A popular automotive personality has highlighted that 15 percent of UK motorists are considering quitting driving as the costs of having a car continue to rise.
Shahzad Sheikh, known to fans as Brown Car Guy, is a YouTuber who regularly posts videos in which he reacts to the latest motoring developments and how they could affect drivers.
In a recent video, Shahzad notes that the recent survey from The Green Insurer, which found the increase in car insurance prices and the upcoming rise of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) has led to many drivers worried that they could be priced out of their car.
He explained: “With the cost-of-living crisis still very much with us, over half of car owners are very or quite worried that rising insurance prices might force them to give up driving altogether in yet more bad news for the motoring and automotive communities that are already under pressure from things like Low Emission Zones (LEZs), driving restrictions, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and whatnot.
“The financial strain is even leading to risky behaviour it seems, as the report reveals that one in five motorists might not be entirely truthful when renewing their car insurance, all in a bid to lower their premiums.”
READ MORE: Avoiding these serious vehicle warning lights can help drivers save thousands in repairs
According to the insurance price comparison website Confused.com, the average price for a 12-month policy in the UK during the final quarter of 2024 was £995.
The company noted that the figure has increased by 58 percent in 12 months, with 18-year-olds paying the highest rates at an average of £3,162.
In addition, from April 2024, drivers of most vehicles produced since April 2017 will see road tax rise to £180 per year, creating further strain on budgets.
Shahzad warned that many motorists who give up their car would be seriously affected in other aspects of their lives.
He continued: “The impact of these decisions is profound. Two in five say that giving up their car could mean having to change or abandon their jobs. For others it’s a drastic hit to their personal independence and their social connections.
“Man, you know it just kind of compounds the whole concept of the war on the motorist. It just makes it even harder for people to own and run their cars whether they want to run them or because they actually need to run them.”
However, the YouTuber warned motorists to always make sure they pay premiums and fill out forms with honesty, or else drivers could face even higher chargers.
In particular, Shahzad warned that telling an insurance company false information, such as denying a driver has any penalty points on their licence, could cause the firm to not pay out if the vehicle is in an accident or withdraw the policy.
Driving without tax or insurance could also be costly, with motorists facing a fine of up to £1,000 or five times the cost the driver would pay to tax the vehicle.
