UK motorists are being urged to shield themselves from unexpected car repair costs, following the recent announcement that insurance premium tax (IPT) which is levied on car insurance premiums is set to rise by 0.5% from October 1^st 2016.

That’s the message from the Independent Garage Association providers of the industry-first Car Repair Plan which puts motorists back in the driving seat by allowing them to budget on a monthly basis for vehicle maintenance.

And as the average cost of running a vehicle per year rises to £2,559, according to the AA, the Car Repair Plan, which is backed by the Retail Motor Industry Federation, is enabling motorists to save regularly ahead of both scheduled and unexpected vehicle maintenance. s

IGA Director, Stuart James, commented: “As the new tax year gets under way, many thoughts now turn to budgeting for the upcoming year. This often takes the form of saving for a holiday or home refurbishments, but often many motorists often overlook their vehicles. With more vehicles than ever on British roads, we have become a nation dependent on our mobility; and with the costs associated with owning a vehicle continually rising, it’s important that motorists prepare for the unexpected to ensure that they aren’t caught out.”

The industry-first Car Repair Plan can be used at any participating Trust My Garage approved workshop. Furthermore, all funds are securely held in a Trust Account on behalf of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, the umbrella body of the Independent Garage Association, meaning they are protected.

“While there are a number of known associated costs to owning a vehicle, including MOTs and regular servicing, it is often the unexpected repairs that can catch motorists out,” said Terry Gibson of Trust My Garage.

“These unexpected costs, coupled with the increase to insurance premium tax, as announced recently by George Osborne, mean it’s important that motorists budget correctly to ensure that should their vehicle need unexpected repairs or scheduled maintenance, they are able to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

“Using the Car Repair Plan, consumers can vary their monthly payments or even stop them for a ‘payment holiday’. Once their fund has built up to a level that meets their specific needs, they can stop payments entirely giving them complete flexibility when it comes to shielding themselves against car repair costs and maintenance.”

The Car Repair Plan is managed through a simple online portal, and can cover all the vehicles and all the drivers in a family. Over 650 garages have already signed up to the plan, with all garages who participate being IGA and Trust My Garage approved members, regulated by a strict code of conduct to ensure that they deliver a personal and professional service to their customers at all times.