Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and increases in motor fuel costs, the vast majority of Irish people are still heavily dependent on private car transport to get around.
New research by Liberty Insurance has found that more than three quarters of Irish people (77% ) believe having a car is “absolutely necessary” for their family’s transport logistics. Just 2% of Irish people believe it is not necessary to have access to a car.
The research comes as petrol and diesel prices continue to rise, following increases to motor fuel excise duty in August.
Half of all car owners (50% ) use their cars every single day, while a further 29% make use of their car for multiple journeys each day. Private car is by far the most popular method of travel, being utilised by more than four in every five people (82% ). This is far ahead of public transport options, which are mainly used by just 22% of the population – although this rises significantly to more than one in three (34% ) in Dublin, where higher population density and more public transport options make those alternatives more practical.
Previous Liberty research in February 2023, found that the desire to drive a more sustainable vehicle, was the most common reason why motorists were thinking of changing cars (24% ), but that fears over the cost of electric or hybrid care (70% ) and ‘range anxiety’ (49% ) were putting them off.
Motoring Economics
As Irish motorists continue to depend on their cars to get around, Liberty Insurance is advising on a number of key measures motorists can take, to ensure they are getting the best value use of their car.
Ensure your care is well serviced
While previous Liberty research (July 2023 ) found that more than one in seven motorists (15% ) said they had put off servicing their car to try and save money, ensuring that your car is well-serviced and roadworthy is not only essential for motoring safety, but ensures that your vehicle is operating optimally and at its most efficient in terms of fuel burn. Particularly approaching the colder, darker winter months, ensuring cars and tyres are well-serviced is essential advice for all motorists.
Ensure you have the best value car insurance
Liberty’s modular insurance products ensure that motorists only pay for what they need, to ensure they have the most suitable insurance for their needs. All motorists, whether Liberty customers or not, should speak with their insurer or broker to ensure they have the best value cover for them.
Use Public Transport where possible
While for many households, public transport will not be a suitable alternative, using public transport options where they are available, can help to reduce transport costs and vehicle wear-and-tear. Making use of park and ride facilities at bus, train and tram stations to make use of public transport options for travel on the busiest commuter routes can also save on valuable travel time.
Journey Planning
Liberty research in July found that 43% of respondents said they had reduced how much they use their car over the past six months. While motorists remain dependent on cars, that people have been reducing their car usage reflects not only the rise in costs, but changes to how people live and work. With remote working models, many car users will have the flexibility to plan journeys to avoid peak time traffic, which is less efficient in terms of using fuel. Similarly,
Consider Electric of Hybrid Vehicles
If financially viable, customers could consider transitioning to a hybrid or electric vehicle to reduce long-term fuel expenses and lower their carbon footprint. While more than three-quarters of Irish motorists use their car every day, one in eight (13% ) only use theirs either on weekends only or weekdays only. It is likely that a considerable number of these journeys will be short, daily trips – such as school runs or shopping trips, reducing the anxiety about the range of electric vehicles.
