Tag Archive: car sharing

  1. 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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  2. 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 – and whether you’re a student looking for temporary insurance or an under 21, we can get you home legally through our policies.

    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 temporary car insurance steps up, so you and your pals can enjoy the night without breaking the law.

    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 it is 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 18 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 can be fixed for as little as an hour or as long as a day – covering all your needs. 

    Our policies provide customers with comprehensive coverage, 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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  3. 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.