Insuring your car for business use

Do you commute to the same office every day and work from 9am to 5pm? Some people stick to the traditional work pattern, but many jobs these days are more flexible and varied. You might, for example, visit clients around the country one or two days a week. Maybe you run your own mobile hairdressers, or you are a care worker who regularly visits people at home.
If you are one of a growing number of people who drive their own car for business purposes, you need to make sure that you have appropriate motor insurance. Most standard policies cover the car only for social, domestic and pleasure use - so visiting friends and family or running the kids around. Many also include commuting to and from one place of work. But anything else and you need a different level of cover.
Business car insurance is essential if you use your car for work. It is typically more expensive than standard car insurance because you will probably drive more miles and at busier times and so are more likely to make a claim. But don't be tempted to stint on cover or lie about your car usage. If you don't take out appropriate insurance, you can invalidate your policy and the insurer can refuse to pay out in the event of an accident.

Picking the right business car insurance policy

Insurers will want the answers to a number of key questions when you apply for business car insurance, as for standard motor cover. For example, your age and postcode, the make and model of the car, and your no claims history. They will also ask about the nature of your business, the amount of time you spend behind the wheel and a rough estimate of your work-related mileage.

There are various different types of business car insurance. Private and occasional business use covers the main driver or their spouse who only occasionally have to drive a car for work. The vehicle is not registered in the name of the business and it must not be essential to the job.

Private and business use policies are a step up. They offer broadly similar cover, but the vehicle can be registered to a business and the policy will cover any driver.

If driving is a permanent aspect of your job, perhaps if you are a travelling salesman, you need a commercial travelling policy. You will probably pay a higher premium on your commercial car insurance because you will be considered to be a bigger risk to the insurer as you are likely to accumulate more miles on the clock each year.

It's important to be clear about the different types of policy and to find the right level of cover so that you don't drive without appropriate insurance. 

Find cheap business car insurance quotes

Business car insurance prices can still be a significant expense. It is therefore important to make sure that you do all that is possible to get the cheapest premiums available.
The make and model of your car can have a big impact on the cost of cover, so if you are buying a new vehicle, check out the car insurance group at www.thatcham.org. Cars in lower insurance groups generally pay lower premiums.

You should be able to negotiate a cheaper business car insurance quote by agreeing on a mileage limit. Just make sure the limit is feasible or you could come unstuck.

If you fit your car with approved security devices, such as an alarm or immobiliser, you should get a discount on your premiums. Try also to keep your car in a locked garage or secure business premises overnight.