The Privilege social singles spending review

• Brits with partners spend 77 per cent more than singles on dining out
• People in relationships also invest more in clothes, beauty treatments and fitness
• One in 10 Britons spends six or more evenings per week ‘out and about’
   

New research1 commissioned by Privilege Home Insurance reveals that Britons who are in a relationship spend more money on social activities and appearance than those who are single.

Dispelling the myth that people in relationships spend less than their singleton friends, the figures revealed that British singles outlay £272 on restaurant meals each year, whereas those with partners spend almost double at £482.  The same applies to money spent on cinema, theatre and gigs, with footloose singles shelling out £158 annually, but those with a significant other outlaying £230. 

Spending on wellbeing and appearance also differs significantly depending on relationship status.  Each year the average single person spends £322 on clothing, £154 on beauty and grooming and £169 on gym and sports memberships.  This rises to £414, £204 and £197 respectively, for those with a significant other.

Privilege social singles vs. couples spending review

Source: Privilege Home Insurance, 2013

Privilege’s research suggests that on the whole, Britons spend a significant amount of time away from the home socialising and enjoying leisure or fitness activities, with one in 10 (10 per cent) spending an evening at home once or a week or less*.

Dan Simson, head of Privilege Home Insurance, comments: “We were surprised to find that spending varied so significantly with relationship status. Couples appear to spend more money, whether they’re at home or out and about, perhaps because they share basic living costs, leaving more money to spend on other activities.

“The research also highlights just how much time and money we invest in social and leisure activities, spending as a result, a lot of time away from the home. We know from our own experience that people are more likely to encounter issues with their home when it is unoccupied, from water leaks to break-ins, which is why it’s so important to have a home insurance policy that covers for all eventualities.”
 

ENDS
 

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster 
Privilege home insurance
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk  
0208 285 8682 
07900 217 264

Kia McLean

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Kia.McLean@citigatedr.co.uk

0207 282 1092
 

Notes to editors

1 Study conducted by Opinium Research 6th – 8th August, 2013. Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,002 UK adults, of which 599 were “single” (counting those who are single and living alone, single living with friends or family, divorced, widowed or separated and living alone or with friends or family) and 1,368 were “in a relationship” (counting those who are living with friends, family or a house share, living with their partner, married or in a civil partnership). Results have been weighted to representative demographic criteria.

Spending figures are calculated by asking respondents to estimate how much they spend per month on each area in total. Annual figures were calculated by multiplying these estimates by 12.

*Respondents were asked how often they spend the entire evening at home. 35% answered “every day” and 55% answered “more than once a week”, leaving 10% who did so once a week or less often.
 

Privilege

Privilege Insurance specialises in car insurance for safe drivers (particularly those with four or more no-claims discount). It also offers home insurance and breakdown cover by phone or on-line.

Privilege general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England 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.

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

Customers can find out more about Privilege’s products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 0515 or visiting www.privilege.co.uk