For most people living in the United Kingdom, car ownership has become a necessity. In fact, 25.7 million people in UK households owned at least one vehicle in the year 2020. And with our cities continuing to grow and evolve, the rate of car ownership is only expected to increase.
Owning a car is one of those investments that you’ll have to make at some point in your life. And chances are, if you don’t already own one, you are seriously considering it.
If you are thinking about getting a car, but are wondering whether it is really worth it, here are seven reasons why buying a car is a smart and beneficial choice.
1. Health and Emergencies
One of the best ways to exercise social distancing and protect your health during the pandemic is by using a private car to get around.
Using public transport modes like buses and trains puts you at a significantly high risk of getting infected as there is an increased likelihood of meeting potential carriers. However, when you have your own car, you have complete control of who enters your car.
You minimize the risk of exposure and associated medical expenses. Another great benefit of having a car is that it is easily accessible during emergency situations. Keep in mind that, on average, a single ambulance ride can cost upwards of $300 plus mileage. Thus, owning a car will help to quickly get you to where you need to be in the event of an emergency and also help you minimize costs.
2. Independence and Freedom
There is nothing as restrictive as relying on others to get around or using public transport. When using public transportation, you have no control over when you’ll get to your stop. And in the event that you miss your bus, your schedule may be thrown into chaos.
However, when you have your own car, you don’t have to worry about readjusting your schedule to fit that of others. Car ownership gives you independence and self-reliance.
3. Privacy
Privacy is another great benefit of owning a car. A car serves as an extension of your personal space and can also be an escape when you want to calm down and relax by yourself.
In some circumstances, you can also use your car as a temporary home. You can also use it to safely store some of your belongings, especially those that you want close by but can’t carry around.
4. Safety
Any time you use public transport, you put your life in the hands of the person behind the wheel. There is usually no way of telling whether they are fit enough to drive safely and get you where you need to go in one piece. If you are looking for new shock absorbers then you may want to take a look at the Koni catalogue.
While you have no control over other drivers and road users, if you are a smart and safe driver, you will be much safer all in all. Being a smart driver is all about strictly adhering to all traffic rules. Also check Missouri Traffic Tickets to learn about various traffic rules you must keep in mind.
When it comes to responsible car ownership, finding a good and reliable insurance provider is crucial. It does not matter how safe of a driver you are, mishaps and undesirable events are always bound to happen as long as there are others on the roadways.
Furthermore, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Carrying proper insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your finances. As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to be gained by owning a car.