Can I be forced to use my own car for business mileage?

Womble147

Can my employer force me to use my own car for business mileage?

My job involves usually working in an office, but sometimes at other sites....distances vary. They've said to use a pool car or borrow someone else's company car (ok), but in the event that none are free that I should use my own car.


When I took the job on, using my own car wasnt mentioned and isnt referenced in my contract....so surely i'm within my rights to refuse?

I dont see how they can force me to, but also dont want to rock the boat too much and get victimised/pushed out. Its not the money, its the principal.

Does anyone know of a site or have any legal advice I could use to prove to them I dont have to!?

TrickyWicky

Tell them you don't have business use that'll put an end to it.

withabix

How much are they going to pay you to use your own car?

What are the distances? How often?

What is the distance from home to your normal office?

How long have you worked for this company?

withabix

TrickyWicky wrote: »

Tell them you don't have business use that'll put an end to it.

Not relevant if the journey is only from home to a single place of work and back.

It can be a different place of work every day.

Use during the working day on behalf of your employer requires 'business use' insurance.

rdwarr

I've never found "Business use" insurance adds much to premiums. If the mileage allowance allows you to make a profit then I'd go for it.

pitkin2020

withabix wrote: »

Not relevant if the journey is only from home to a single place of work and back.

It can be a different place of work every day.

Use during the working day on behalf of your employer requires 'business use' insurance.

That is why the other poster suggested telling them he doesn't have business use on the car insurance.

MX5huggy

Say that's fine pay me the HMRC endorsed rate 45p a mile, unless you drive a Ferrari you are quids in.

mikey72

withabix wrote: »

Not relevant if the journey is only from home to a single place of work and back.

It can be a different place of work every day.

Use during the working day on behalf of your employer requires 'business use' insurance.

None that's I've had could be.

"drive back and forth to a permanent place of work."

is the usual definition of commuting.

http://www.confused.com/car-insurance/guides/classes-of-use#ixzz1k294dMbg

driving to different site was always business use, (always the same price as well)

nickyhutch

I think that given the fact that having a job is something of a luxury these days, as long as they'll pay you mileage, you should just get on with it.

missile

You cannot be forced to use your car, but you may be told to use public transport and will almost certainly be seen as uncooperative / difficult if you refuse.

When I took the job on....

I have never seen a contract which stated an employee was required to use his car as a condition of employment but many of us are expected to do it. How long have you been employed? If less than two years(?) your employment can be terminated without giving a reason.

Womble147

Ta for all the quick replies... so it seems like its basically make the best of it and dont lose out, take the 40p/mile etc rather than run the risk of becoming really uncooperative. Thats what i thought....just wished there was a simple way of refusing.