Driving fine: Drivers risk a £5,000 fine and £1,816 in car damage when traveling with a dog
Bristol Street Motors experts have advised drivers to drive safely with dogs inside their car and avoid a £5,000 fine. They also provided advice for motorists on how to prevent four-legged animals from causing nearly £2,000 in damage.
If the driver of a vehicle is distracted by a dog, they could risk £5,000 for careless driving, experts say.
If involved in an accident while the dog is in the car and not properly restrained, drivers could also have their insurance invalidated.
According to 2020/21 data, there are around 12.5 million pet dogs in the UK, following an increase in pet ownership during lockdown.
Having a dog in a car can often cause a lot of damage.
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Small incident:
Experts have revealed that small accidents can cost £325 per seat to recover.
If the animal is a nervous traveler, it may have an accident during the trip.
On average, stained upholstery costs around £325 per seat, based on upholstery using fabric.
It costs even more for a leather upholstery.
A simple and cost-effective preventative measure is to invest in removable car seat covers.
Snacks inside the car:
Nibbles inside the car can total upwards of £416.
The gear knobs cost £55 to replace, while a steering wheel repair will cost drivers £80.
If the damage goes further than a slight tear, it costs around £130 to fully recover the steering wheel.
Motorists should also expect to pay upwards of £150 if any of the car’s seat belts have been damaged.
Accumulation of dirt and pet hair:
A buildup of dirt and pet hair in a car costs at least £20 to remove.
Transporting pets could lead to a buildup of dog hair in the car, which can cling to upholstery.
If dirt builds up, it may be easier to replace car mats rather than trying to clean them.
A basic set of car mats can be picked up for around £20.
If the car’s mats become irreparable, it could cost drivers hundreds of pounds to replace them.
Fortunately, regular cleaning and valets should prevent dirt from building up and causing problems.