GUEST POST: Staycation Warning: Packing Your Car Wrong Could Land You a £5,000 Fine, Driving Ban, or Court
Summer staycations are booming, with a survey of 2,000 Brits by the award-winning temporary insurance providers at GoShorty revealing that 70% of us have enjoyed a trip in the UK. However, drivers have been warned – pack your car inappropriately, and you could face fines of up to £5,000, licence points, or even a driving ban.
With the cost of international travel rising and the UK home to several locations so beautiful that Brits can’t believe they’re in the UK, it’s no surprise more families are hitting the road than ever.
However, overlooking how you pack your vehicle could turn a dream staycation into nightmare fuel.
Phil Evans, Managing Director at GoShorty, says: “Staycations are a brilliant way to enjoy the UK without the stress of airports and managing international travel – but it’s often easy to overlook the safety aspects of packing your car.
Overloading, poor visibility, and unsecured luggage can all increase the risk of accidents, especially on longer journeys. However, with a bit of preparation and the right insurance in place, such as investing in temporary insurance to share the burden of a long drive, you can focus on enjoying the trip without unnecessary stress.
Plus, with our policies available for as little as one hour, temporary car insurance is a practical and cost-effective alternative to expensive coach tickets or complicated, expensive train routes.”
Phil’s Top Tips for Packing Your Car Like a Pro
1. Don’t Overload the Vehicle: Every car has a maximum weight limit… and exceeding it can affect steering, braking, and fuel efficiency, while putting you at risk of a fixed penalty fine, points on your licence, or even a summons to court. Always check your car manual for the recommended payload and try to distribute weight evenly, placing heavier items low and towards the centre of the car to avoid trouble.
2. Keep Essentials Accessible: Think strategically when loading. For example, items like snacks, water, chargers and travel documents should be within easy reach – especially if the kids are coming along for the ride. No one wants to unpack the entire boot on the hard shoulder just to find the sun cream!
3. Secure Loose Items: In the event of sudden braking, loose items in the cabin can become dangerous projectiles. Store heavy bags in the boot, use seat-back organisers, and avoid piling items above the rear seat line – unless you have a secure luggage net. Failure to do so could result in severe consequences, from injuries through to fines up to £5,000, three penalty points, and disqualification from driving.
4. Don’t Block Your View: Make sure your rear-view visibility isn’t obstructed by stacked bags or equipment. Or, if you’re using a roof box or bike rack, check if it’s fitted correctly and doesn’t interfere with your driving line of sight. Any blockage in your view could result in a £200 fine and six points on your licence – and for younger drivers, six points within two years of passing could see you lose your licence, meaning an unobstructed view is essential.
5. Share the Drive Safely: If you’re planning to take turns behind the wheel, it’s essential to make sure each driver is insured. GoShorty offers temporary cover that lets you add a second driver in as little as 90 seconds – ideal for long journeys and peace of mind, especially in the event of things going wrong!
Are you ready to hit the road? With hourly, daily, weekly and monthly cover available, GoShorty makes it easy to get short-term car or van insurance, perfect for borrowing a vehicle, adding a driver, or sharing the load for this summer’s staycation!