New research reveals belief that bad karma on the roads causes car damage

• 70 per cent of drivers believe in bad car-ma – that their actions on the roads affect whether unexpected damage happens to their car in future (including dents and pothole damage) – says new research from Direct Line
• Tailgating, cutting people up and not indicating are the main causes of bad “Car-ma”, drivers say
• Most common accidental damage is having your car scratched (68 per cent) and car dented (66 per cent)
• Drivers are most likely to suffer pothole damage in Glasgow and have their car keyed in Cardiff
• Direct Line has changed its policy so that if a customer's car is damaged in certain scenarios¹ they will not lose their No Claim Discount (NCD)
   

New research released today by Direct Line reveals which areas in the UK drivers are most likely to suffer unexpected car damage. The results come as the brand reveals that 70 per cent of drivers are driven by a belief in “car-ma” – that their actions on the road affect the potential for their vehicles to be damaged.
 

Tailgating was named by almost three in five drivers (58 per cent) as the driving-related annoyance the nation’s motorists believe generates the worst karma on the roads, followed by other drivers using a handheld device at the wheel (53 per cent) and cutting someone up (48 per cent).
 

Table one: Direct Line reveals car damage hotspots of the UK

Women have the greatest belief in “car-ma”; 74 per cent versus 66 per cent of men. When faced with an altercation on the road or damage caused to their car, women are most likely to break the chain and become more determined to be considerate to others when a fellow driver has been inconsiderate to them (47 per cent). Men on the other hand are more likely to pass the bad karma on (20 per cent vs 16 per cent of women).

Younger drivers are also more inclined to believe in the principle; 78 per cent of those aged 18-34 believe they reap what they sow, versus 63 per cent of those aged over 55 years old.

The study emerges following the brand’s launch of its “Good Carma” campaign, fronted by psychologist, Dr Gary Wood. The campaign celebrates Direct Line’s policy changes which are designed to make insurance easier for customers by ensuring that if their cars are damaged in certain scenarios*, they will not lose their (NCD).
 

Dr Gary Wood, Direct Line’s Head of Carma, commented; “What happens to us on the road can have a knock-on effect. A bit of courtesy from another driver can make our day. It's more likely we'll pay it forward and feel good ourselves in turn. It's a win-win. Karma isn't about fate - the word just means 'action'; we're not at the mercy of the road and can all make a small impact on the stress of motoring. It's within our control to break the chain or pass it on and something we can extend to all aspects of our lives.”
 

* These new measures will be standard in Direct Line’s comprehensive car insurance policies for new and existing customers:
 

• Damage caused by potholes or poor road maintenance
• Fire
• Theft of or from the car
• Hit whilst parked
• Flood
• Hit or hit by a wild or domestic animal
• Hit by object or debris (excluding vehicles)
   

Customers will still need to pay any applicable excess, which they can check in their policy schedule.
 

To decrease the likelihood of being faced with damage, Direct Line has compiled the following tips, recommended by UK drivers for good road etiquette:
 

• Be considerate of other drivers and pedestrians (71 per cent)
• Say thank you to other drivers (68 per cent)
• Let other drivers out in front of you (52 per cent)
• Observe the speed limit at all times (37 per cent)
• Always ensure your lights are on when required (34 per cent)
• Drive with a smile (22 per cent’)

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• ¹Research conducted by Opinium among 2,005 UK adults between 29th March and 3rd April 2018
   

For further information please contact:

Chloe French 

PR Manager 

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 715

Email: Chloe.French@directlinegroup.co.uk

Frank PR

Tel: 020 7693 6999

Email: Directline@frankpr.it
 

Direct Line
 

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
 

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
 

Direct Line and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com