OREANDA-NEWS. November 16, 2015. From young professionals to retirees, new research from motor insurance provider Aviva has identified eight different ‘ages of motoring’ over a lifetime.*

While motorists of all ages have certain traits in common, a study of more than 1,500 UK car drivers shows marked differences towards purchasing preferences and types of journeys as people grow older.

The research reveals the typical UK motorist:

  • Owns their first car at age 23
  • Has owned seven different cars
  • Looks to change their car every three years and eight months
  • Drives five days a week or more (61%)
  • Prioritises fuel efficiency when considering their next car (64%)


But within there are many sub-sets of the ‘typical’ driver:

Young Professionals
Average number of cars owned: 2
With growing career success, 44% use their car mostly to drive to work, meetings and other office locations.

New Parents
Average number of cars owned: 3
43% of new parents consider safety as priority, 31% place comfort as a priority, and 26% prioritise having sufficient space, such as boot size.

Taxi For Teens
Average number of cars owned: 6
38% of parents with teenagers place safety as one of their key priorities. Car space and power are both equally important, with 20% of parents prioritising each of these.

Empty Nesters
Average number of cars owned: 7
43% of empty nesters consider the model of the car to be a priority. 20% focus on the car’s looks and design and 19% place high importance on the brand.

Retirees
Average number of cars owned: 9
Retirees mostly use their cars for doing the grocery shopping (33%) or to visit friends and family or drive for leisure (30%).


Aviva’s Motor Product Director, Adam Beckett, says: “It’s clear that people’s motoring habits and priorities change over time. Personal preferences often give way to practicalities, particularly when children come along.


“It’s also no surprise that fuel efficiency tops the list for all life stages. Fuel prices are high which hits peoples’ pockets hard, no matter what stage of life they’re in.”


More details about the different car life stages UK drivers go through can be found at http://www.aviva.co.uk/car/motor-advice/your-life-cars/