If You Can Manage, Try Going Car-Free

In some areas of the world, cars seem as essential as microwave ovens and television sets. In others, however, people survive without vehicles to get them to work, the grocery store and other destinations. This is a more feasible way of life in some cities than in others, but there are numerous benefits to going car-free.

Drop the Car, Save Money

How many times have you pulled out the checkbook to pay your car insurance bill and wondered why you're paying so much? According to CarInsurance.com, the average car insurance premium was more than $1,800 in May of 2009, and the numbers keep growing as years pass.

When you go car-free, you don't have to worry about car insurance payments every month (or every six months). You also save money on gas, car maintenance, costly repairs, and registration and inspection fees. These savings add up over a 12-month period.

Plus, going car-free means you don't have to replace your vehicle when it starts to wear down. No interest on automobile financing, which means thousands of dollars in savings, and you might pocket a profit when you sell your car.

Find Alternate Solutions

Believe it or not, there are plenty of alternatives to driving if you desire a car-free lifestyle. For example, you can buy everything from clothes to groceries online without stepping foot outside your house, and although you might have to pay for shipping, it will probably not outweigh what you save when you dump the car. Walking or bicycling are excellent alternatives to driving. Not only will you save money on gasoline and everything else, but you will also build exercise into your schedule without having to join a gym or buy expensive workout equipment.

Minimum Requirements for a Car-Free Lifestyle

Before you sell your vehicle or arrange an auto lease exchange, make sure you are ready to go car-free. You should live within walking or biking distance of work/school and the grocery store, or you should have access to public transportation that can get you there.

In 5/09, the average insurance premium was over $1,800

Otherwise, living car-free might become more of an inconvenience than anything else. Consider as well your work and social schedule. How tightly do you plan your day? If you enjoy cramming your life with as many activities as possible, you might have difficulty walking or taking the bus to each of them without a car.

Tips for Living Car-Free

If you've decided to take the plunge and life a car-free lifestyle, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier on yourself:

1. Plan for Big Shopping Trips. If you like buying groceries in bulk, or if you are planning a holiday shopping spree, you probably won't be able to lug everything home on the back of your bicycle. Plan ahead by asking for a ride from a friend or renting a car for the day.
2. Watch the Weather. If you live in a climate with sweltering hot summers or bitterly cold winters, pay attention to the forecast when you live car-free. You can make alternate plans if the weather precludes walking or biking.
3. Start Slowly. If you aren't used to hoofing it or cycling, the first few weeks of living car-free can be hard on your muscles and joints. Ease your way into this new active lifestyle by taking short walks or bike rides and slowly increasing the distance.
4. Play it Safe. Although driving can be inherently dangerous, so are walking and biking. Brush up on the safety rules of the road, wear bright clothing when on foot, and bring your cell phone when you leave the house.

Steve Thompson

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