is caught driving your car without valid insurance, both of you could face:

    • A minimum fine of £300 and six penalty points.
    • The seizure of your vehicle by the police.
    • A court case with an unlimited fine and potential driving disqualification.
    • A revoked licence if the driver is a new or probationary driver.
    • Higher future insurance premiums—insurers will see both of you as higher-risk drivers.

    It’s your responsibility to ensure anyone driving your car has proper insurance. If you knowingly allow someone to drive without cover, both you and the driver will be penalised.

    What Happens If Someone Else Drives Your Car and They Have an Accident?

    If someone else drives your car without insurance in place and has an accident, you could be held responsible for: 

    • Damage to other vehicles – even if it wasn’t your fault.
    • Injury to others – medical costs, compensation, and legal claims.
    • Repair costs for your own car – as your insurer may refuse to cover the damage.

    If they’re insured, what will happen if they have an accident will vary depending on how they’ve been insured:

    • If they’re a named driver – Your no-claims bonus will be lost, and your premium will rise.
    • If they have temporary cover – Your policy remains unaffected, your no claims discount is protected, and their temporary policy will handle the claim.
    • If they have their own policy on your car – Your policy will remain unaffected, the claims will go through their insurance, not yours.

    This is why temporary car insurance is often the safest option when letting someone else drive your car – it guarantees they’re covered in the event of an accident, and protects your insurance record and your wallet.

    Checklist: Letting Someone Else Drive Your Car

    Before handing over your keys, always check:

    The Best Way to Let Someone Else Drive Your Car

    If someone needs short-term access to your car, temporary car insurance is the easiest and safest option. It offers:

    • Comprehensive cover – from as little as one hour.
    • No impact on your annual policy or no-claims bonus – their policy is separate from yours.
    • Instant cover – they can get insured in under two minutes.

    Letting someone else drive your car doesn’t have to be complicated—but they must be insured. Make sure they have valid cover before they drive to avoid fines, penalties, or worse.

    If someone needs to borrow your car, get them to take out temporary cover today for complete peace of mind. Get a quote today.

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  3. Designated Driver Insurance

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    Have you ever found yourself in the role of designated driver after a night out? It’s an unsung hero’s duty to ensure everyone gets home safely after a good time. As the responsible (and sober!) one behind the wheel, your friends rely on you to be the saviour of the night. Thanks to temporary car insurance we can get you home legally through our policies. Even if you’re a student back from uni, our student car insurance policies can save the day, if you’ve been nominated designated driver. 

    We understand the importance of being a designated driver, that’s why we’ve made getting a policy as quick, easy and pain-free as possible. Ideal for saving the day when innocent lunch dates escalate into spontaneous evening drinks, our designated driver insurance options step up, so you and your pals can enjoy the night without breaking the law.

    Did you know that comprehensive insurance doesn’t always mean you can drive any car. A lot of the time this is only allowed in instances of emergency, and no, driving your mates home from the pub at 1 am does not count as an emergency. What’s more, you’ll usually only have third-party protection when driving someone else’s car unless you are a named driver, or take out a temporary policy. Next time you need to borrow someone else’s car to be the designated driver, ensure you are insured correctly with our hourly insurance options.

    At GoShorty, we’ve seen a lot of motorists take out short-term cover late at night or even in the early hours of the morning, as they do their friends a favour and drive them home in their vehicle. Drink-driving offences tend to increase in the lead up to Christmas and while we’re happy to see sober motorists doing the responsible thing on behalf of their pals, you MUST ensure you are legally insured to drive a car that you don’t own. That’s where we come in! 

    How Easy Is It to Get Designated Driver Insurance?

    The easiest way to get designated driver insurance is to take out one of our temporary car insurance policies on the car you need to drive everyone home in, you will be ensuring you are properly covered, even protecting the owner’s no claims discount.

    You can get covered with us in under two minutes, 24 hours a day, every day, all year long. So, even if you are only doing a 10 minute drive at 1am, you can do it safely and legally with us. Our hourly insurance is perfect for your designated driver duties. There is no being on hold trying to secure cover, our quick and easy online quoting process means you can secure your policy and have it straight in your inbox in no time at all.

     What Do We Mean by a ‘Designated Driver’?

    What is a designated driver? Put simply, a designated driver is a member of your team who has either volunteered themselves or been volunteered by the rest to drive everybody to and/or from your chosen destination. With the promise to stay sober all night and get everyone home safely (including the car, and owner of said car!) being a designated driver is like being the unsung hero of your group. No need for capes here though, just a simple oath to stay sensible and focus on getting everybody home in one piece. 

    But being a designated driver is more than just driving – it’s about being responsible, having each other’s backs, and genuinely caring about everyone’s safety. It saves you and your group from expensive taxis and ensures the safety of everyone on the roads, by committing to no drink driving at all.

    How Much Does Designated Driver Insurance Cost?

    Most designated driver policies will only be required for around an hour, which you can get from as low as £16.98, far cheaper than your average late night taxi ride. 

    As with all insurance policies the exact cost is determined by the specific information you provide during the quoting process. But to get an estimate you can use our temporary car insurance calculator.

    The Importance of Having a Designated Driver

    Nine times out of 10, a night out often involves more than just a drink or two. It’s practically British culture, a social ritual. And in the midst of the festivities, having a designated driver is like having a guardian angel for your journey home. They skip the drinks, stay sharp, and stay fit to get behind the wheel when you’re all partied out.

    But why does it matter so much? Well, apart from avoiding the headache of having your Uber cancel as the sun comes up and the birds start chirping, and definitely avoiding getting behind the wheel whilst intoxicated, you’re keeping the roads safe – especially when they’re at their most dangerous, as day turns into night. When you get behind the wheel after drinking, not only are you putting your own and your group’s lives in danger, but also everybody else’s on the road. The designated driver’s responsibilities are to stay in a legal and safe state to drive, in turn avoiding lengthy driving bans and even the possibility of jail if caught intoxicated behind the wheel.

    And remember, being the designated driver isn’t all bad! You get a cheap night out, if you can persuade your friends to pay you back, maybe even a free night out the next time you hit the bars, and no hangover the next day! It’s a win-win.

    Who our Designated Driver Insurance Covers

    For full details on our insurance criteria, see our who we cover page. Some key factors to consider to check you can get one of our temporary insurance policies are –

    The Vehicle:

    • Cars and Commercial Vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes)
    • Minimum value Cars and Vans: £1* subject to age restrictions
    • Maximum value Cars: £65,000
    • Is not imported or left-hand drive and not modified (factory fitted extras or modifications for a disabled driver or passenger, or LPG conversions are acceptable).
    • Has no more than 7 seats and is not a rental or hire vehicle (if commercial – no more than 5 seats)
    • Must not be modified. LPG conversions and Disabled Modified are acceptable
    • Have a valid MOT (if required), is NOT declared as SORN (off-road) with DVLA and has NOT been seized by the police.
    • Not to be used for impounded or seized vehicles (unless specified as impounded cover)

    The Driver:

    • Private Car – driver aged 19 to 75
    • Has a current permanent address as stated throughout this application (please note you may be asked to provide proof of residence in the event of a claim)
    • Has not ever been refused insurance, had a policy cancelled or voided
    • No driving ban in the last 60 months

    Why GoShorty for Designated Driver Cover

    We understand that the need for a designated driver can arise at any given hour, especially when the night is still young. That’s why our temporary car insurance is designed for your convenience. With us, you can purchase a policy quickly and efficiently, receive a quote in as little as 90 seconds, and get on the roads! No need to stress about navigating complex insurance processes or holding the line for 45 minutes when you’re doing a favour for your friends – we’ve simplified the process to ensure you can hit the roads with confidence and find the right coverage with ease. 

    And if you are worried about insurance showing up on the MID (Motor Insurance Database), then be rest assured that we update the MID twice a day, every day. So, you are likely to avoid any MID issues. Plus all your necessary insurance documentation is always emailed straight over to you, so if you were to get pulled over – you will have the docs to prove you have taken out cover. 

    Designated driver insurance isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity when you’re committed to ensuring the safety of your friends and loved ones. Driving someone else’s car, even for a short distance, requires proper insurance cover. Our policies are fast, affordable and flexible for as little as an hour or as long as a day – covering all your needs. 

    Our policies provide customers with comprehensive cover, meaning you’ll have maximum security when you’re out on the roads. So next time you are on a night out, think about how you’re getting home beforehand and if you are using a designated driver, ensure they have proper cover with our temporary car insurance, the perfect option for designated driver insurance. Get a quote today.

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  4. Can You Insure a Car You Don’t Own?

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    Yes, you can insure a car you don’t own. This is known as non-owner car insurance, which can be done through temporary car insurance. This type of insurance offers comprehensive cover for someone who wants to drive but doesn’t have a car, allowing them to safely drive someone else’s car, with their permission.

    A regular annual policy likely won’t allow you to drive any car, so knowing how to insure a car that’s not yours is important. Let’s take a closer look at what non-owner car insurance covers and how you can insure a car you don’t own…

    What is Non-Owner Car Insurance?

    Non-owner car insurance allows you to drive someone else’s vehicle, provided you have their permission. It’s ideal for those who need to borrow a car occasionally, young drivers learning to drive, or someone who wants to borrow a fancier car for an event. 

    This insurance is comprehensive, protecting you and the car if an accident occurs. It’s also more flexible than an annual policy, making it a better option for drivers who borrow cars for short periods or drive infrequently.

    Temporary insurance can be used as non-owner car insurance (it’s also possible to use a temporary policy for a car you do own, for business use, driveaway insurance, and other reasons). It allows you to take out a policy on a car you don’t own for a period that suits your needs —whether that’s one day of insurance or one hour of cover. This flexible option lets you borrow a car, with the owner’s permission, for a specific time while ensuring you’re covered. Plus, it protects the car owner’s no-claims bonus, if an accident does occur.

    How to Get Insured On Someone Else’s Car

    The quickest and easiest way to get insured on someone else’s car is by taking out a temporary car insurance policy, whenever you need to borrow their vehicle. 

    A common way to get insured on someone else’s car is through named driver insurance. If you’re added as a named driver that will likely be for a year – unnecessary if you’re only borrowing their car sporadically. Plus, it can be costly especially if you’re a learner looking to borrow a car to practise in. 

    Temporary insurance, however, offers a quicker and more flexible alternative. It allows you to choose the exact length of your policy, starting from as little as one hour. Temporary insurance also always provides comprehensive cover, and ensures the car owner’s no-claims bonus remains unaffected—a key difference from named driver insurance. You can even add optional extras like breakdown cover to your policy, for complete peace of mind the next time you want to insure a friend’s car. 

    Overall, temporary insurance offers a more flexible, affordable, and comprehensive solution compared to other forms of non-owner car insurance.

    Who Will Benefit from Temporary Insurance to Insure Someone Else’s Car?

    Temporary insurance is useful in many situations, such as:

    So, if you need to insure a car you don’t own, get a quote in under two minutes for a temporary policy. You’ll be comprehensively protected for the duration you need and won’t have to worry about the high costs of being added as a named driver. With temporary car insurance, insuring someone else’s car has never been easier! 

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  5. Festival Travel Made Easy With Short-Term Insurance

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    For many Brits, festival season is one of the highlights of summer – but festival travel, not so much. From boarding buses at the crack of dawn, relying on notoriously flaky friends to coordinate a convoluted and expensive train journey, or risking your sanity on other overcrowded, overhot public transport options – the travel is usually the only downside to a musical getaway. 

    Whether you’re looking to save money, avoid lugging a huge backpack around, or simply can no longer cope with a stressful journey, driving yourself directly to the festival is often the best option. If you don’t own a car, or feel anxious at the prospect of being behind the wheel for hours, we’d recommend investing in short-term car insurance. Our policies can be tailored to an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis, to suit your exact needs, and afford you the flexibility to arrive at your festival of choice in style.

    Why Driving is the Best Way to Travel to Festivals

    Travelling to festivals by car offers a range of benefits – especially when compared to other means of transport. Bring an entire wardrobe’s worth of festival looks with you, safe in the knowledge that you can store your belongings in a locked car, and get to your favourite act on time, looking fabulous. These are some of the perks of driving to a festival using temporary car insurance…

    Convenience and Flexibility

    When you drive to a festival using your own car (or a car you’ve borrowed and insured), you get to set your own schedule. From the time you set off, where you refuel, to when you take a snack break, travelling directly to a festival is much easier than adhering to the timetables of the coach and train services available. Of course, planning your own route allows for rather more fun pit stops than you’ll get on an 8 hour bus, too. 

    Keep in mind that unless you’re travelling down early, road services are likely to be busy – especially as you get closer to the festival site – so plan accordingly to make sure you don’t miss the headline act.

    The good news is, if you don’t have a car, but can convince a friend or family member to lend you theirs for the journey you can easily sort out cover for the festival duration, even if it’s last minute. Short-term insurance is incredibly easy to purchase, and taking out a policy can be completed in just minutes – giving you a great deal of flexibility in your festival travel.

    Comfort and Space

    Travelling in a car provides an extra layer of comfort to your festival experience. Carrying your camping gear, food supply, and glitter is no mean feat – and sprinting around train stations to navigate platform alterations with a bag the size of the West Holts Stage strapped to your back is rather less rock and roll than most of us aspire to.

     Exhausting yourself before you’ve so much as pitched your tent is no way to start the festivities. Instead, borrow a spacious car from your parents, friends or neighbours, and ensure that you and your fellow festival goers are comfortable from the get go. Whack on a road trip playlist to arrive feeling fresh and ready to enjoy the festival. Plus, if the driving gets particularly tiresome, you’ll be able to switch seats with a suitable passenger by purchasing them short-term cover – allowing you to take a break from the long drive, swapping out the designated driver as and when you need to, each of you fully covered.

    Saving Money

    Another bonus of sharing a car for your festival travel is how much money you can save – meaning you’ll have more money to spend on cider and falafel. Glastonbury 2024 cost £69 for a return coach ticket from London, and £104 from Manchester. In comparison, sharing a car with 3 friends*, travelling from London and Manchester, would cost approximately £16 and £18 respectively – including both fuel and insurance – meaning you’ll be able to splash more cash at the actual festival. For those who live furthest from the festival, car sharing is likely to be a popular travel option. The pricing of our car insurance is based on the same factors as traditional insurance, such as your age, car model and driving history, but as the coverage is short-term, it’s typically cheaper to take out a temporary car insurance policy than rely on other transport options, like trains.

    The Importance of Temporary Insurance

    If you’re planning to share the driving duties with friends, it’s crucial to have the right insurance in place. There are several reasons that short-term insurance is the ultimate solution for festival travel…

    Legalities

    Car sharing is not as simple as simply handing your friend the keys. You must be properly insured to legally drive someone else’s car, which our short-term insurance covers. Driving without insurance is illegal, and can result in hefty fines and penalties of up to £300 and 6 penalty points on your licence. Opting for short-term cover is a great way to quickly and easily protect yourself and the vehicle you’re borrowing from any mishaps on the road – and as we cover drivers from as little as one hour to 28 days, our policies provide the perfect amount of flexibility for festival travel.

    Peace of Mind

    Temporary insurance is the best way to drive with peace of mind on the roads – especially if you want to avoid complicated claims on the main driver’s policy. If someone is not feeling up to driving home from the festival or just needs a break to re-caffeinate, you’ll be able to insure another individual with ease – meaning you won’t get stuck in limbo on your way back.

    Financial Benefits

    With affordable cover available in less than 90 seconds, our short-term insurance presents a highly practical solution for festival-goers who’d prefer to spend their cash on merch, chips and pints, instead of transport.

    Borrowing a Better Car for the Journey

    Using short-term insurance can also enable you to temporarily upgrade your vehicle. Should you require a more suitable – or downright fancier – car for the festival, such as a vehicle with a higher MPG, more boot space, or aesthetic appeal – borrow one! Temporary insurance allows you to borrow a car from a friend, relative, or neighbour affordably and without hassle.

    Short-Term Insurance Makes Festival Travel Easier Than Ever

    Driving to a festival can’t be beaten for the convenience, comfort, and cost-efficiency it offers – especially when compared to the chaos of an over-packed train, or the coach only leaving at an ungodly hour. With our temporary insurance, you can ensure that everyone planning to drive the car is properly covered, so the festival road trip can be split accordingly. Make your festival travel easy with short-term cover and enjoy your journey. Do remember your car sharing etiquette, though – rid the car of mud and coffee cups to return it clean and in the same state you received it in. A full tank wouldn’t go amiss either.

    Temporary insurance from GoShorty means that festival travel has never been easier – so get covered and hit the road for the most memorable festival experience yet.

    *These figures are based on sharing a Ford Focus Estate with a miles per gallon (MPG) of 45 and petrol costing 148.80 per litre. Across a respective 137/208 miles petrol costs would come to £20.56 and £31.25. Meanwhile, a week’s worth of short-term insurance costs roughly £42.02 on average, so we’ve added these figures and divided them by four for the total amount.

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  6. Where is Car Sharing Most Popular?

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    In a day and age that’s often defined by transportation, people’s desire to explore different corners of the world has never been higher. But with mounting environmental concerns amidst a cost-of-living crisis, car sharing has emerged as a beacon of hope for many individuals seeking flexibility and sustainability with their travels. 

    What is car sharing? Put simply, it’s the act of sharing a car journey with a companion, or sharing the use of a car, something that our temporary car insurance and temporary van insurance are perfect for. 

    Our data shows that the practice of car sharing is gaining significant popularity across many regions in the UK. With the benefit of community and connection, carpooling is helping people get around the many obstacles of transportation in our day-to-day lives. Whether you’re looking to navigate the daily commute, embarking on cross country trips to visit family or perhaps planning a staycation with friends – muddling in together not only cuts petrol costs, but keeps the driver company on long journeys too. 

    So, let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind the growing popularity of car sharing and explore the benefits of temporary insurance in helping you do it with ease – including how it could save you hundreds of pounds over the course of a year!

    Our internal analysis reveals that certain regions in the UK exhibit a far higher use of car sharing compared to others. South East England, comprising 15% of the overall car-sharing total, has emerged as the country’s primary hub for joint transportation. 

    Following closely behind is the North West region, securing the second position with 12%, while East Anglia claimed third spot with 11%. The data suggests a far larger use of car-sharing practices across these areas, reflecting the communities’ increasing reliance on collective driving to address the challenges of transportation in 2023.

    Why People Might Car Share

    It is unsurprising that these areas are renowned for their collective sense of community, especially the North West. With some pretty epic road trips in all three of the leading regions – who can blame them? 

    Road tripping around the UK can offer some of the best bang for your buck when it comes to booking that well-deserved break from your 9-5, so be sure to consider a staycation or two (especially if you have a car full of friends attending!). 

    But car sharing isn’t always for exciting road trips, many might find themselves needing to car share due to not being able to rely on public transport. There are many uses for car sharing, and also many reasons why it is becoming a necessity across the country…

    When People Might Car Share

    • Commuting to work
    • Road trips with friends
    • Airport runs
    • Entertainment events
    • Living with a partner, friends or family

    Why People Might Car Share

    • Less congestion
    • Save money/ split the cost
    • Reduce emissions
    • Sociable benefits
    • Low mileage driver
    • Lack of parking
    • Unreliable public transport

    New to Car Sharing?

    Have you always thought running a car by yourself was a tad expensive? Certainly, it’s popped into all of our minds how handy it would be to split the financial burden of a vehicle. It often feels like the very month when you can least afford your car breaking down and incurring hefty expenses is precisely the month when the head gasket decides to fail or the clutch gives out, leaving you with no alternatives.

    If you have a close friend, or you live with family or hey, even if you get on really well with your neighbour – as long as you have someone you trust nearby, perhaps you can explore the opportunity to car share with someone. If you’ve never looked into sharing a vehicle before, it can feel a little tense, a car can often feel like part of the family but fortunately for you, we’ve compiled a complete guide on car share etiquette covering how and who to ask, the do’s and don’ts, as well as some additional benefits!

