UK drivers choosing distant spots to escape parking hassles
April 24, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
New research reveals the lengths some Brits will go to avoid stressful parking situations. Do you do any of these?
Ever find yourself trying to parallel park in a spot right in front of your house, only to feel a wave of anxiety when another car starts waiting behind you? So, you end up driving further up the road to avoid the pressure? You’re not alone.
In fact, a survey by temporary car insurance experts at Tempcover found that almost a quarter (24%) of UK drivers admit that they deliberately park further away from their destination to avoid tight or tricky spaces.
Tempcover surveyed 2,000 UK car owners to highlight the wider anxiety around parking, including which parking manoeuvres Brits are most likely to avoid and how many rely on parking sensors.
In the survey, they found that one in three drivers (32%) avoid parallel parking and reverse bay parking, making them the two most avoided manoeuvres, while 13% avoid forward bay parking. Over one in five (22%) steer clear of parking on a hill, and nearly one in four (23%) admit to abandoning a parking attempt because it was too difficult.
Meanwhile, almost a quarter (23%) rely on parking sensors, admitting they’d struggle to park without them. Nearly one in six (15%) have damaged their own car while parking, while 6% admit to having damaged someone else’s car. The survey also found that early one in ten (9%) plan their parking location in advance due to anxiety.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “If you find parking stressful, you’re not alone. An any-driver insurance policy allows a friend or family member to legally take the wheel for a few minutes to tackle that tricky parallel park or tight spot. Simply pull over safely, swap seats, and let them navigate the challenge while you relax.
“It’s a great option if you’re struggling with a difficult manoeuvre, feeling anxious about damaging your car, or simply want some support during a stressful journey. You could also build confidence by practising parking when roads are quieter or planning your parking spot in advance.”
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