The most common carguments this Valentine’s Day

There’s nothing quite like spending quality time with your loved one. Unfortunately, there’s always a chance the journey to the destination could be tempered by disagreements. Especially when it comes to driving where minor disagreements over directions can quickly escalate…

A Tempcover survey* has revealed the top reasons for partners having road trip disagreements ahead of Valentine’s Day, with one in five saying their partner’s unsolicited advice winds them up.

The top reasons for couples having arguments while driving together include: 

• Speed – either driving too fast or too slow.
• Directions – disagreeing on the best route to take.
• Music or playlists – especially when there are different tastes involved.
• Temperature – the heating or air con is never just right for both.
• Navigation – Not following the GPS directions.

What do you find to be your partner’s most annoying driving habits? With so much potential for disagreements and fallouts while you’re on the road, it could be a good idea to decide who is driving before setting off…

Who’s driving who?

Our survey found that 21% of couples will share the driving equally when they take a long trip, but how do they decide who takes the wheel? Sometimes, even making this decision can lead to arguments (36% admitted to this) but these were our other findings:

• 21% say their partner drives because they prefer them to.
• 18% prefer to drive themselves.
• 13% decide the driver based on who feels more rested.
• 4% take it in turns for each long trip.

With such a low percentage sharing driving duties, it’s time to look at the reasons why. Often, it’s because one partner enjoys long drives more than the other and there may also be issues with confidence when it comes to taking the wheel on a long journey. 25% of couples say one partner is the more confident driver, while 22% believe their significant other has more confidence.

Beware the backseat driver

Nearly one in five (19%) said their partner’s unsolicited driving advice is the most annoying passenger habit. This could be anything from telling them when to switch lanes to pushing them to move off a roundabout before they’re ready or believe it is safe.

The constant comments on their driving are enough to knock their mood and possibly even disrupt their concentration but what is a backseat driver? The Oxford English Dictionary definition is “a person who is eager to give advice about something for which they are not responsible.”

This constant ‘constructive’ criticism can perhaps lead to frustration, which in turn can lead to loss of concentration, increased anger and maybe even some road rage. It’s important to stay safe and calm while on the road as even with the stress you will not want to put yourself, your partner or any other road users in danger.

Share the stress

If you want your partner to follow their advice, how about getting temporary car insurance so you can share the driving? This gives you both the chance to grab some well-deserved rest – and offer your own well-intended advice – while you get where you need to go.

Many comprehensive policies don’t include Driving Other Cars like they used to, but please check the details of your policy. If it’s not included, Tempcover’s short-term policies allow another driver to take the wheel, safe in the knowledge that they’re comprehensively covered should the worst happen.

To be eligible for temporary car insurance, a driver must:

• Be aged 17-78 years old.
• Hold a full UK or EU driving licence with no more than 7 points in the last 3 years.
• Have been a permanent UK resident for the last 12 months or be a British expatriate.
• Have no criminal convictions.
• Not had a previous policy of insurance declared void by an insurer.

Other acceptance criteria apply.

Despite the disagreements and car arguments, it’s reassuring to know that 90% of couples trust their partner’s overall driving ability.

Maybe this Valentine’s Day you could consider saving the stress by sharing the driving with temporary car insurance? This will make for a more relaxing journey for both of you.

*Sources

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 UK drivers in a relationship whose partner also drives (both driving more than once per year) (17+). The data was collected between 24.01.2025-28.01.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.