Motoring reasons to be cheerful

The findings of a new survey are giving the motor industry a reason to be cheerful amidst the continuing economic gloom. 

42% of car owners surveyed by Mondial Assistance said they had no intention of changing their motoring plans in 2012, although 35% said they may walk more and drive less to help save the pennies.  However, despite best intentions to be more frugal, only 4% of those motorists surveyed said they were intending to invest in a used car warranty programme to protect themselves from unforeseen motoring expenses. 

Lee Taylor, Automotive Director for Mondial Assistance UK, said: “At a time when we all need to take a belt and braces approach to managing our finances, motorists should seriously consider the value of a used car warranty. 

“People may discount taking out a warranty because they think their car is too old or has too many miles on the clock, but the reality is that many manufacturers have extended the benefits of their warranty schemes to cover such cars at extremely affordable prices. Indeed, many of these schemes can actually be paid for on a pay as you go basis. 

"Owners can specify the level of cover they need, with variable claim excesses, providing true financial flexibility.”

It is also advised (by Mondial) that motorists should invest in a Service Plan which offers car owners an inflation proof solution to managing the maintenance costs of their vehicle. 

 “It’s encouraging to see that despite talk of on-going economic gloom, many people are not making radical cutbacks to their day-to-day expenses.  Whilst the survey findings suggest that a good proportion of people want to cut back on their motoring miles, the majority of people are likely to carry on motoring in their usual fashion, which offers some reflection of consumer confidence, as well as being great news for the UK motor industry,” concludes Mr Taylor.