PHYD car insurance news - Drivers pay more for motorway service station food

PHYD insurance news - Drivers stopping at service stations spend more

Motorists are already facing rising costs of car insurance and fuel, and although some drivers are able to make savings on their annual premiums by opting for a PHYD car insurance policy, a report has revealed that "sky-high" prices in motorway service stations are not likely to enable drivers to make any further savings while using these major routes.

Drivers choosing to pull into a service station are sometimes paying up to 50% more on food items compared to the high street, according to the study carried out by the Institute of Advanced Motorists. The road safety charity revealed that in one service station a packet of crisps, which usually costs 66p, was retailing at 95p – presenting a 44% increase.

Simon Best, chief executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, has expressed concerns that the extra charges are preventing tired motorists from having a rest and boosting their energy levels with coffee and snacks.

The roads minister, Mike Penning, said, "Motorway service station operators are required to provide certain services 24 hours a day including two hours free parking, free lavatories, hot drinks and fuel.

"This ensures that vital services are available for motorists but means that sites must be permanently staffed – including in periods when custom is low – and this obviously has cost implications for the operator.

"However, I am concerned about motorists facing unreasonably high prices at motorway service stations and I am currently considering ways to reduce regulation, increase competition and improve the quality of service."

Many motorists are able to save money on their car insurance by taking advantage of a telematics car insurance provider which provides a renewal quote based on the policy holder's safety on the road, but finding cost-effective services once out and about may prove more difficult.

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