Research by online car insurance provider swiftcover.com has revealed that, although the recession caused a drop in new car sales, hundreds of thousands of drivers have still been shelling out on personalised registrations.

The website's marketing director, Tina Shortle, says the study – carried out to coincide with the release of the '59 plate – also highlighted that 69 per cent of drivers have seen their motoring expenses increase in the last year.

However, while new car sales figures show a 21.5 per cent drop compared with last year, sales of personalised plates fell by just four per cent in the same period.

The swiftcover.com representative remarked that, for many motorists, personalised registrations add to the enjoyment of motoring.

"It is probably the case that whilst people might not be able to afford to buy new cars or update their vehicles at the moment, splashing out on a flash number helps to lift the gloom a bit and make motoring more fun," she suggested.

In total, £80.6 million was spent on personalised plates in 2008/09, at an average cost of £350.

Swiftcover.com has noted that this year saw the highest-ever price paid for a plate at auction, with 1D selling for £352,000.

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