Shush, Please! Over Half of Brits Need Silence to Park

• 1 in 5 drivers (20%) say they find it harder to park when the radio is playing
• Over a third (37%) struggle to park when passengers are talking
• 1 in 4 drivers (24%) aged 18-34 avoid reversing into a space
• Nearly 3 in 10 drivers (29%) won’t park in a tight bay between cars or pillars
• 3 in 10 (30%) always try to park in the same spot at familiar destinations

New research from Churchill motor insurance¹ reveals how distractions, routines and confidence all play a role when pulling into a space – and for many, parking remains one of the most nerve-racking parts of driving.

It appears silence is golden when it comes to parking, with over half (52%) of Brits stating, “I need quiet to be able to concentrate”. One in five drivers (20%) admit they find it harder to park if the radio is on, while over a third (37%) say passenger chatter makes the task even more difficult.

Parking confidence also varies by age. A quarter (24%) of younger drivers (18-34s) say they won’t reverse into a space, compared to just 16% of over-55s – a sign that confidence grows with practice. When faced with tight bays surrounded by other cars or pillars, 29% of motorists would rather circle the car park than risk a dent or scratch. Previous research² from Churchill motor insurance shows just how common this is, with one in five (20%) motorists saying they avoid available parking spaces multiple times a month due to tight bays.  Ultimately, the damage caused by squeezing in and out of parking bays costs UK motorists an estimated £424 million each year. 

Table 1: Parking quirks of Brits

Source: Churchill motor insurance 

When it comes to where we park, many of us are creatures of habit. Three in ten (30%) drivers say they always aim for the same parking spot – whether that’s at the supermarket, train station or on the school run. This habit is strongest among younger drivers: 41% of Gen Z and 39% of Millennials say they always aim for the same spot, compared to just 20% of over-55s. 

Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: “Not everyone feels confident in their parking abilities, and the pressure to park quickly, to not to hold up traffic, combined with the fear of being judged by onlookers and the challenge of manoeuvring increasingly large vehicles into tight spaces, all add to the pressure. Parking requires concentration, an understanding of the vehicle's dimensions, and complete spatial awareness due to the proximity to other cars and pillars. The absence of sound within the car can help focus and concentration. However, the art of parking ultimately requires practice and confidence – which usually come with time and experience.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors 

1. Research conducted by Opinium, amongst a representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, data collected between 29.07.2025 – 01.08.2025.   
2. Research conducted by Opinium with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults – 8^th October-11^th October 2024 

For further information, please contact: 

Unni Henry 

PR Manager  

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.  

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200 300 or visiting www.churchill.com.