Car clubs at mercy of insurers

Soaring insurance costs now pose an 'existential threat' to community car sharing

- JOHN EVANS

Community car sharing clubs that aim to offer a cheaper but equally convenient alternative to car ownership for people living in remote areas are under threat by huge increases in the cost of their insurance.

There are around 40 such clubs in the UK, many serving rural villages with fleets of fewer than five cars and staffed by volunteers. Members can book a car for as little as half an hour up to several weeks.

Supporters say the clubs provide a much-needed service that is affordable and convenient and which helps decarbonise a community.

Some have been operating since the 1970s, but in the past five years they have witnessed major rises in their insurance costs to the point that their viability is now under threat.

Already this year, two clubs have closed, and the future of eight more hangs in the balance. Others are anxiously awaiting renewal notices that could spell the end of the road.