Be scent-sible: insurance experts warn against common motor mistake
Hanging air fresheners could invalidate your insurance - and 4 in 10 use them
Autumn marks the start of candle season, but Go.Compare’s motoring experts are warning drivers to think carefully about the fragrance products in their cars - as hanging air fresheners can potentially pose a risk to your insurance.
New research from Go.Compare car insurance has found that 4 in 10 people (42%) use hanging air fresheners in their vehicles, but despite their popularity, the products can be viewed as a risk by insurers.
When assessing a car insurance claim, insurers take several factors into account - including any distractions that may have been a contributing factor. Food and drink, CDs, makeup products and hanging air fresheners can all be classed as a distraction from driving, and potentially affect the outcome of your claim.
Go.Compare’s research found that over a third of people (39%) tend to enjoy drinks and snacks while driving, 13% change CDs while driving, and a further 7% sometimes apply their makeup while at the wheel. Shockingly, 15% admit to using their mobile phones while driving - despite this having been illegal since 2003.
Tom Banks, Go.Compare car insurance expert, said: “There’s a lot to pay attention to while you’re driving - from the road condition and the other cars on the road, to the speed you’re going. So, it goes without saying that we should avoid distractions where possible.
“Many of us won’t think twice about hanging up an air freshener in the car, or tucking into a packet of crisps - but these kinds of activities can sometimes have an impact on our driving, and even our insurance.
“If you are involved in a road collision and it’s proven that you were distracted, your insurer could potentially refuse to pay out for your claim. So in the interests of road safety - and your wallet as well - stay focused on the road.
“We’ve also put together some tips to help avoid any distractions while driving:
- Put away your phone - tucking away your phone somewhere you can’t reach it, like a bag, will make sure you aren’t tempted to use it while driving.
- Ditch the snacks - try to eat and drink before or after your journey, if possible.
- Avoid hanging air freshener in the windscreen - place air fresheners down and out of sight, so they don’t block your view of the road.
- Ask others to keep the noise down - don’t be shy when it comes to asking passengers to lower the volume if you feel it’s affecting your driving.
- Plan your route before starting the engine - plan and set up your route on the sat nav before your journey starts and if you need to make adjustments en-route, pull over.”
For tips on safer driving during the winter months, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/motoring/guides/winter-driving-guide/.
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Contact Information
Rosie Johns
Notes to editors
Notes to editors
*These findings are from a study released by Sago between November 2-4, 2024, among a random selection of 2,037 of GB adults ages 18+ who are online panelists of Sago’s Community.
The results were weighted by age, gender, region, and ethnicity to match the population, according to Census data. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals when compared to the data tables are due to rounding. Excerpts from this release of findings should be properly attributed, with interpretation subject to clarification or correction.
Sago is the global research and data partner that connects human answers to business questions. Combining a legacy of impact, global reach, and innovative spirit, Sago enables clients to solve business problems through extensive audience access and an adaptive range of qualitative and quantitative solutions.
For further information please contact:
Lynsey Walden or Rubie Barker at Go.compare on lynsey.walden@gocompare.com or rubie @fdcomms.co.uk
Keep up-to-date with GoCompare on Twitter; @GoCompare
About Go.Compare
Go.Compare is a comparison website that enables people to compare the costs and features of a wide variety of insurance policies, financial products and energy tariffs.
It does not charge people to use its services and does not accept advertising or sponsored listings, so all product comparisons are unbiased. Go.Compare makes its money through fees paid by the providers of products that appear on its various comparison services when a customer buys through the site.
When it launched in 2006, it was the first comparison site to focus on displaying policy details rather than just listing prices, with the aim of helping people to make better-informed decisions when buying their insurance. It is this approach to comparing products that secured the company an invitation to join the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) in 2008, and it is still the only comparison site to be a member of this organisation.
Go.Compare has remained dedicated to helping people choose the most appropriate products rather than just the cheapest and works with Defaqto, the independent financial researcher, to integrate additional policy information into a number of its insurance comparison services. This allows people to compare up to an extra 30 features of cover.
Go.Compare is part of Future Plc and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
More information can be found here www.gocompare.com or here https://www.futureplc.com/brands/.