    Why Temporary Insurance is Great for Car Sharing

    If you’re a low mileage driver and you live with family or friends, perhaps you share a car? Temporary car insurance could be perfect for your driving needs. You may be unaware that it could actually be costing you to have a listed driver under your policy.

    Many people overlook the fact that adding an additional driver to your insurance policy can frequently lead to an increase in premiums. In the UK, a significant number of drivers have noticed this trend and have embraced vehicle sharing with temporary car insurance, which has seen a remarkable 72% year-on-year growth! This demonstrates that more drivers are opting to share their cars with loved ones or friends instead of solely relying on their own vehicles.

    With car swapping and sharing at an all-time high, you might be wondering about the technicalities of insurance. You fancy taking your friend’s wheels for a spin, but are you insured? The answer is, not always, so be sure to get cover, if you’re only borrowing a car for a short time you can even get hourly insurance.

    Why Car Sharing is So Easy with GoShorty

    As the demand for UK car sharing continues to increase, we are here to enable seamless policies so you can pick up and put down insurance exactly when you need to use it, while avoiding upsetting your bank account too.

    You can find a comprehensive range of temporary insurance options tailored to meet the diverse needs for car sharing. We want to empower drivers with a hassle-free and efficient application process, ensuring you can embark on a shared journey with total confidence and peace of mind.

    We are able to provide a quote on a short-term policy within 90 seconds (impressive, huh?), so you can arrange hassle-free insurance online, wherever you may be. Get a quote today, to try car sharing for yourself! 

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  7. Is car sharing right for me?

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    Car ownership is becoming increasingly expensive, which has resulted in fewer cars being bought. A knock-on effect of this is an increase in the popularity of car-sharing and a lot more car-sharing companies being established.

    In this article, we will look more at car sharing and how it works. Plus the types of car-sharing services available.

    What is Car Sharing?

    Car sharing – also called a car club in the UK – is a type of car rental service where people rent cars for only a few hours at a time. It differs from traditional car rentals, as oftentimes, the cars are owned privately, while the car-sharing company is a separate entity. It is similar to Airbnb, but with cars and not accommodation.

    Car sharing allows those with a valid driver’s license to access different vehicle brands and use them for short periods of time. These car clubs often depend on smartphone applications which allow users to find cars, meet up with the car’s owner, and exchange the keys.

    Car owners must ensure they have the right vehicle insurance before getting involved with car-sharing services. Some types of insurance to consider include:

    Difference Between a Car Rental Company and a Car-Sharing Service

    Although car-sharing is a car rental service, it differs in several ways.

    • Car sharing allows you to rent a car for only a few hours at a time, and you pay for the time you had the car as well as how many miles you have driven.
    • Car sharing allows you to access a car at any time of the day – not only during company business hours.
    • You will probably save more money when using a car-sharing service than when compared to a traditional car rental company.

    How Does Car Sharing Work?

    Car sharing is a straightforward process.

    Firstly, you must find out if car-sharing services are available in your city. You can do this through a quick online search. You can join a car service application from your phone or a website offering this service.

    Once you have signed up and registered, you will be able to find and reserve your preferred car. Most services offer a membership card which can be used to unlock the preferred vehicle.

    Most cars offered through these services are located at parking spot pick-up points throughout the city. You will be able to locate the car through the app. Once you arrive at the location, you simply wave your membership card to unlock the vehicle.

    When you are done with the car, you return it to the same parking spot.

    Different Types of Car Sharing

    There are five models that car-sharing companies generally use:

    1) Round-trip car sharing

    Drivers begin and end their trip at the same place and leave the car in the same parking spot where they found it. This model requires drivers to pay by the hour, mile, or both.

    2) One-way car sharing

    This allows drivers to begin their trip at one place and end at another by leaving the car at a designated parking location.

    3) Corporate car sharing

    This enables the company to share vehicles between employees who require a vehicle that day. One corporate shared car can replace eight non-shared cars.

