Car insurance experts have issued a stark warning over a common mistake that hundreds of Brits commit each year. The mishap could leave drivers with hefty fines and invalid insurance
Brits have been warned that they could be slapped with hefty fines worth hundreds of pounds if they make this common mistake while driving.
With summer around the corner, the thought of a staycation becomes even more enticing. But while driving seems like a better option to reach certain destinations, packing too many items in vehicles could leave drivers with invalid insurance.
Every year, hundreds of drivers are left out of pocket due to overloading their vehicles, with the DVSA watching closely behind. According to experts at Tempcover, almost one thousand motorists were stopped by the police for packing too much, with 45 per cent of them being handed fines in 2023/2024.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, a car insurance expert at Tempcover, offered some advice to avoid being pulled over. She stressed that drivers have to check that their car’s weight doesn’t exceed its maximum load.
Unbeknownst to many motorists, this also includes checking the combined weight of all passengers. You can check the maximum weight by looking in the driver’s manual or under the vehicle.
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The expert urged drivers to be careful and said a simple mistake could result in fines of up to £300 and three points on their licence. She said that in the worst-case scenario, if the vehicle is overloaded by 30%, a prison sentence of up to two years could be issued.
She warned: “Pay attention to the distance between the car’s body and the ground, particularly at the rear. Also, check the appearance of the wheel arches; if the tyres look very close to or are tucked under the arches, this could indicate excessive weight.
“If you experience difficulty steering, turning, stopping, or starting, it’s worth considering that your car might be overloaded. These changes in handling can be a key indicator of exceeding the safe weight limit. You should also watch out for issues with braking, or your tyres or your suspension system sagging, as these are signs of an overloaded car.”
If you’re travelling during the bank holiday or over the summer, the experts shared some valuable advice on the best ways to pack your car to avoid being fined…
Load the heaviest items first
Tempcover has urged drivers to consider even weight distribution when packing items into their vehicles. Heavy suitcases should be placed low and central in the boot, with smaller items placed around them. This ensures the driver’s view isn’t restricted.
Tie loose luggage down
If drivers forget to tie loose luggage down before they start driving, they could be fined. While this can be seen as a separate offence, it should still be considered when putting items in vehicles.
Check tyre pressure
Although checking tyre pressure might seem irrelevant when packing items in the car, it is important. Low pressure could impact the overall weight distribution and be unsafe.
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