Cars are expensive to run, especially at the moment with fuel prices as they are. But they can be even more expensive for drivers who own dogs.
That's according to Bristol Street Motors, which has crunched the numbers and found that dogs can cause some £1,800 of damage if let loose in the car. Scratched or ripped upholstery, for example, can cause up to £90 to repair, while exterior nicks cost an average of £80 per scratch.
If your dog has any accidents on the seats, it may just be a case of mopping up after them. If it causes permanent staining, however, you might need to get your seat re-covered, which would cost around £325 per seat.
Read more: Highway Code rule can land drivers a £5,000 fine for travelling with a dog inappropriately
In addition to direct damage (or a consequently lower asking price when you come to sell your car), you can also be fined up to £5,000 for careless driving if your pet distracts you. And if you're involved in an accident while your dog is not properly restrained, your insurance might be invalidated.
The car sales firm says you can protect yourself against such bills by buying seat covers, pet seat belts, and drying coats for your dogs, which together will stop your car from being wrecked while keeping your dog secure, safe, and happy. A valet from time to time wouldn't hurt to help get rid of pet hair, too.
Separately, Uber today launched a new pet-friendly service in Bristol and across the UK. Uber pet allows you to book a driver who has marked themselves as being happy to ferry pets with their owners.
The service comes with a £2 surcharge. People who require service dogs can continue to use regular Uber cars, without the surcharge.
