Driving is a wonderful thing but how do you make driving more affordable?. It gives you amazing freedom; the chance to go where you want, when you want, without having to rely on anyone else. Being able to drive means that you can work further from home, giving you greater career or education options. It means that you can visit friends and family more easily and that you never have to lose contact with people, just because you live a little further away.
Being able to drive can make you feel more responsible and confident and give you a fantastic sense of independence. Sometimes, driving can even save you money. Being able to drive and having access to a vehicle means that you can drive to vacation destinations, or events and meetings, saving money on costly public transport. You could even decide to make money using your car.
However, getting on the road in the first place can be frightfully expensive, especially for a younger driver. The cost of car insurance can be astronomical, and even learning to drive can be expensive. Before you even get on the road on your own, you may have spent thousands of dollars on lessons, tests, insurance, tax, fuel and of course, the car itself.
Fortunately, however, there are some easy ways to make driving more affordable. Letting you enjoy the freedom that it brings without having to worry too much about the cost.
Get Help from Friends and Family
Private driving lessons are great. They can help you to become a better driver and give you greater confidence on the road. But, they can be very expensive, especially for complete beginners who might want many hours of tuition before they feel comfortable.
Getting some private tuition from a more experienced and knowledgeable friend or family member can be a great way to gain experience and confidence on the road, without the cost. You could use this practice to complement private lessons, or to replace them entirely; either way, you will save money.
Invest in the Right Car
It’s so tempting to buy the cheapest car that you can find, especially if you are eager to get out onto the road quickly and don’t want to take the time to save. But cheaper cars aren’t always the best value. Older cars, which may have had past issues, can be expensive to maintain, they might have poor fuel efficiency, and every service could cost you a fortune. Consider value for money, as well as upfront cost when choosing your vehicle.
Take Your Time to Find the Right Car Insurance
Car insurance is one of the most worrying expenses for new drivers. It’s something that you can’t legally drive without. It offers you protection, and legal assistance, should you be involved in an accident, whether or not it is your fault, and it’s an absolute necessity, whether you have been driving for two days or 25 years.
The good news is, if you drive carefully, and have a clean record, your premiums will start to reduce quickly. Within just a few years on the road, you can have reduced the costs significantly. But, the cost of initial insurance premiums often puts new, young drivers off.
Fortunately, there’s more good news. Or at least less bad news. While your first year’s premiums are likely to be high, by looking at best car insurance companies and taking your time to get your applications right, you could save a fortune.
Finding the right car will help. A newer car with modern safety features is less likely to be involved in an accident. A more sensible make and model could also bring the costs down. Then, look at things like adding a named driver, where you keep your car overnight, how many miles you drive and even making changes to what your occupation is classified as (are you a chef, or a cook, for example) which can make a difference.
Don’t Drive Shorter Distances
The more you drive your car, the more you will spend on fuel, the more your insurance will cost, and the more regularly it will need work to keep it well maintained.
While you will want to drive long distances, do you need to drive all the time? Walking shorter distances can save you money, help your car to last longer and keep you fit and healthy. If you work too far away to walk, could you start a car share scheme to reduce costs and emissions?
Take Care of Your Car
Look after your vehicle, and in the long term, it will cost less. Take it in for regular services, drive considerately, and get it checked out if you have any worries or concerns. This will all make your driving experience more affordable in the long run.
