Research claims over a million motorists have stopped driving because of increases in petrol prices. 15/07/11


Research carried out by Sainsbury's Car Insurance claims to show that over a million motorists have stopped driving in the last 12 months because of the rising cost of fuel at the pumps.

It is claimed that the average car owner spends £1,720 a year on fuel for their vehicles, which is a 22.9% increase on the previous year.

This has led to over three quarters of motorists significantly changing their driving habits - according to the study.

26% of motorists are now choosing to buy specific amounts of fuel, rather than filling up their tanks at the pumps.

The study also showed that people are now trying to drive less, with 7% choosing to share their journey with others. Some 10% of drivers have also opted to buy more fuel efficient vehicles to reduce their fuel consumption.

As many people are having to tighten their belts in the current climate, it is not surprising that people are changing their driving habits to cut their costs.

On a positive note, clearly fewer vehicles on the road will mean a welcome reduction in the number of road accidents.

If you have been involved in an accident within the last 3 years that was not your fault, Car Call and our partners can help you get your vehicle repaired, supply a comparable replacement vehicle and provide free advice and legal assistance.

We will recover the costs from the at-fault driver's insurer.

For free advice and assistance call 02392 484 244 or alternatively complete our enquiry form using the link below.



No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury