Drivers happy to switch to a moped or motorcycle cite the cost benefits like cheap car insurance (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1mediaId=19300227's38;catId=19300223) as the main reason for ditching their cars, with almost a third (31 per cent) attracted by fuel efficiency. A further 27 per cent of drivers simply believe it would be easier to get around. This two-wheeled trend can already be seen by the year-on-year increase in moped registrations, while the car industry continues its decline.**
Twice as many men said they would switch to two wheels, joining the 24 per cent increase in the number of moped or motorbike riders on the roads this spring. Post Office advises all of
those taking up two wheels to check that they are also saving on their car insurance premium by looking around for competitive car insurance policy cover.****
Not only can drivers expect to halve their fuel consumption in miles per gallon on a moped or lightweight motorcycle, but they can also benefit from road tax starting from as little as
's163;15 per year, free parking in the majority of the UK, no congestion charge and cheap car insurance (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1mediaId=19300227's38;catId=19300223) premiums.
Post Office head of general insurance Richard Pennant-Jones said: At a time when many people are stretched financially, switching from four wheels to two is one way to save money. Using
mopeds or motorcycles over the spring and summer can help reduce day-to-day transport and running costs, including insurance which could be significantly cheaper for motorcycles and
mopeds than cars. We advise people to shop around and look for deals which offer them something extra - Post Office Motorcycle and Car Insurance offers a number of policy benefits,
including one month completely free.
To meet the increased demand for two-wheeled transport, Post Office Motorcycle and Car Insurance offers customers great value for money car insurance quotes with a host of added benefits,
including the option to insure up to four bikes on the same policy (available by phone only) and up to 's163;500 cover for accessories per bike. And for a limited time it is also offering
new customers annual motorcycle insurance with one month free.*****
Post Office Motorcycle and Car Insurance is easy to apply for. Simply visit www.postoffice.co.uk, call 0800 158 2177 or pop into your nearest
Post Office branch and pick up a leaflet.
Issued by Post Office Ltd:
0207 250 2468
148 Old Street
London
EC1V 9HQ
Notes to Editors
*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,060 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd - 6th April 2009. The survey was carried out online.
The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+)
According to the DVLA, there were 36,726,464 full UK driving license holders in the UK. The current research found that 13 per cent of adults with full UK driving licenses would consider
using a motorbike or moped to save money. This has been taken as 4.8 million drivers.
** Source: Motorcycle Industry Association 2008 Pocket Guide
*** Research shows 18 per cent of men would consider two-wheels compared to just 8 per cent of women
**** Source: Department for Transport. Compendium of Motorcycling Statistics: 2008 Edition
***** Offer applies to all new Post Office Motorcycle Insurance customers only; offer starts on 1 February 2009 and ends 30 July 2009.
Post Office Motorcycle Insurance is underwritten from a panel of insurers and arranged by Devitt Insurance Limited. It offers the following benefits:
> 1 month free with any new 12 month policy - limited period only
> Payment by cash, cheque, postal order or direct debit
> Roadside recovery where damage is covered by the policy
> Up to 's163;500 cover for accessories
> Full cover for up to 90 days when travelling abroad within the EU
> nsure up to four motorcycles on the same policy - available offline only
> Discounts available for claim-free riding, advanced training, secure overnight garaging, female riders, limited mileage and approved security systems
Legal expenses insurance and personal accident cover available (optional)
> Ability to purchase Green Flag breakdown cover - available offline only.