Hybrid working changing car ownership habits

17th July 2026

Affordability and hybrid working have seen four in 10 motorists reduce the number of cars they own in the last two years.

A survey of 2,000 drivers commissioned by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover found that cost, a change in working habits and lifestyle, and sustainability concerns were all contributing factors.

Those who went from two or more cars to just one reported average annual savings of £1,533, with 57% saying they are pleased they made the decision.

It also emerged 56% per cent of those with one car or more are keeping it for longer than planned because the cost of replacing it is too high.

The research comes after government data from the National Travel Survey 2024 revealed that 44% of UK households have just one vehicle compared to 34% with two or  more.

Car sharing

Paul Gilshan, CEO of Tempcover said: “Our research shows that for households that have downsized, one car works well. People are better off financially, it fits how they’re working and living now, and they’re more intentional about when they use it – and it’s better for the environment.

“In many ways, these households are already practising a form of car sharing, coordinating access, prioritising who needs it most, making it work around everyone’s schedule. The car is more of a shared resource rather than a personal fixture, and that mindset is only going to grow.”