UK households who park their cars in garages are being warned about a surprising £54 charge on their car insurance premiums. According to data from Go.Compare, the typical annual premium for drivers storing vehicles in garages was around £647 last year, compared to £623 for those using alternative parking options.
Why Garage Parking Costs More
The link between overnight parking and car insurance is well known, as where you leave your vehicle affects your premium. While secure parking can lower costs, Go.Compare found that garage users actually pay more on average. Tom Banks, car insurance spokesperson at Go.Compare, explained: "Car insurance is often cheaper for those who park in more secure locations, so it might be a surprise to see that those who park in a garage actually end up with higher costs on average."
Reasons Behind the Higher Premiums
One possible reason is the increasing size of cars over recent years. "This steady growth has made it much harder to fit cars in garages, which could be leading to an increase in claims for scrapes and bumps while parking in a garage, driving up premiums as a result," Banks added. The RAC also notes that garages can be risky: "A garage could be considered a risky parking spot with owners potentially causing damage by reversing into the garage through entrances and exits that might be too tight." Additionally, some insurers may view garages as easy access points for burglars once they break into the property.
Alternative Parking Options
Parking on a driveway is another option, reducing the chance of being hit by passing motorists, but it remains accessible from the street. Where you live also influences your insurance quote and premium. Drivers opting for third-party-only insurance while using a garage paid even more, with an average premium of £790, compared to £54 less for those parking elsewhere.
