Car insurance for volunteers

macmac_2

I am nearing completion of training as a First Responder volunteer with the West Midlands Ambulance Service. I have been provided with a letter from WMAS explaining that we are called out only occasionally, and only when we are available, to provide immediate first aid help before the paramedics arrive, covering an area no more than a 7 mile radius from my home. It also states that we do not use flashing blue lights (pity, that!) nor are we allowed to exceed legal speed limits during the call out. This letter has to be sent to my car insurer to request confirmation of their inclusion of this activity in my policy.

My current insurer is Zurich who have refused any acceptance of this ‘risk’. My broker, who over many years has always found a better deal than I have managed through my own searches, came up with Fortis, but they will charge an extra £70 above my existing premium with Zurich.

As Britain’s social well being relies largely on willing volunteers, I wonder if any other First Responders can recommend an insurer who supports that reality by not charging extra for our willingness to contribute our time and resources to aid others?

My vehicle is a 02 Citroen Picasso SX HDI, 1997cc diesel with a current value of £6,000. My policy is Comprehensive with NCD of 65% for 9 years and has NCD protection, covering my wife and myself, with the car garaged at our home in TF13 6 and used for limited business travel.

In anticipation of ANY help, V many thanks.

dag_2

I think you might get more responses if you amend the thread title to include the words "Ambulance Service", or perhaps "First Responder". As it stands, I think that "Car insurance for volunteers" is a bit vague, and it doesn't explain the way that the volunteering you do affects the way that you use a car. I think that people who are likely to know more about it might pass over the thread as a result.

Sus1e

Sorry. I can't help with your questions, but I would like to say well done on doing something so worthwhile with your skills and for giving something back to the community

mountainofdebt

Are you receiving mileage ?

I had a simiar query with a set of volunteers I work with and unfortunately I had to tell them to check with their own insurers as each insurance company will have a different attitude.

My insurer - Direct Line - takes the attitude that if you receive payment for the mileage then it is classed as business mileage and therefore you should have the appropriate cover. in addition to this many companies will give you a certain amount of business cover free.

hth

pinkfluffybabe

I would contact your local Volunteer Centre for advice. They are specialists who advise both volunteers and volunteer involving organisations in all matters volunteering.

You can click you area on the map on the Volunteering England website to find the local VChttp://www.volunteering.org.uk/Local+and+Regional/findoutaboutvolunteeringinyourarea.htm

I had a quick look on the Volunteering England good practice bank but there isn't really anything to answer your question. Hopefully your local VC will have an answer, or will know of others who have had the same issue.

Volunteers should not be out of pocket at all, have you considered asking the organisation to either pay the extra, or to help you find suitable cover? What do other volunteers do? There will be companies out there who accept it. It is a great pity that volunteers have hassles in being able to get out there and help others - it really puts some people off.

harveybobbles

If the work isn't paid then do you really need to inform the ins company?

Flying-High_2

Loads of 2007 Thread Revivals lately... Someone must be bored or Sad...



Yeh I agree " Looks Great"

forgotmyname

Same person dragging them up.

Flying-High_2

forgotmyname wrote: »

Same person dragging them up.

I'd not noticed....:rotfl: