Car Confessional: 1 in 4 (25%) UK adults admit top place to speak openly to someone else is in the car

15 March 2024

With almost four fifths (78%) of households in the UK owning at least one car , new research from Co-op Insurance today reveals that its purpose is no longer just for travelling from A to B, with 1 in 4 (25%) people admitting to it being the top place for them to comfortably speak openly to someone.

Whether that be a short car ride or longer road trip, UK adults have turned their vehicle into somewhat of a ‘car confessional’, as a fifth (20%) said they even delay having in-depth conversations until they have a long drive coming up, with the younger generation more likely to open up on the open road, as 18-25 year old’s are most likely to do so (36%) compared to only 16% of 45-55 year-olds.

Shockingly, when it comes to what is shared, almost a fifth (18%) of people admitted to telling somebody else’s secret during a long drive with someone! However, when it comes to divulging their own, the survey showed a range of confessions, from extramarital affairs to declarations of love – and even marriage proposals.

The research, conducted in line with Co-op Insurance’s new sponsorship of The Simon Mayo Drivetime Show on Greatest Hits Radio and his Confession’s podcast also reveals a list of the top things people do on a car Journey, which they might not do elsewhere, with almost two fifths (39%) confessing to ‘singing their heart out’ when on the road.

Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said: “As we know, a car is often a vital asset for families, connecting people for work and travel.

“However, from the research, it appears that the car is also more than just a vehicle, providing a safe space for people to have tricky conversations or divulge their secrets, with UK adults telling us they feel more comfortable addressing deeper and more meaningful issues whilst out driving on the open road.

“Whether it be the private, more intimate surroundings a car can provide, or the calmness of being out on the open road, it’s no surprise that the car has almost become an extension of the home.”

For details on Co-op insurance, or for further information on Co-op Insurance, visit https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance.

And don’t forget if you confess to being a Co-op member, member owners will get a range of special discounts on their insurance products! So, whether it’s your car, your home, your next holiday, or those big life events…You can count on Co-op for award winning insurance you deserve.

ENDS

Notes to editor

Co-op Insurance is currently partnering Simon Mayo’s Drivetime Show on Greatest Hits Radio, which includes a ‘Confessions’ segment whereby listeners are invited to get in touch with embarrassing or funny stories, which they have never owned up to or revealed to anyone.

i Data taken from GOV.UK - National Travel Survey 2022

ii Research based on 2,004 nationally representative UK respondents, aged 18+, conducted between 31/01/24 - 02/02/24

For more information, please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op:

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.