Driving down the costs of motoring

The cost of driving has risen significantly over recent years, with fuel increases, tax hikes and congestion charges all adding to the cost of getting from A to B. While the cheapest thing to do may be to ditch the car altogether and hop on the bus or train, sometimes this is just not practical, and many are reluctant to give up the luxury of their own transport. Fortunately there are less drastic costs-cutting measures you can take to drive down your annual motoring expenses.

Lose weight - carrying extra weight will push up your fuel costs as your car has to work harder. Make sure you're not carrying anything you don't need in the boot, de-clutter the inside of your car and detach roof racks and cycle bars when they are not being used.

Buy car tax annually - Buying your car tax annually rather than every six months could save you up to £40 a year. Using alternative fuel (anything other than petrol or diesel) will also save you at least £20 per tax band.

Don't hang about - Don't start your engine until you are ready to leave as this wastes fuel. Also, as constantly stopping and starting your car uses more fuel than running it, try to keep your car rolling whenever possible. However, if it looks like you'll be in a queue or waiting for someone for longer than a minute or two, turn your engine off to preserve fuel.

Shop around - Car insurance is one of the biggest costs associated with driving so it pays to shop around to find the cheapest cover for you. Remember to compare the level of cover that you’re getting from each provider, as the cheapest insurance will not necessarily give you the best cover.

Plan ahead - Combine short trips such as popping to the local shops, running errands at the post office and dropping the kids off at school so you're not constantly starting your car and running up your mileage.

Stick to the limit - According to the Department for Transport, the faster you drive, the more fuel you use, so it is in your best interest to drive within the speed limit. Driving above the speed limit also increases the chances of you having to slow down and set off again quickly, which also wastes fuel. It also increases your chances of having an accident – and that could lead to higher insurance bills as well as injuries.

Keep in check - Keeping your car in good working order could help you to reduce your fuel bills. Making sure your tyres are pumped up could increase fuel efficiency by 10% - your car manufacturers' handbook will tell you the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle. Also, make sure your battery is running on full charge, if it has run down it may fail to start your car on first go, therefore wasting fuel on revs.

MORE TH>N is the direct financial services arm of RSA. It offers car, pet, life and travel and home insurance quotes by phone and via the internet. It also offers motor trade insurance, landlord, office, shop, business car, property, hotels, club, contractor and commercial van insurance online direct to small businesses.

MORE TH>N is a trading style of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc (No.93792). Registered in England & Wales at St.Mark's Court, Chart Way, Horsham, RH12 1XL. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.