Car Running Cost Calculator
Instantly calculate your total annual and monthly car running costs, including fuel, insurance, road tax, maintenance, and depreciation. Free, accurate tool for UK drivers.
Calculate Your Running Costs
Enter your annual mileage, fuel efficiency, and typical yearly expenses to get an instant, personalised evaluation of your true car ownership costs.
Vehicle Details
Enter your car’s running figures in GBP (£) and miles to calculate total costs
Cost Evaluation
Calculated annual and monthly running costs
Average UK Running Costs by Vehicle
Estimated average annual running costs for different vehicle types in the UK (based on 8,000 miles/year).
| Vehicle Type | Avg Annual Fuel | Avg Annual Insurance | Est. Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Petrol Hatchback | £1,100 | £450 | £2,800 |
| Family Diesel Saloon | £1,300 | £550 | £3,400 |
| Electric Vehicle (EV) | £550 | £650 | £2,900 |
| Large SUV (Petrol/Diesel) | £1,800 | £750 | £4,500 |
Running Cost FAQ
Everything you need to know about calculating and reducing your vehicle’s running expenses.
Total car running costs typically include fuel (or electricity), motor insurance, Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax), routine maintenance and servicing, repairs, MOT fees, and vehicle depreciation.
Fuel cost is calculated by dividing your annual mileage by your vehicle’s fuel efficiency (MPG) to find the total gallons needed. This is then multiplied by 4.54609 (litres in a UK gallon) and the current price per litre of fuel.
Yes, depreciation is often the largest hidden running cost. It represents the loss in your vehicle’s value over time. While you don’t pay it monthly, it significantly impacts the total cost of ownership and eventual resale value.
You can reduce running costs by improving fuel efficiency through smoother driving, shopping around for competitive insurance quotes annually, keeping up with routine maintenance to prevent costly repairs, and considering a more fuel-efficient or electric vehicle for your next purchase.