Fomo: fear of moving on-brits reluctant to switch despite losing money and happiness

Almost half (45 per cent) of Brits stay in unhappy relationships - a third (32 per cent) as they don't want to upset their partner, a third (32 per cent) say it's "easier to stay put" and a fifth (17 per cent) say they're dependent on their other half

• Almost a third of Brits (28 per cent) wouldn't switch tables in a restaurant, even if the table next to them is being loud and irritating

• A sixth (13 per cent) of Brits won't switch their hairdressers, even though they don't like the way they cut their hair

• A quarter of Brits (23 per cent) have never switched their breakdown cover provider

• When you switch to Green Flag, the breakdown cover provider will beat your AA or RAC renewal by 50%
 

New research by breakdown cover provider Green Flag reveals FOMO, or a 'fear of moving on', amongst Brits; with people admitting they are reluctant to switch from one thing to another – whether that's a relationship, table in a restaurant, cleaner or hairdresser.

Almost one in three Brits won't switch tables at a restaurant even if the people on the table next to them are too noisy, one in five (20 per cent) won't switch seats on a train even if the person next to them is playing their music really loudly and almost one six (13 per cent) won't switch their hairdresser even though they keep doing their hair wrong.

Over one in ten (11 per cent) won't switch their cleaner even though they can't clean properly and one in ten (10 per cent) continue to visit the same coffee shop even though they regularly get their order wrong.

Almost half (45 per cent) of Brits admit to staying in unhappy relationships, citing not wanting to upset their partner (32 per cent), it being "easier to stay put" (32 per cent), being dependent on their other halves (17 per cent), and being too lazy (9 per cent).

British politeness is the reason for our reluctance to switch. 9 in 10 (96 per cent) of Brits describe themselves as polite – meaning it comes as no surprise when we don’t want to switch, at the risk it could cause offence to others.

Other reasons people are reluctant to switch include ease, convenience and being lazy – as the majority of Brits admit they'd save money if they switch homes and moved further away from work. Almost 600,000** Brits would save between £900 and £1000 per month if they moved further out, with 15.2 million saving at least over £100 a month.

Dan Titley, head of marketing at Green Flag said: "Our research shows that people are losing out on money and happiness because of their reluctance to switch - simply because it's more convenient to stay put or they feel impolite by doing so.

"A quarter of people have never switched their breakdown cover provider – but when you switch to us, you get 50% off your renewal, and it's hassle free. We hope people can make the jump and switch."

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For further information please contact the Green Flag press office at Frank 0207 693 6999/greenflag@frankpr.it
 

Notes to Editors:
 

About Green Flag

With over 40 years experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com

50% off renewal available through Green Flag direct. On vehicles 10 years and under, on our closest equivalent UK vehicle cover. T&Cs apply visit www.greenflag.com

*Based on a sample of 1,152. Censuswide April 2017

**Number based on research percentage of number of UK citizens, ONS 2015