Drivers demand greater transparency and security from garages, finds Digidentity

Drivers are increasingly prioritising data security when selecting garages for servicing and repairs, according to the findings of a new survey from Digidentity.

The survey, which polled 2,000 drivers, highlights the pressing need for tighter regulations in the automotive sector. With two-thirds of new cars sold in the UK now equipped with connected features, vehicles are collecting and storing more personal information than ever. As a result, 79% of those surveyed called for stronger rules to govern access to their vehicle's data.

The study reveals that 67% of drivers feel garages are not transparent enough about their data security practices - a sentiment that rises to 70% among women. Additionally, 64% of motorists feel they lack control over how their vehicle's data is protected, while 60% worry about potential misuse of this information.

For many drivers, trust has become a crucial factor when selecting a garage. According to the survey, 79% now prioritise trusted service providers, with the figure climbing to 85% among electric vehicle (EV) owners.

While data privacy is a growing priority, price remains a key consideration for more than half of UK drivers. However, the trend shifts for owners of high-value vehicles priced over £55,000, with half now selecting garages that demonstrate strong data security measures.

To address these concerns, the UK is set to adopt SERMI, an accreditation already in place in Europe, aimed at ensuring garages securely access vehicle manufacturers' data.

Digidentity has been named the Trust Centre for SERMI in both Europe and the UK, tasked with managing digital certificates and security credentials for garages and manufacturers. This system will enable secure data sharing through authenticated tokens, enhancing both transparency and protection.

Marcel Wendt, chief technology officer and founder of Digidentity, commented: “Modern vehicles are rapidly becoming mobile data hubs, storing everything from location and driving habits to personal preferences.

"Our survey shows that drivers are really concerned about how their data is managed, and they expect garages to be more transparent about their data security measures. This is an opportunity for the automotive industry to build trust with customers by prioritising data protection alongside traditional factors like price and service quality.”