Do you know the auto insurance rules about driving to work and just what would be the different types?
COMMUTERS beware – dropping off your loved one at work might not be included in your vehicle insurance.
Millions of drivers who act as morning chauffeurs could be responsible for huge bills when insurers don't shell out – let's find out how to stay one step ahead.
How do auto insurance rules work?
Most insurance policies only apply when commuting to 1 place of work – and going from your way to drop off a family member could mean you're not covered.
And any diversion from your normal route could provide your insurer a method to wriggle from a claim – especially if you were knowingly doing this.
Flexible working – for example should you hot desk at multiple offices – could also mean a normal commuting policy doesn't cover you.
What are the different types of car insurance?
Classes of use on insurance policies include social only, social plus commuting and business use.
The first covers non-work related driving only. If you add-on commuting use you're in a position to drive back and forth from one permanent workplace – but they are still not covered for other work-related trips.
It doesn't permit you to drive to client meetings, training days in order to another office – for that you'd need to sign up for business class use.
This is more epensive as you'll be covering more annual mileage and certain to be driving on unfamiliar roads.
What do the experts say?
Graeme Trudgill, executive director from the British Insurance Brokers' Association, said: "Travelling to a railway station on route to work, in which the car is parked, is usually classed as commuting.
"The utilization doesn't permit you to drive to various places of work or, for example, to some training course for work at a different destination.
"Dropping another person off at their place of work may also be classed as commuting by your insurer, providing this is on your normal commute.
"Should you give someone a lift for their place of work which involves a diversion from your normal commute, book with your insurance provider to explain if they are happy this really is considered to be commuting use.
She added: "Not every insurers do so it is essential to not assume that it is covered."