    4) Peer-to-peer car sharing

    This refers to personal car sharing, where the cars are privately owned, but the leasing system runs through a third-party car-sharing company.

    5) Fractional ownership

    Fractional car ownership allows multiple people to co-own a car, sharing costs, maintenance and use. This is a handy model in areas with plenty of public transportation, where cars are not a necessity.

    The Pros and Cons of Car Sharing

    Car sharing pros

    There are plenty of benefits to joining a car-sharing company.

    1) Affordable

    Car ownership is expensive, so joining a car-sharing service will help you save money on maintenance and insurance. Car sharing is a cost-effective solution to renting different car models as and when needed.

    Membership fees for these services are often very low, making it an affordable alternative to car rental or ownership.

    2) Environmentally-friendly

    Getting involved with car-sharing will reduce your carbon footprint and emissions significantly. If more people sign up for car-sharing services, there will be fewer vehicles on the road, less traffic, fewer parking spots, more green areas, and a reduction in harmful greenhouse gases.

    3) Stress-free

    City dwellers can attest to the stress of owning a car in a bustling neighbourhood. There are limited parking spaces, and often you have to either pay a lot for prime parking or walk far to get to your car (a real hassle if you are carrying anything or have children).

    Car-sharing takes away the stress of owning a vehicle. You can simply book a car, drive at short notice, and select the perfect car to suit your needs.

    You can find a car with more cargo space for your weekend away, a small compact car to quickly zip between boroughs or a night on the town.

    4) Freedom to explore

    Members of a car-sharing service will have the option to drive where they want when they want. People in densely populated areas that depend on public transport often have to plan trips around transportation timetables and routes. Having a car for a few hours or days will allow you to explore different areas at times that suit you the best.

    Car sharing cons

    Despite all the benefits of car sharing, there are some drawbacks.

    1) Surge in prices at peak hours

    During rush hours there will be increased prices, as more people want a car during those times. If the demand is higher, so is the cost.

    2) Not finding the car you want

    If car-sharing is still new to your city, you may not want to find the right car as it will be in demand or is not yet available to rent.

    3) Limits on your milage

    Some car-sharing companies cap how far you can drive, making it less ideal for longer getaways. You will have to consider a conventional rental company if that is the case.

    FAQs

    How do ride-sharing and car-sharing compare?

    Ride-sharing services, like Bolt, Uber or Lift, use pre-approved drivers to transport passengers to their desired destinations.

    Car sharing allows drivers to rent a privately owned car and drive it themselves.

    What insurance should I get if I want to do car sharing?

    According to the Association of British Insurers, car-sharing will not affect the car insurance of members, as long as there is no profit.

    It is best to check with your insurance company to make sure your personal policy will cover car sharing.

    Is car sharing more environmentally friendly than owning a car?

    Car sharing is definitely more environmentally-friendly than owning a car. A shared car will replace between six to 20 cars on the road, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

    Several car models are also available for car sharing, including hybrid and electric vehicles, which are much more efficient and green than petrol or diesel vehicles. Car-sharing vehicles are mostly newer cars with clean, green technologies. These cars tend to have excellent fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

    If you own a car, you will drive it for convenience, and since you paid for it already, you won’t give it a second thought.

    Car sharing forces people to reconsider their need for driving, especially when it comes to driving short distances or taking individual trips. If you have a car, you are bound to quickly pop into the car and head to the shops without a second thought.

    If you are a member of a car-sharing company, you probably will reconsider the short drive – perhaps you can walk, cycle or take public transport. Driving less means fewer greenhouse gases are emitted.

    Final Thoughts

    Due to urbanisation, more and more people are moving to the city in search of work opportunities and security. Large cities mostly have public transport systems in place, and developed nations are moving towards improving the walkability and cyclability of cities by introducing dedicated walking or cycling lanes.

    On top of all this is the increase in the popularity of car sharing. When no public transport is available, car-sharing offers an excellent alternative to costly car ownership or even traditional car rental.

    It is without a doubt that car-sharing services are here to stay, especially in large cities where many people only require cars for a few hours or days at a time.