Commute cost money and this is a drain from your overall wealth. Here are some smart tips to cut down on the cost of commuting.
- Cheaper Car Insurance
One way to save money on a commute is by investing in cheap car insurance. Therefore, by comparing different insurance companies, it is a step in cutting down the cost. As such, always consider looking for the best deal on the market. However, do not forget to opt for a policy that includes commuting, otherwise, without it, you may not be able to make a claim in case an issue arises.
- Take Advantage Of Employee Benefits
It is wise to check if your employer is offering transportation benefits or discounts. This can either be in the form of reimbursing parking fees, having employer-paid parking, or offering actual transportation. You never know; the employer may allow you to set aside a particular amount of pre-tax income for your traveling expenses every month.
The tax benefits come in many ways like Cycle-to-Work Systems, business mileage coverage, public transportation season ticket reimbursements.
- Exercise Proper Maintenance
The main problem many people experience high commuter expenses is – they fail to maintain their vehicles to the fullest. For this reason, if you are looking to save money, consider keeping your vehicle in the best possible condition. This means ensuring the tire pressure is at the right pressure, maintain the air filter, change car oils regularly, and any other form of maintenance. Remember, this technique will also help you save money on bigger repairs later on. If you do end up needing to pay for a repair remember that short length loans are available to do so.
- Car Pooling
Carpooling is the most effective way to save money on a commuter. Car polling simply refers to sharing your journey to work with colleagues or friends. This technique cuts all commuter expenses in half. If you do not have a person or people to share or a carpool, do not worry. That is because websites like Liftshare will make the process easy for you.
- Mapping Your Route
Another excellent way to save money on commuting is planning the commute in advance. To achieve this, you can take advantage of navigation apps, especially during peak times. Advance planning will help you identify the fastest way around traffic jams and the alternative routes to take. Remember, the longer you sit addle in traffic, the more fuel you will burn, which is a waste of money.
Also, this technique will help you identify the shortest route to your destination, which is a method that will help you save money. On the other hand, if your work allows for flexible hours; then you can change your commute time to avoid peak hours.
- Cutting Down Motoring Costs
Simply changing the way you drive, can help reduce your fuel consumption and saving money in the process. For this reason, try applying the following habits: –
- Leave early for work: – Truly, we all love a bit of Lie-in. However, you can avoid the rush hour and save money in the process by simply leaving early. Remember, stop and start traffic is not good for fuel economy.
- Switch Off The Air Conditioner: – Did you know that turning on the AC burns more fuel than you think? If you often find yourself using the AC you should consider avoiding this and use it only when it is needed during the summer months. Aside, driving with the windows down will help in cooling (but while driving under 60 mph).
- Drive efficiently: – Driving efficiently simply means avoid being aggressive with the acceleration or braking.
- Carry less: – The more load you carry, the more the car will use fuel. For this reason, consider removing anything in your vehicle that you are not currently using, like a roof rack, bicycle rack, and any other item not needed.
- Check Tyre Pressure: – Under-inflated tires will decrease your fuel economy, by increasing fuel consumption. In other words, the vehicle will consume more fuel than intended. For this reason, it is wise to check the pressure after every week or two to ensure they are properly inflated.
- Driving Less: – Driving less will help you save money. How can you achieve this? Well, only drive when it is necessary. For example, there is no need to go down the block with a vehicle. Also, if your employer is offering flexible working hours, then take advantage of working from home at least once a week. This technique has been proven to save up to 20% on fuel.
- Claim Mileage
If you constantly use your vehicle for business-related travels, then you may seek mileage reimbursement from your employer. You can achieve this by claiming back your mileage using AMAP (Mileage Allowance payments).
NOTE: only Business use can be claimed against for mileage and not any other form of travel like personal. In most companies or businesses, if you use the vehicle for personal use, you have to cover the fuel cost yourself.
When it comes to business-related travels, you have to provide a clear record of all travels you have made with your vehicle, for you to receive a claim back. As such, to guarantee that a business can compensate you, you ought to keep a clear log (with the date, location, business mile, and any other relevant detail).
- Stop Driving Altogether
A lot of us drive because it is habitual. It doesn’t need to be this way for many of us especially if we live in an urban area with good cycle paths and that doesn’t require us to travel long distances to work. Cycling or using an electric scooter to get to work can make all the difference and could really help you save money. Check out this buyer’s guide. Yes, there is some outlay in purchasing an item like this but when you consider the cost of fuel and also depreciation involved in owning a car, it could be a great way to save
