Unexpected bills catch 69% of consumers off guard

New research by Compare the Market reveals the true scale of unexpected bills across the UK, showing that “surprise” expenses are actually a highly common and costly part of everyday life.

With almost seven in ten (69%) people caught off guard by significant surprise expenses, the data highlights how regularly these costs occur and the impact they have on personal finances and mental well-being.

While three-quarters of people report having some level of emergency savings, the research shows that some people may not be protected against an unexpected bill. The average cost of large unexpected bills, such as vehicle repairs, vet bills and broken boilers, over the past 12 months reached £10,996. However, the average emergency savings pot sits at just £3,553.

This £7,443 shortfall means that even those who try to prepare can come up short and nearly a quarter (22%) of people have absolutely no savings to fall back on at all.

Abigail Foster, Personal Finance Expert, said Many of us are left figuring money out as we go, so it’s no surprise unexpected costs can feel overwhelming when they come along. Taking time to write your finances down, spot spending patterns, build a small emergency fund and check that you’re still getting great value for your outgoings can all help things feel more manageable. Talking openly with friends and family can help too, whether that’s swapping tips, sharing experiences or simply feeling less alone in it all.”

These bills are taking a toll far beyond bank balances. Over half of respondents (56%) report feeling stressed by surprise costs, with nearly a third (30%) experiencing panic. Private renters reported the highest stress levels when receiving an unexpected expense (63%), highlighting how housing circumstances can affect financial anxiety.

To cope with the financial strain, people are actively changing their daily habits. The most common sacrifices include pausing purchases on new clothes or accessories (23%), delaying home improvements (17%), and stopping regular savings contributions (15%).

Charlie Evans, Money Expert at Compare the Market, said “Unexpected bills can throw even the most careful budgets off track, which is why it’s important to build flexibility into your finances. Start by creating a clear budget so you understand exactly what’s coming in and going out and try to set aside a little bit each month to cover one-off costs. Even adding small contributions to a rainy day fund, can help with the impact of larger, less frequent expenses.

“It’s also worth reviewing your regular bills and subscriptions to make sure you’re not overpaying, and setting up direct debits or reminders so nothing is missed. If you do need to borrow, plan ahead by choosing the lowest interest option and only borrowing what you can realistically repay. Taking these steps can help you stay in control and feel more prepared when life throws an unexpected expense your way.”

The most common “large bills”

Rank	Type of bill	% of people affected
1	Urgent vehicle repairs	28%
2	Veterinary bills	25%
3	Broken boiler	22%
4	Large appliance failure	21%
5	Plumbing issues	16%
6	MOT failure	16%
7	Emergency dental treatment	13%
8	Roofing leaks	11%
9	Vehicle accident	10%
10	Emergency travel	9%

The most common “micro bills”

Rank	Type of bill	% of people affected
1	Phone repairs	36%
2	Laptop repairs	26%
3	Unexpected dentist appointment	20%
4	Lost house keys	18%
5	Driving fines	17%
6	Fence damage	14%
7	Unarranged overdraft	14%
8	Lost car key	11%
9	Emergency prescription	11%
10	Unexpected eye test	9%