UK drivers value personal cars more after COVID-19 pandemic

Report reveals how our driving habits have changed in the UK since the coronavirus outbreak

A new report has found that over half of the UK’s drivers have admitted to their cars becoming more important to them throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Car Finance UK 2021 Report, via Mintel, 55% of drivers have become more reliant on having their own mode of transport.

They report that despite a lengthy period of restrictions and lockdowns, personal cars are being used more frequently, but on shorter, personal journeys outside of work.

With an increased number of people working from home, be that full time or even temporarily, the frequency in which we drive appears to be on a downward curve. However, the importance of having your own vehicle is not following the same trajectory.

Throughout the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, locals were advised against travelling unless absolutely necessary. This placed a greater importance on having your own car to get to and from work, without having to rely on public transport or car sharing.

As a result, 42% of UK drivers have revealed that they’re now using their cars more since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, many have decided against using public transport, with personal cars allowing for easier social distancing and that added peace of mind.

The findings highlight just how valuable a personal car can be, way beyond a monetary figure. Be it in both your personal or professional life, the flexibility that comes with having your own mode of transport within this new way of living is proving to be extremely important.

With a wide range of mileage limits available, car leasing offers that same flexibility, opening up the opportunity for you to regularly change your car and benefit from the latest technology and safety features on offer.

While our driving habits may have changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our buying habits don’t appear to have followed the same trend. In fact, with most people spending less in recent months, it's estimated that as many as seven million people will purchase a new car within the next 12 months.

There is also rising interest in the possibility of transitioning into an electric car. According to the report, 41% of adults aged 17+ are planning to replace their current vehicle with an electric vehicle within the next 12 months.

Electric car lease deals come with a host of valuable benefits, including lower running costs and zero CO2 emissions, without compromising on an immersive driving experience.

With manufacturers continuing to raise the bar with exciting new electric vehicles like the BMW i4, Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it should come as no surprise that interest is being piqued across all ages.

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