| UK motorists claim they drove a total of 214 billion miles last year and at current fuel costs this would mean they collectively spent over £30 billion on petrol in 2005.
Leading insurance expert Admiral made this astronomical calculation based on research of its 1.1 million customers. They claimed to have driven an average of 7,655 miles last year, but this figure could be conservative, as most motorists tend to underestimate the distance they travel each year.
Admiral managing director, Sharon Clarke, said: “When you see the total mileage we drive it’s staggering, especially when you consider there are only 241,000 miles of road in the country.
“Most motorists don’t realise just how far they drive each
year. Many insurance companies used to calculate average annual
mileage was around 10,000 miles a year. The reality is likely to
be nearer to 9,000, but even this is higher than most motorists estimate.”
All insurance companies ask their customers to calculate the average mileage they drive each year. This is one of the factors they use to calculate the premium. Too high and there is a higher risk they will be involved in an accident; too low and there is a risk that the motorist lacks experience.
Based on Admiral’s calculations, the average UK motorist spent 14.2p per mile on petrol and 6p per mile on car insurance last year.
Data based on Admiral’s own research, plus data from the AA, Mintel and Department for Transport. Based on 28 million privately insured cars. Average current petrol cost of 94.6 pence a litre.
Issue date: 28-04-06
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