While it’s not illegal to drive barefoot or in footwear such as flip-flops or high heels, the Highway Code states that motorists should ensure their footwear doesn’t prevent them from using a vehicle’s controls correctly. Motorists found guilty of careless driving can receive a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points, while more serious offences can carry up to nine penalty points, an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving.

The insurer warns that different types of footwear can present varying challenges. Loose-fitting slippers, sliders and flip-flops provide limited grip and can slip off or become caught beneath the pedals. High heels can reduce stability and restrict the natural movement needed to operate pedals smoothly and consistently. Driving barefoot can also alter pedal feel and pressure control, while wet feet may reduce grip on pedal surfaces.

Despite these risks, almost a quarter (23%) of drivers who admitted driving in insecure footwear said they didn’t think it was unsafe.

Claims involving flip-flops and sandals cost £4,250 on average according to Allianz UK and are typically linked to low-speed collisions such as crashes into walls, homes, other vehicles and incidents in car parks. With motorists more likely to swap shoes for sandals and flip-flops in warmer weather, 94% of these claims occurred during the summer months last year, compared with just 29% in 2024, when the UK experienced its coolest summer since 2015.