Business · Economy · 59 mins ago
UK survey finds 71% faced an unexpected bill in the past year
A survey of 2,000 people in the UK found that 71% faced an unexpected bill in the past year, averaging £535.
Car repairs and broken household appliances were among the costs people most feared, followed by boiler breakdowns.
More than two in five said they were unprepared for an unexpected bill.
To cover costs, 36% had asked family or friends for help and 35% had used credit, while 51% had lived with a problem they could not afford to fix.
Worry about bills affected people’s wellbeing, with respondents reporting sleepless nights, feeling on edge, headaches and irritability.
Finance experts recommend keeping accessible savings for emergencies, and Santander UK’s savings head said regular contributions, even small ones, can help.
A UK survey found that 71% of people faced an unexpected bill in the previous 12 months.
The average unexpected bill was £535, according to Santander UK.
More than a third of respondents had asked family or friends for financial support, while 35% had used credit to cover an unexpected expense.
Car repairs and broken household appliances were the costs people most feared.
The survey was conducted for Santander UK by 3Gem Research and Insights.
- Who
- 2,000 people across the UK were surveyed.
- What
- The survey found that 71% had faced an unexpected bill in the previous 12 months, averaging £535.
- When
- The survey was conducted in October; it covered the previous 12 months.
- Where
- Across the UK.
- Why
- The survey was released ahead of “unlucky” Friday 13; a further reason is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
3Gem Research and Insights surveyed 2,000 people across the UK for Santander.
The Evening Standard published the survey findings ahead of “unlucky” Friday 13.
- Unexpected bills
- 71% faced one in the previous 12 months
- Average bill
- £535
- Financial support
- 36% asked family or friends for help
- Credit
- 35% used it to cover an unexpected expense
- Most-feared costs
- Car repairs and broken household appliances, both 43%
What people are saying
We’ve all had those moments when an unexpected bill lands at the worst possible time, whether it’s the boiler breaking down, the car needing a repair or an unexpected vet bill.
Having some savings set aside can make those moments feel a little less daunting, and putting even a small amount away regularly can help.