It’s a big question for those in the low margin, high volume, Motor insurance game. EVs cost more as assets, more to recover and repair, then there’s the battery pack salvage issues, fire risks etc. Pricing is going to require new thinking in some areas, So here is some analysis and expert predictions from award-winning temporary car insurance provider GoShorty, who reveal the key trends expected to influence how, when and why people drive in 2026.
1. Electric Vehicles Continue Their Rapid Rise
Electric vehicle use shows no sign of slowing, with GoShorty data revealing EV-related policies have grown by 330%, making them the fastest-growing fuel type. While upcoming tax changes may affect ownership in the long term, drivers are increasingly turning to more sustainable options, using electric vehicles for shared journeys and short-term use.
Graeme Stoker, Director of Marketing at GoShorty, notes that “the shift away from fossil fuels is now unavoidable, with electric vehicles becoming a default choice for many drivers over the next year.”
2. Weekend Driving Overtakes the Traditional Commute
Matt Wood, Director of Data & Pricing comments, “Weekend motoring is growing at a faster rate than weekday driving. Policy sales on Saturdays and Sundays have increased by up to 340%, compared with Thursdays and Fridays.
This reflects a continued move away from daily commuting and towards leisure-led travel, errands and family visits, signalling a permanent shift in how often cars are used, rather than how much.”
3. Shared Driving Becomes the Norm for Long Journeys
Sharing the wheel on longer trips is now one of the fastest-growing driving behaviours in the UK. GoShorty data shows policies taken out specifically for sharing driving responsibilities have risen by 345%.
As drivers look to reduce fatigue and spread responsibility on busy roads and long journeys, ensuring everyone behind the wheel is properly insured is becoming standard practice.
4. Autonomous Driving Begins to Enter the Public Sphere
While fully autonomous cars are not yet part of everyday driving, 2026 is expected to see increased real-world trials, particularly in controlled environments such as autonomous taxi services.
Graeme Stoker also predicts that “as autonomous driving moves closer to mainstream use, the insurance industry will need to adapt quickly, with new products emerging to reflect shared responsibility between drivers, vehicles and technology.”
5. Driving Laws and Enforcement Tighten
Several changes to UK driving regulations are expected to come into play in 2026. These include possible reductions to drink-driving limits, tougher enforcement around seatbelt use, and new requirements for older drivers – such as compulsory eye tests for motorists over 70.
Together, these measures point towards a more regulated driving environment, placing greater emphasis on safety, compliance and personal responsibility.
6. Clean Air Zones Expand Across the UK
With local authorities under pressure to meet air quality targets, clean air zones are likely to become more common. Drivers of higher-emission vehicles may face increasing charges to enter certain towns and cities, accelerating the shift towards cleaner vehicles and alternative travel options.
7. Fuel Costs and Charging Infrastructure Reshape Driving Decisions
After years of fuel duty freezes, petrol and diesel drivers may see increases at the pump in 2026, further influencing how often people choose to drive. At the same time, growing EV adoption is likely to prompt new government-backed initiatives around on-street and roadside charging, helping drivers without private driveways make the switch.
Phil Evans, Managing Director at GoShorty, said: “Our data and the clear changes in customer behavior are showing that driving in the UK is becoming more intentional. People are driving less often, but with clearer purpose – whether that’s weekend travel, shared long journeys or trying electric vehicles without full ownership.
As motoring habits continue to change, flexible temporary insurance solutions, such as ours, which range from 1 hour to 28 days cover, are set to play an increasingly important role in helping drivers adapt to changing costs, technology and regulations.
As regulation tightens and technology evolves, flexibility will be central to how motorists adapt, and we expect these trends to accelerate into 2026.”
To find out how temporary insurance supports modern driving habits and to get a quote in less than 2 minutes, visit GoShorty or download the App now.
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