Research reveals women worry MORE about car accidents than men
UK drivers’ biggest car worries revealed - including fuel costs, insurance costs and potholes
New research from Go.Compare Car insurance has revealed motorists’ biggest worries for 2025, and although men and women agree that fuel costs are at the top of the list,* there are some differences between the genders in terms of car-related concerns.
The price comparison site surveyed over 1,500 UK drivers and found that 41% of people are worried about rising fuel costs, while over a third are concerned about the cost of insurance (37%) and potholes (35%).
| Concern | % |
| Fuel costs | 41% |
| Insurance costs | 37% |
| Potholes | 35% |
| Breaking down | 28% |
| Having an accident | 28% |
| An unforeseen repair bill | 27% |
| Affording to drive with increasing costs | 19% |
| Car tax | 18% |
| Car passing its MOT | 18% |
| Road rage | 17% |
| Tyres – the cost of replacing or repairing | 17% |
| Theft / car-related crime | 13% |
| Switching to electric | 10% |
However, while just over 1 in 5 men (23%) are worried about having an unforeseen accident, this number rises to 1 in 3 women (33%). Women are also more worried about their car breaking down (30% vs 27%), facing unforeseen repair bills (29% vs 25%), and the cost of changing tyres (17% vs 16%).
Meanwhile, nearly twice as many men are concerned about making the switch to an electric vehicle - with 14% saying this is something they worry about, compared to just 6% of women.
And when it comes to young drivers, while new roadsters are less concerned than the average motorist about fuel and insurance costs, those aged 17-24 are more likely to worry about getting into an accident in their vehicle (36%), and behind 25-34-year-olds (15%), are the age group most concerned about emissions and pollution (11%).
Tom Banks, Go.Compare Car insurance spokesperson, said: “With inflation still above the Bank of England’s target figure and Brits facing a high cost of living, it’s no surprise that money worries are at the top of the motoring list - whether it’s the price of fuel, car insurance or unexpected repair work.
“While we can’t control the price of petrol, there are a few ways you can make sure your insurance premium is as low as possible. Firstly, we recommend paying annually if you can, rather than monthly - as this will mean you aren’t liable to pay any interest or other added costs.
“Also, make sure you are estimating your mileage as accurately as possible – your MOT certificate is a good place to start as it includes your mileage history across the last few years and can help you work out your annual mileage. As your car insurance typically costs more the higher your mileage is, you don’t want to overestimate - but be careful not to underestimate either, as this could invalidate your policy.
“Adding an experienced named driver could also bring down the price of your premium - just make sure you are completely honest about who the main driver will be.”
For lots more tips on how to get cheaper car insurance, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/car-insurance/guide/top-tips-for-cheaper-car-insurance/
Contact Information
Rubie Barker
Notes to editors
- Ends –
Notes to editors
*These findings are from a study conducted by Censuswide between 08.01.2025 and 10.01.2025., of 2,000 nationally representative respondents . The stats throughout the release refer to the 1,518 respondents who are aged 17+ and currently hold a valid UK driver’s license.. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
For further information please contact:
Lynsey Walden – lynsey.walden@gocompare.com
Kath Chadwick – Kathryn.chadwick@gocompare.com
Or you can call 02920 020360.
Keep up-to-date with GoCompare on X (Twitter); @Go.Compare
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/