Issue date: 02-05-05 For most of us, a car is our first big purchase in life. But the cost of running a car is ongoing and runs into several thousand pounds a year. So online car insurance provider, elephant.co.uk has calculated the annual running costs for three motorists with different circumstances. The total annual costs range between £1,504 for a small car with low annual mileage and £4,425 for a large car with high annual mileage. But if motorists are aware of the costs of running a car, they may be able to reduce them by hundreds of pounds a year. Costs such as petrol and parking, annual costs such as tax and insurance and also repair costs and servicing. It did not take into account loan repayments or depreciation in the value of the cars. Managing director, Tanzie Oliver, said: "For most people a car is an essential part of life, but when you add up the annual running costs, they come as quite a shock. "Although many of the costs associated with a car are unavoidable, there are some ways to save money. For instance reduce your mileage. You will not only lower your insurance premium, but also reduce wear and tear and fuel costs. Use car washes and valeting services less and wash your car yourself. And, of course, shop around for the cheapest insurance. It may sound obvious, but most motorists contact just two or three insurers at the time of their renewal".

Unsafe use of navigation equipment.
It seems that when it comes to safety, the satellite navigation systems can be more of a distraction to drivers than good, old-fashioned map reading. Perhaps safest of all would be for drivers on an unknown route to take a passenger with them and allow them to navigate.” Notes  1. Ian Parker, Managing Director of Privilege Insurance, said:“Navigation equipment can be a major distraction while driving. car insurance bristol uk Read more...

Hidden Road Accidents
car insurance bristol uk The majority of 2004’s ‘hidden accidents’, it seems, were minor incidents with almost half (47 per cent) occurring while a vehicle was car parked, such as losing a wing mirror (experienced by 11 per cent of those drivers who failed to report such incidents) or smashing a light (4 per cent).  However, in some cases, severe accidents which involved a car being written off (3 per cent of current drivers who didn’t report incidences) or even a person being slightly injured (2 per cent) went unrep... Read more...

Bad driving habits.
“Motorists should think carefully about their driving habits as many may not have considered the dangers. Walesand the west saw 90% of its motorists engaging in a possibly dangerous act whilst at the wheel in the last month, which was the highest in the country.  The corresponding figure for the north-west was 65%, which was the lowest in Britain. The Department of Transport (4)advises that just the one could be too much as it’s impossible to calculate your own alcohol limit. car insurance bristol uk Read more...

Annual Running Cost Amount Road Tax £165 Petrol £1,340 Insurance £529 MOT £0 Servicing £193 Tolls and Congestion Charges £1,200 Parking £75 Cleaning and Valeting £260 Oil, brake fluid and antifreeze £85 Breakdown Cover £150 Wear, tyres and repairs £428 TOTAL £4,425 Elephant Insurance -